Jerk Center Introduce
Craving a taste of the Caribbean right here in New York City? Look no further than Jerk Center, a beloved local spot serving up some of the most authentic and flavorful Jamaican cuisine in Brooklyn. Nestled on Malcolm X Boulevard, this vibrant eatery has become a go-to for locals seeking hearty, home-style meals that are big on flavor and comfort. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with the tantalizing aroma of slow-cooked jerk spices and savory stews, promising a true culinary journey to Jamaica without ever leaving the neighborhood.
Jerk Center is more than just a restaurant; it’s a community staple. It's the kind of place where the food feels like a warm hug, perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a solo dining experience. The menu is a celebration of classic Jamaican dishes, from the fiery kick of their signature jerk chicken to the rich, soul-soothing goodness of oxtail and curry goat. It's a place that captures the essence of Jamaican home cooking, making it a popular choice for anyone in Brooklyn looking for a truly authentic meal. Whether you're a long-time fan of Caribbean food or just curious to try something new, Jerk Center offers a welcoming and delicious introduction to the cuisine that will have you coming back for more.
Located at 98 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11221, USA, Jerk Center is conveniently situated in a bustling part of Brooklyn that’s easy to get to, whether you're a local resident or just passing through. The restaurant's prime spot on Malcolm X Boulevard makes it a visible and accessible destination. The neighborhood is well-served by public transportation, with several bus routes and subway lines nearby, making it a breeze to visit from various parts of Brooklyn and beyond. For those who prefer to drive, street parking is available, though it can be competitive depending on the time of day. The location is perfect for a quick stop-in during a busy day or a planned meal with friends. Its presence in a lively, local area means it’s surrounded by the authentic energy and culture of the community, which only adds to the experience of dining there. The straightforward address and well-known location ensure that finding your way to Jerk Center is a simple and hassle-free process.
The layout of the restaurant is designed for a seamless dining experience, catering to both quick pickups and relaxed sit-down meals. While the interior is described by some as "tiny," this adds to its cozy, authentic, and fast-paced atmosphere, especially given the high volume of traffic it attracts. The accessibility of the location is a significant plus, making it a convenient choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re on your lunch break or looking for a casual dinner spot, Jerk Center’s central location in this vibrant part of Brooklyn makes it an ideal destination. The easy access and local feel contribute to its reputation as a true neighborhood gem that serves the community with delicious, reliable food.
Jerk Center prides itself on offering a range of convenient services to suit every customer's needs. Whether you're on the go or prefer to sit and savor your meal, they have you covered. Here are the services you can expect:
- Dine-in: The restaurant offers a casual and laid-back atmosphere perfect for enjoying your meal right on-site. The space is often bustling with locals, creating a lively and authentic dining experience.
- Takeout: For those in a hurry or who prefer to eat in the comfort of their own home, Jerk Center provides efficient takeout services. Simply place your order and pick it up hot and ready to go.
- Delivery: The convenience of having delicious Jamaican food brought directly to your door is a major plus. Jerk Center offers delivery, making it easy to enjoy their comfort food offerings without having to leave your home or office.
These service options ensure that Jerk Center can cater to a diverse clientele, from busy professionals to families looking for a convenient dinner option. The focus on accessibility and customer convenience is a key part of their business model, solidifying their role as a go-to spot for reliable and delicious food in the neighborhood. They understand that modern diners value flexibility, and by offering multiple ways to enjoy their food, they meet that demand effectively. This commitment to service, from the moment you place your order to the second you take your first bite, is a big reason why they have such a loyal local following.
Jerk Center is known for several key features that make it stand out as a top Jamaican restaurant in Brooklyn. These highlights are what keep customers coming back for more, time and time again:
- Authentic Jamaican Cuisine: The menu is packed with traditional dishes, showcasing the rich flavors and cooking techniques of Jamaica. Highlights include the fiery Jerk Chicken, savory Oxtail, and classic Ackee & Saltfish.
- Comfort Food Focus: The restaurant specializes in offerings that are both delicious and deeply comforting. Think hearty stews, rich curries, and soulful sides that feel like a home-cooked meal.
