Limin’s Cafe Caribe

- 5 Winans St, East Orange, NJ 07017

For New Jersey residents seeking an authentic taste of the islands, Limin's Cafe Caribe in East Orange offers a vibrant culinary escape. This local Caribbean restaurant has built a reputation on serving delicious, home-style food, deeply rooted in the rich and diverse flavors of Trinidad and Tobago. The name "Limin'" itself, a Trinidadian term for "hanging out" or "having a good time with food, drinks, music, and friends," perfectly captures the warm, casual, and inviting atmosphere you can expect when you visit this cherished establishment.

Limin's Cafe Caribe prides itself on offering a menu that brings the heart of the Caribbean to Essex County. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast to start your day, a satisfying lunch of traditional street food, or a comforting dinner of curry or stew, this cafe aims to transport your taste buds straight to the tropics.

Introduction / Overview

Limin's Cafe Caribe is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural hub for Caribbean and especially Trinidadian food lovers in the Northern New Jersey area. As a dedicated Caribbean restaurant, it specializes in the complex, savory, and often spicy dishes characteristic of the region. The menu is expansive, catering to a wide variety of tastes and dietary preferences with both classic meat-based dishes and numerous vegetarian and vegan options.

Established in East Orange, this cafe has served the local community for decades, becoming a well-known spot for authentic island cuisine. The philosophy behind the food is simple: use family-based, traditional recipes to deliver meals that taste just like home. While known for its generous portions and flavorful dishes like Doubles, Curry Goat, and Stew Oxtails, the cafe maintains a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for solo dining, a quick bite, or a relaxed meal with friends and family.

The cafe is popular for all three main meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—making it a versatile spot regardless of the time of day. It’s also recognized for its dedication to the community, offering a welcoming, inclusive space that is LGBTQ+ friendly and considered a Transgender safe space.

Location and Accessibility

Limin's Cafe Caribe is conveniently situated in East Orange, New Jersey, making it an accessible destination for residents throughout Essex County and beyond. The exact address is:

5 Winans St, East Orange, NJ 07017

Accessibility is a key consideration at the cafe, as it strives to welcome all patrons. The location features:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible seating

For those driving, the cafe provides both a Free parking lot and the option of Free street parking, which is a significant amenity in a busy urban area. Its proximity to major thoroughfares in East Orange makes it an easy stop for a satisfying Caribbean meal.

Services Offered

Limin's Cafe Caribe offers multiple convenient service options to suit your dining needs:

• Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in the cafe's casual and cozy setting with table service.
• Takeout: Perfect for grabbing a quick meal on the go.
• Catering: Services are available for events, allowing you to bring the authentic flavors of the Caribbean to your next gathering.
• Accepts Reservations: For those planning a visit, table reservations can be accepted.
• Payments: The cafe accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, ensuring a smooth transaction process.

Features / Highlights

The cafe's popularity is built upon several unique features and offerings that distinguish it as a premier Caribbean dining spot in New Jersey:

• Serves Local Specialty: A primary highlight is the focus on authentic Trinidadian and Caribbean cuisine, including the famous Doubles—a soft flatbread sandwich filled with curried chickpeas—which is frequently noted as a must-try item.
• Diverse Menu Options: The extensive menu covers a vast range of options, including:
  • Halal food options, catering to diverse dietary needs.
  • Vegan options and Vegetarian options, with dedicated sections featuring dishes like Bodie, Bhaggi, Pumpkin, and Rice & Dhal.
  • Healthy options and Small plates for lighter fare, alongside hearty Comfort food classics.
• Specialty Drinks & Shakes: Beyond standard sodas (like Pepsi, Coke, and D&G Sodas), the cafe offers unique homemade and Caribbean-style beverages, including various punches and shakes like Fig Punch, Peanut Punch, Sea Moss, and Fruit Moss.
• All-Day Dining: They offer full dining options including Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert. Their breakfast menu includes traditional items such as Saltfish and various "Choka" dishes (like Baigan Choka and Tomato Choka) served with bake or roti.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The cafe is considered Good for kids and provides High chairs for younger patrons.
• Atmosphere: The vibe is described as Casual, Cozy, and sometimes Quiet, providing a pleasant and relaxed dining environment.

Contact Information

For information regarding the menu, hours, or reservations, you can contact Limin's Cafe Caribe directly:

• Address: 5 Winans St, East Orange, NJ 07017
• Phone: (973) 674-2992

What is worth choosing

Limin's Cafe Caribe stands out in the New Jersey culinary scene as a destination for authentic, deeply flavorful Caribbean cooking. What makes this establishment a worthwhile choice for local users is its commitment to tradition and variety.

The core of their offering lies in their robust selection of Rice Entrees and Wrapped Rotis. Patrons rave about the curries, with options spanning Curry Chicken, Curry Goat, Curry Beef, and even Curry Duck. For those seeking a different preparation, the Jerk Chicken and Stew Chicken are popular choices, alongside the slow-cooked richness of Stew Oxtails. The ability to have many of these signature dishes either served with rice or wrapped in a soft roti (using skins like Dhal Pouri or the flaky Buss Up Paratha) provides a customizable and genuinely Caribbean dining experience.

Beyond the main courses, the street food and breakfast items are highly recommended. The Doubles, which are consistently among the most popular items, offer an inexpensive and flavorful snack or light meal that perfectly embodies the street food culture of Trinidad. Breakfast is an all-day affair for those who appreciate savory morning fare like Saltfish and Baigan Choka.

It is important for potential diners to be aware of the varied customer feedback. While many reviews praise the food as "delicious," "authentic," and having "great portions" and "good prices," others point to inconsistencies in execution, such as some dishes being overly sweet, oily, or lacking flavor, and mention high prices for certain plates like oxtails. Therefore, while Limin's Cafe Caribe clearly holds a special place in the hearts of many long-time customers, particularly those looking for authentic Trini flavors like their renowned roti, it may be best to try some of the most-liked items, such as the Doubles and Roti, to gauge the experience for yourself. The extensive menu, range of offerings (including Halal, vegan, and vegetarian options), and inclusive atmosphere make it a significant and unique part of East Orange's dining landscape.

Ultimately, choosing Limin's Cafe Caribe is choosing an authentic flavor journey, backed by a history of serving the community. It's a place to "lime"—to relax and enjoy the robust, comforting, and exciting tastes of the Caribbean right here in New Jersey.

Limin’s Cafe Caribe

5 Winans St, East Orange, NJ 07017, USA