MacKariba Kitchen Irvington NJ: Authentic Jamaican Food and Oxtail

MacKariba Kitchen Introduce

For New Jersey residents craving the vibrant, rich, and authentic flavors of the Caribbean, MacKariba Kitchen stands out as a culinary destination right in Irvington. Specializing as a Jamaican restaurant, this local spot brings a piece of island life to Essex County, offering a truly extensive menu that spans all the classic, soul-satisfying dishes that Caribbean cuisine is known for. Located conveniently on Springfield Ave., MacKariba Kitchen is a hub for locals seeking high-quality, flavorful meals for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The essence of MacKariba Kitchen is captured in its commitment to providing comforting, hearty food prepared with traditional methods and spices. Patrons can expect to find everything from famously slow-cooked stews to perfectly seasoned grilled meats. The restaurant prides itself on being a consistent source of favorites, whether you're in the mood for the bold heat of Jerked Chicken or the tender, savory richness of Braised Oxtail. The atmosphere is deliberately casual and welcoming, designed to appeal to the local crowd and families looking for a delicious, reliable meal.

Beyond the main entrees, MacKariba Kitchen caters to the full spectrum of Jamaican dining, including traditional Porridge options to start the day, an array of homemade Patties for a quick snack, and a variety of comforting Soups. This breadth of offerings ensures that MacKariba Kitchen isn't just a dinner spot, but a complete Caribbean culinary experience available throughout the day in the New Jersey area.

Location and Accessibility

MacKariba Kitchen is situated at 1080B Springfield Ave, Irvington, NJ 07111, USA. This prime location on Springfield Avenue places it centrally in the Irvington community, making it easily accessible for residents and those commuting through the area. As a local neighborhood favorite, its location caters primarily to the local crowd, offering a convenient dining option for daily meals.

Accessibility is a key factor for the New Jersey customer base, and MacKariba Kitchen is designed to meet those needs. While the atmosphere is casual and inviting for those who wish to dine in, the restaurant excels in providing quick, efficient service for customers on the go. Its position on a main thoroughfare ensures visibility and ease of access for both personal pickup and timely delivery services throughout Irvington and the surrounding areas.

Services Offered

MacKariba Kitchen provides versatile service options to ensure that authentic Jamaican cuisine is available to New Jersey customers wherever they may be. The restaurant’s service model is focused on convenience and flexibility for various dining needs:

Dine-in: Customers can enjoy their meal in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.
Takeout: Meals are quickly prepared for convenient pickup.
Delivery: Offering delivery service to bring the delicious Jamaican flavors right to your door.
Breakfast Service: Starting the day with traditional Jamaican Porridge (Oatmeal, Cornmeal, Plantain) and hearty dishes like Ackee & Saltfish.
Lunch and Dinner Service: Serving a full menu of main courses, from Jerked Chicken to Seafood Rice, for both mid-day and evening meals.
Dessert Offerings: A selection of traditional Caribbean treats like Rum Cake and Grater Cake.
Payment Options: Accepting various forms of payment, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for hassle-free transactions.

Features / Highlights

MacKariba Kitchen distinguishes itself in the New Jersey Jamaican food landscape through a variety of unique and popular features. The menu is a highlight, offering genuine Jamaican staples that serve as true comfort food:

Signature Main Dishes: The restaurant is known for its slow-cooked specialties, including the beloved Braised Oxtail and Curried Goat.
Jerked and Stewed Meats: A broad selection of expertly prepared poultry and pork, such as the classic Jerked Chicken, Jerked Pork, and the gravy-rich Brown Stewed Chicken.
Seafood Specialties: A range of fish dishes including Escovitch Snapper (Large), Brown Stew Snapper (Large), and Sweet Chili Salmon (Medium), as well as the unique Seafood Rice.
Rasta Pasta: A creamy, flavorful pasta dish available with protein options like shrimp, offering a creative Caribbean fusion item.
Extensive Soup Menu: Offering a selection of traditional Caribbean soups, including hearty options like Goat Head Soup, Cow Foot Soup, and Chicken Pumpkin Soup.
Traditional Jamaican Breakfast: An early-day menu featuring authentic items like Ackee & Saltfish, Callaloo & Saltfish, and various porridges, catering to a full day of service.
Appeals to All Ages: The environment is noted as being Good for kids, making it an excellent option for family dining or takeout.
Comfort Food Focus: The entire menu is categorized by offerings such as Comfort food, Quick bite, and Small plates, emphasizing satisfying and accessible dining.