- Quick Bites & Small Plates: For those looking for a quick, satisfying snack or a way to try a variety of dishes, Jerk Center offers an array of small plates and quick bite options. This allows diners to mix and match and create their own perfect meal.
- Casual and Local Atmosphere: The ambiance is relaxed and unpretentious, with a genuine, local feel. It’s a place where you can feel comfortable and a part of the community, making it a favorite among Brooklyn residents.
- Popularity with Locals: The restaurant has a strong following within the community. Its popularity among locals is a testament to the quality and consistency of its food, as well as the authentic experience it provides.
- Flexible Payment Options: While some patrons note a cash-only policy, the presence of an ATM conveniently located near the counter makes transactions smooth and easy, ensuring you can always pay for your meal without hassle.
For inquiries, to place a takeout order, or for general information, you can reach Jerk Center at the following:
Address: 98 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11221, USA
Phone: (347) 627-5394
When you visit Jerk Center, you're faced with a menu full of incredible choices. While every dish is prepared with care, there are a few standout items and combinations that are truly worth trying to get the full experience. The Jerk Chicken is, of course, a non-negotiable must-try. It's the signature dish for a reason, perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection with a smoky, spicy kick that's authentic and unforgettable. Paired with a generous helping of Rice & Peas, it creates the classic Jamaican meal that is both filling and deeply satisfying. For those who love a richer, more savory experience, the Curry Goat is an excellent choice. The meat is slow-simmered until it's falling off the bone, with a complex and aromatic curry sauce that’s perfect for sopping up with rice or roti.
Beyond the main dishes, the sides and smaller plates are also highlights. The Mac & Cheese, as one reviewer suggests, is a surprising favorite, especially when paired with a little bit of the curry goat sauce drizzled on top for an extra layer of flavor. It shows the creative and delicious combinations you can discover. The Roti options, particularly the one with Oxtail or Jerk Chicken, are also a fantastic way to enjoy the restaurant's star ingredients in a different, equally delicious format. For breakfast, the Ackee & Salt Fish is a traditional and highly recommended plate that provides an authentic start to your day. The fresh-tasting Carrot Punch and Sorrel are also great beverage choices to complement the spicy and savory flavors of the food. Ultimately, what makes Jerk Center so special is the quality and authenticity of its food. Every dish feels like it was made with love and a deep understanding of Jamaican culinary traditions. It’s a place where the food speaks for itself, offering a truly rewarding dining experience that captures the heart and soul of the cuisine. It's the kind of place that becomes a part of your regular rotation because you know you’ll always get a satisfying, flavorful, and memorable meal.
Jerk Center Food & drink
Lunch/Dinner Mains
- Stew Chicken $15.00
Served with white rice or rice and peas, steam vegetables or salad and sweet plantain.
- Stew Fish With Okra $17.00
Served with white rice or rice and peas, steam vegetables or salad and plantain.
- Curry Goat $19.00
Served with white rice or rice and peas, steam vegetables or salad and sweet plantain.
- Jerk Chicken $16.50
Served with white rice or rice and peas, steam vegetables or salad and sweet plantain.
- Jerk Pork $15.50
Served with white rice or rice and peas, steam vegetables or salad and sweet plantain.
- Brown Stew Turkey Wings $16.00
- Jerk Chicken Wing $16.00
Served with white rice or rice and peas, steam vegetables or salad and sweet plantain.
- Oxtail $24.00
Served with white rice or rice and peas, steam vegetables or salad and sweet plantain.
- Escovitch Fish $17.00
Served with white rice or rice and peas, steam vegetables or salad and sweet plantain.
- Stew Peas With Pigtail & Chicken $16.00
- Fried Chicken $15.50
Served with white rice or rice and peas, steam vegetables or salad and sweet plantain.
- Curry Chicken $15.00
Served with white rice or rice and peas, steam vegetables or salad and plantain.
- Barbeque Chicken $15.50
Served with white rice or rice and peas, steam vegetables or salad and plantain.
