For New Jersey residents seeking a taste of authentic Caribbean flavor, particularly the rich and vibrant cuisine of Jamaica, Jam-Icons Jamaican Restaurant stands out as a local spot dedicated to offering a broad selection of traditional dishes. Located in the heart of Newark, this establishment aims to provide a welcoming, casual atmosphere where customers can enjoy classic Jamaican comfort food.
As a Jamaican restaurant, Jam-Icons offers an extensive menu that covers everything from hearty lunch and dinner plates to savory breakfast options, catering to a diverse range of dietary preferences including significant vegetarian options. The focus is on traditional flavors and filling portions, making it a popular choice for those looking for a quick bite, a satisfying dinner, or even solo dining during their lunch break in the Newark area.
The culinary philosophy at Jam-Icons centers on delivering the bold and spicy flavors synonymous with Jamaican cooking, using the restaurant's menu as a vehicle to transport diners through authentic Caribbean tastes. Whether you're craving classic stewed meats, flavorful seafood, or a taste of Jamaican pastry, the restaurant has structured its offerings to be accessible and convenient for the local New Jersey customer base, supporting various payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
For those in or traveling through Newark, accessibility is key. Jam-Icons Jamaican Restaurant is situated at a straightforward and central location in the city, making it a convenient destination for local dining. The specific address is 125 Elizabeth Ave, Newark, NJ 07108, positioning it within a community known for its diverse culinary landscape. Its location allows for easy access for both residents of the immediate neighborhood and those commuting from other parts of Essex County and beyond in New Jersey. The establishment operates with a casual atmosphere, making it a comfortable and unpretentious setting for families—it is noted as being good for kids—or individuals looking for a reliable meal.
The operational setup prioritizes customer convenience and flexibility. Patrons have multiple ways to enjoy the cuisine offered by Jam-Icons, adapting to modern dining preferences. These comprehensive service options ensure that whether you have time to sit and relax or are on a tight schedule, your needs can be met.
Services Offered
- Dining Flexibility: Customers can choose between three core service options: traditional Dine-in for enjoying the casual atmosphere, Takeout for quick meals on the go, and convenient Delivery via service platforms for enjoying meals at home or work.
- Meal Focus: The restaurant is particularly popular for serving both Lunch and Dinner, making it a reliable destination throughout the main dining hours of the day. It is also a favored spot for Solo dining.
- Cuisine Offerings: The menu is categorized by offerings that include traditional Comfort food, options for a Quick bite, various Small plates for lighter appetites or sampling, and an emphasis on providing numerous Vegetarian options, such as the Veggie Stew and Icon Vegetable Pasta.
- Special Events: In addition to daily meals, the establishment also offers Catering services, making its authentic Jamaican cuisine available for local events, parties, and business gatherings in the New Jersey region.
- Menu Variety: Beyond the main meals, the menu includes dedicated sections for Dessert and Breakfast, ensuring the restaurant can satisfy cravings at any time of day.
Features / Highlights
The true highlight of Jam-Icons is its extensive menu, which showcases the depth of Jamaican culinary traditions. The variety ensures that every diner, from a spice enthusiast to someone seeking a lighter meal, can find something appealing. The menu structure includes several key categories, making it a destination for different meal occasions:
- Classic Jamaican Staples: The core of the menu features iconic dishes like Oxtail (available in both an entrée size for $21.00 and as a pasta dish for $24.00), Jerk Chicken (available as a meal, an entrée, or a pasta option), Curry Goat ($12.00), and Stew Chicken ($9.00). Beef Stew is offered in small ($10.00), medium ($12.00), and large ($14.00) sizes.
- Seafood Selections: A strong focus on seafood includes traditional preparation methods such as Escoveitch Porgy Fish Meal Med ($15.00), Brown Stew Fish (Large) ($30.00), Curry Shrimp ($21.00), and the premium Sweet Chili Snapper (Large) ($32.00), ensuring a variety of options for seafood lovers.
- Pasta Specialties: The restaurant offers a unique fusion twist with several pasta dishes, including Icon Jerk Chicken Pasta ($19.00), Icon Shrimp Pasta ($21.00), and both Icon Vegetable Pasta ($17.00) and Icon Plain Pasta ($15.00) for vegetarian preferences.
- Breakfast Options: For an authentic start to the day, traditional Jamaican breakfast items such as Ackee & Saltfish (Medium $16.00, Large $18.00) and Okra & Saltfish are available, a distinguishing feature for the New Jersey area.
- Sides and Desserts: Complementary sides include various rice preparations (Rice & Peas, White Rice), Macaroni Salad ($5.00), and Potato Salad ($5.00). Dessert offerings feature Caribbean favorites like Jamaican Gizzarda ($5.00) alongside classic American cakes (Red Velvet, Chocolate, Carrot Cake, all $5.00).
- Beverages: A wide selection of drinks includes traditional Caribbean sodas like Ting ($4.00) and Malta ($3.00), alongside bottled water, Snapple, and Gatorade.
Contact Information
For inquiries, placing orders, or service questions, customers can use the following details:
- Address: 125 Elizabeth Ave, Newark, NJ 07108
- Phone: (973) 877-1634
- Mobile Phone: +1 973-877-1634
What is worth choosing
Jam-Icons Jamaican Restaurant presents a compelling choice for New Jersey diners due to the sheer depth and variety of its authentic Caribbean menu. The extensive offerings—from the celebrated Oxtail and Jerk Chicken to specialized items like Escoveitch Fish and Ackee & Saltfish—mean that local users have access to a truly comprehensive range of Jamaican cuisine. The convenience of multiple service options, including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering, ensures the food is accessible regardless of the customer’s schedule.
The restaurant’s commitment to providing vegetarian options, a full range of lunch and dinner plates, and dedicated breakfast service makes it a versatile local establishment capable of serving a wide demographic. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere also contributes to its appeal as a neighborhood go-to spot.
However, as with any local business, potential patrons should make an informed decision by considering the full scope of public feedback. Factual reports from recent customers have highlighted significant concerns regarding food quality, specifically mentioning issues like dry or old chicken, hard rice, and inaccuracies in delivered orders. There have also been professional critiques regarding customer service interactions related to these issues. When considering Jam-Icons, patrons may wish to prioritize dine-in or place orders via phone to ensure clarity and provide immediate feedback on food freshness or order accuracy. Choosing Jam-Icons means opting for a place with a wide, authentic menu, but it is important to balance that exciting variety against the acknowledged necessity for consistent food preparation and customer service oversight.
























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