Jerk'D Modern Caribbean Kitchen Introduce
For New Jersey locals seeking a vibrant and authentic culinary escape without leaving the state, Jerk'D Modern Caribbean Kitchen in Hackensack offers a memorable dining experience. This women-owned establishment has carved out a niche in Bergen County, presenting a fresh, modern twist on classic Jamaican and broader Caribbean fare. More than just a restaurant, Jerk'D aims to transport its patrons to the islands through bold, aromatic flavors and a welcoming, lively atmosphere. The concept blends the comforting tradition of Caribbean home cooking with contemporary culinary presentation and a focus on dietary inclusivity, making it a standout spot for lunch, dinner, or catering your next big event.
Since its founding, Jerk'D Modern Caribbean Kitchen has been consistently praised for its authentic spices and dedication to quality ingredients. The menu is a thoughtful compilation of island favorites and innovative new dishes, ensuring that there is something for every palate. From the quintessential, slow-cooked Oxtail to satisfying vegetarian options and flavorful pasta bowls, the restaurant caters to a diverse crowd—from local foodies to families and tourists passing through the Hackensack area. This commitment to both tradition and modern taste is what makes Jerk'D a true neighborhood gem in the New Jersey food landscape.
Location and Accessibility
Jerk'D Modern Caribbean Kitchen is conveniently situated in the heart of Hackensack, New Jersey, making it an accessible destination for residents across Bergen County and beyond. The restaurant's address is 363 Essex St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA, placing it along a lively corridor known for its local businesses and dining options.
Accessibility is a key feature of this location, which is important for any community-focused business in New Jersey. The establishment ensures a welcoming environment for all patrons by providing a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. For those driving to the location, convenient free parking is available, including both a free parking lot and free street parking. This ease of access, combined with its central Bergen County location, makes Jerk'D a hassle-free choice for a spontaneous meal or a planned gathering.
The restaurant cultivates an atmosphere that is described as both casual and trendy, with great music and an inviting ambiance that contributes to a warm and lively dining experience. It is a place that feels good for kids and family-friendly, while also being a great choice for a solo meal or a casual date night.
Services Offered
Jerk'D Modern Caribbean Kitchen provides a comprehensive array of services to meet the various needs of its New Jersey customer base, from quick lunches to large catered events.
- Onsite Services: Dine-in with seating and table service is available for lunch and dinner.
- Takeout and Delivery: Patrons can enjoy their favorite Caribbean dishes at home or on the go through convenient takeout and robust delivery options via major third-party platforms.
- Outdoor Seating: The restaurant offers outdoor seating for those who prefer an al fresco dining experience, weather permitting.
- Catering Services: Comprehensive catering is available for special events, parties, holidays, and corporate events, allowing customers to bring the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to any gathering.
- Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, making it easier to plan for dining during peak hours.
- Payment Flexibility: Accepts Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments for a seamless transaction process.
- Amenities: Includes a gender-neutral restroom, a standard restroom, and Wi-Fi access for dine-in guests.
Features / Highlights
What truly sets Jerk'D Modern Caribbean Kitchen apart in the New Jersey restaurant scene are its distinct features, focusing on quality, community, and culinary innovation.
- Women-Owned Business: The restaurant proudly identifies as women-owned, contributing to the diverse entrepreneurial landscape of New Jersey.
- Modern Caribbean Fusion: Offers a contemporary take on traditional Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine, blending classic flavors with modern culinary creativity.
- Diverse Menu Offerings: The menu provides a wide selection including Ready Bowls, Soon Comes Plates, Pasta Bowls, Salads, and Sandwiches, appealing to various appetites and dining preferences.
- Focus on Comfort and Health: The offerings balance hearty comfort food—like Oxtail and Mac and Cheese—with a selection of healthy options and fresh salads for lighter fare.
- Extensive Vegetarian/Vegan Options: A strong commitment to inclusivity is seen in the range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as the popular Vegan Patties and Vegan Lentil Stew, ensuring a satisfying meal for plant-based diners.
- Highly-Rated Popular Dishes: Customer favorites include the top-selling Jerk Chicken Bowl, the highly-regarded Curry Chicken, and the rich, tender Oxtail Stew, which consistently receive positive feedback.
- Atmosphere and Crowd: The environment is described as casual and trendy, attracting a diverse crowd of families, local residents, and tourists.
Contact Information
To plan your visit, place a takeout order, or inquire about catering services, you can reach Jerk'D Modern Caribbean Kitchen using the following contact details:
- Address: 363 Essex St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA
- Phone: (973) 826-9232
The restaurant typically opens its doors at 11:30 AM daily for both lunch and dinner service, with closing times generally at 8:00 PM on weekdays and Sunday, and 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, though hours can vary for delivery services. It is always a good idea to call ahead or check a delivery app for the most current operating hours, especially around holidays.
What is Worth Choosing
For a New Jersey resident looking to dive into the menu at Jerk'D Modern Caribbean Kitchen, there are several standout dishes that represent the best of what this establishment has to offer. The culinary experience here is a celebration of Caribbean depth and spice, perfect for those seeking bold flavor profiles.