Beverages
- Water $1.50
- Carrot Punch $5.50
- Snapple $3.00
- Sorrel $5.50
- Peanut Punch $5.50
- Can Soda $1.50
- Jamaica Soda $3.00
Breakfast
- Okra & Salt Fish $13.00
- Ackee & Salt Fish $16.00
- Porridge $8.50
- Beef Liver $12.00
- Spinach & Salt Fish $13.00
Sides
- Fried Chicken Roti $12.00
- White Rice $3.00
- Roti Skin $5.00
- Jerk Pork Only $16.00
Served with white rice or rice and peas, steam vegetables or salad and sweet plantain.
- Classic White Cake $5.00
- Jerk Chicken Only $16.00
- Festival $2.00
- Brown Stew Chicken Roti $12.00
- Rice & Peas $4.00
- Cheese Cake $6.00
- Roti With Chicken Curry $12.00
- Coconut Cake $4.00
- Chocolate Cake $5.00
- Roti With Jerk Chicken $14.00
- Lasagna $5.00
- Rasta Pasta $5.00
- Jerk Chicken Wings Only $16.00
- Jerk Pork Roti $14.00
- Steam Vegetable $4.00
- Sweet Plantain $4.00
- Garden Salad $4.00
- Fish Only $7.00
- Roti With Goat Curry $14.00
- Roti With Oxtail $22.00
- Red Velvet Cake $5.00
- Carrot Cake $5.00
- Mac & Cheese $4.00
- Jamaican Black Cake $6.00
Jerk Center Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- Locals
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Jerk Center Photos










Jerk Center Location
Jerk Center
98 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11221, USA
Jerk Center Reviews
priceoxtailrice and peasseasonedgoatcurry rotioilysalmonfestivalgravy
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I ordered a hodgepodge of small dishes and they were all well made, very delicious and reasonably priced. I went with jerk chicken, rice & peas, fried chicken, curry goat and the mac & cheese. That all totaled roughly $25! Btw when ordering the mac have them drizzle some of the stock from the curry goat over top of it you can thank me later. Also worth noting is that they only accept cash however there is an ATM two feet from the counter. It is tiny inside and they have lots of traffic. My one and only complaint is the service! A young lady with a chocolate complexion who could quite possibly have been a teenager served me. If the owners are reading this please know that she has a bad attitude and almost ruins what would otherwise be a perfect experience.
February 07 · Will Flores TVI ordered a jerk chicken plate with 2 sides...from a street event in Brooklyn on today, 5/21/2025 on Lawrence street. I paid $20.00 and my chicken leg was extremely under cooked. I couldn't take it back because I noticed it when I got to work in Manhattan. I called the store and left a message for the manager...no response yet...9 hours later.. still no call back.
May 21 · Timmie RobinsonFirst off the smell of the “salmon” was horrible when I opened the box. Why is my salmon orange and heavily seasoned ohhhhh because you’re trying mask the horrible smell of the fish. I’m pescatarian I’ve been eating seafood my whole life this is TUNA that they tried to pass off as salmon when u break the fish apart it breaks like tuna, the inside color is a tanish brown like the color of tuna, salmon is PINK inside this fish was NOT which is why they tried to color it orange with the seasoning!! DO NOT get fooled by that little piece that you see is broken off so u see the inside a little bit because it’s COLORED!! HORRIBLE all around. The fish wasn’t fresh AT ALL!! The rice & peas and the box macaroni were OKAY and now I’m sitting at work stomach hurting NEVER AGAIN!!!!! $37 down the drain!!
March 19 · MahoganyThis place was horrible!!!! I got the weirdest vibe when I walked in. The outside of this place looks like a hole in the wall. The server was not friendly so I’m expecting the food to be great you know?FoodZERO stars! The food was dry. The food was not fresh. It taste like it was siting all day. He said they had no more plaintan which was a joke. The other food look greasy. The salmon looked like it was sitting all day. I was super hungry that’s why I tried it but save yourself it’s not worth you while.ServiceHorrible! Stank attitude! Staring upon me like I’m doing wrong!AtmosphereLooks extremely scary on the outside! Rats are running around like crazy outside! All the best!
January 21 · G BawlerI go to this place regularly and love it so much! The food is always warm and tastes great. My go to is the curry chicken, and they always give you a hefty portion with rice beans and steamed cabbage. Not sure why the reviews on Google are so low because this place never disappoints!
July 21 · Jules B
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