A must-try for any first-time visitor is the Jerk Chicken Bowl (approx. $16.25). This dish is consistently highlighted in customer feedback as a top-liked item, embodying the restaurant's namesake with perfectly seasoned, smoky chicken. Following closely in popularity is the Curry Chicken (approx. $17.25), a 'Best Seller' celebrated for its tender meat and rich, perfectly spiced curry sauce. These Ready Bowls are an excellent way to experience the main stars of the Caribbean kitchen.
If you're in the mood for something truly indulgent and comforting, the Oxtail (approx. $31.00 for an entrée) is a signature dish frequently praised for being tender, flavorful, and authentic. Those who love this classic often seek out the unique Oxtail Pasta (approx. $20.50), which reimagines the traditional stew as a hearty, cheesy pasta dish, blending rich Caribbean flavor with Italian comfort.
For those seeking plant-based options, Jerk'D is a fantastic choice in North Jersey. The Vegan Patties (approx. $7.95) are highly recommended, featuring a flavorful, plant-based filling of lentils and spices that even meat-eaters rave about. Other popular meat-free options include the Roti Veg (approx. $16.25) and various satisfying sides like Sweet Plantains and Cheddar Mac and Cheese. The Mac and Cheese itself is a favorite side, priced affordably at around $6.25 and noted for its creamy richness.
Seafood enthusiasts should explore the 'Soon Comes Plates' section, featuring dishes like the Jerk'D Salmon (approx. $26.75) and various Creole and Curry Salmon/Shrimp dishes. The Pan Seared Salmon and Curry Salmon, for example, are a testament to the kitchen's ability to apply vibrant Caribbean flavors to fresh seafood.
In short, Jerk'D Modern Caribbean Kitchen provides a full culinary adventure, blending traditional Jamaican techniques with a modern flair. Whether you're craving a classic Jerk dish, exploring vegetarian Caribbean cuisine, or seeking an inventive Oxtail Pasta, this Hackensack restaurant is well-positioned to satisfy a wide range of tastes with quality, generous portions, and a friendly, upbeat dining environment. While like any popular restaurant it may face occasional feedback regarding portion sizes or inconsistencies, the overwhelming sentiment from the New Jersey community highlights its excellent flavors, authentic dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps locals coming back for more.
Jerk'D Modern Caribbean Kitchen Food & drink
Salad
- Tropical Salad $12.85
Mesclun, pineapple, radish, cukes tomatoes, cranberries, hibiscus dressing
- Kale + Beets + Quinoa $13.45
Sandwiches
- Tropical BBQ Pork Sandwich $14.50
- Vegan Burger $15.50
Small Plates
- Wings $14.50
- Jerk'd Shrimp Small Plate $15.50
Soon Comes Plates
- Pan Seared Salmon $22.00
- Curry Salmon $22.00
Pasta Bowls
- Chicken Pasta $14.50
- Oxtail Pasta $18.50
Jerk'D Modern Caribbean Kitchen Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
Jerk'D Modern Caribbean Kitchen Photos










Jerk'D Modern Caribbean Kitchen Location
Jerk'D Modern Caribbean Kitchen
363 Essex St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA
Jerk'D Modern Caribbean Kitchen Reviews
mac and cheesesidescollard greensbread puddingvegansweet potatoginger lemonadepassion fruitoxtail pastahospital
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I ordered stew chicken, Roti, oxtail, Mac n cheese, Roti looks like a tortilla that was put in the microwave. Mac and cheese from the box. Oxtail super greasy and the stewed chicken as well. This place will stay empty. $75.00 for nasty food. Yesss what you see in the pictures was $75.00 I’m fighting this. Straight up Nonsense
May 06 · Priscilla AcevedoWe absolutely love this place! We’d been wanting to visit for a while, but since most of my hospital appointments were in the mornings, we hadn’t had the chance until now. It was well worth the wait—the jerk chicken and sides were incredible, full of flavor and perfectly prepared. The atmosphere was warm and lively, with great music and an inviting ambience. On top of that, the lady who helped us was wonderfully pleasant and attentive, making the whole experience even better. We can’t wait to come back and try more from the menu!
September 05 · Jake DanishevskyIt’s not really good. My lentils weren’t done. And idk what kind of soup they gave me just look like some leftover beans with water. I will not order from here again.They do have a great vegetarian menu it’s just not good, at all. If I was starving it might taste better.
May 13 · Andrea JacksonJust traveled back from India and I wanted to eat something with Rice but not Indian Cuisine, and came across Jerk'D and they did not disappoint. Everything we got looked fresh and tasted GREAT. We tried Chicken and Goat, and both were cooked to perfection. Fresh juices were refreshing.Price is a little on the high end but their portions of meat is more than average, and for the taste, it's absolutely worth it.
March 25 · Hema KI must say the food was GREAT !!! I was iffy to try the food again after 2 months ago I had their food which wasn’t too great. But the jerk chicken gave me back home vibes straight off the grill🇯🇲. Well seasoned and moist. My mom also got the curry goat which she’s very picky but she said the curry goat was very tasty and good. Rice and peas was great, rice was not soggy like the last time. They must have a new chef because I was blown away with this food. Thank you very much, I must give credit.
June 18 · Ashley Whilby
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