Contact Information

For local residents in Irvington and the broader New Jersey area looking to place an order, make inquiries, or check on menu specials, MacKariba Kitchen can be reached via their direct contact lines:

Address: 1080B Springfield Ave, Irvington, NJ 07111, USA
Phone (Local): (973) 371-9200
Phone (Mobile): +1 973-371-9200

What is Worth Choosing

MacKariba Kitchen is worth choosing for New Jersey diners because it offers an authentic, expansive, and high-quality Jamaican culinary experience in a convenient, local setting. Unlike establishments with limited menus, MacKariba Kitchen provides a comprehensive taste of the Caribbean, covering not just dinner but also a full, traditional island-style breakfast and a deep selection of soups and sides.

The main draw for many New Jersey customers are the classic, time-intensive dishes that are difficult to prepare at home, specifically the Braised Oxtail and Curried Goat, which are consistently mentioned for their tenderness and rich flavor. Additionally, the availability of entire snapper dishes (Escovitch, Brown Stew, Steamed) highlights a dedication to authentic, substantial Caribbean feasting.

For busy individuals or families in Irvington, the convenience of the restaurant's service options—including hassle-free takeout, reliable delivery, and a welcoming dine-in space—makes it an everyday hero. The commitment to a casual atmosphere ensures that it remains a down-to-earth local spot. When looking for genuine, flavorful Jamaican comfort food that covers all dining occasions, from a morning bowl of Cornmeal Porridge to an evening plate of Rasta Pasta With Shrimp, MacKariba Kitchen on Springfield Ave. is the reliable choice for authentic Caribbean flavors in New Jersey.

MacKariba Kitchen Services

Lunch/Dinner
Jerked Chicken $16.00
Spicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection, infused with bold flavors from a blend of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and herbs.
Seafood Rice $18.88
flavorful dish of rice cooked with a mix of seafood, such as shrimp and fish, along with spices and vegetables.
Sweet Chili Wings $14.39
crispy chicken wings coated in a tangy, sweet chili sauce with a hint of spice.
BBQ Chicken $14.39
grilled or baked chicken coated with a tangy, smoky barbecue sauce, often featuring a blend of spices and herbs.
Escovitch Snapper (Large) $25.99
Large. crispy fried fish topped with a tangy, spicy vinegar-based sauce made with pickled onions, carrots, and peppers.
Brown Stewed Chicken $14.48
savory dish where chicken is braised in a rich, spiced gravy with vegetables until tender.
Brown Stew Snapper (Large) $29.00
Large. savory dish where snapper is marinated, fried, and simmered in a rich, spiced gravy with vegetables.
Brown Stew Cow Foot $14.48
a flavorful dish where cow feet are slow-cooked in a rich, spiced gravy with vegetables until tender.
Curried Chicken $15.00
flavorful dish of chicken pieces simmered in a spicy, turmeric-rich curry sauce with onions, garlic, and potatoes.
Steamed Snapper (Large) $25.99
Large. tender, flavorful dish where fish is simmered with vegetables, spices, and herbs in a savory sauce.
Curried Shrimp (Medium) $20.68
spicy, flavorful dish featuring shrimp cooked in a rich curry sauce with onions, garlic, and spices.
Pepper Shrimp $9.89
Large. spicy, flavorful dish featuring shrimp cooked with a hot pepper seasoning, garlic, and herbs for a bold taste.
Fried Chicken $16.00
crispy, golden chicken seasoned with bold spices, then deep-fried to perfection for a flavorful, crunchy bite.
Braised Oxtail $25.00
Seasoned with fresh onion, garlic, allspice, thyme, ginger scotch bonnet pepper homemade and All-purpose seasoning. Slow-braised and cooked for 90 minutes Served with your favorite side.
Curried Goat $14.48
tender, flavorful dish where goat meat is slow-cooked in a spicy, aromatic curry sauce with herbs and spices.
Sweet Chili Salmon (Medium) $24.00
Large. salmon fillets glazed with a sweet and spicy chili sauce, then baked or grilled for a flavorful finish.
BBQ Beef Ribs $19.78
tender, flavorful ribs marinated in jerk seasoning and slow-cooked, then glazed with a tangy barbecue sauce.
Rasta Pasta With Shrimp $22.39
vibrant dish with shrimp cooked in a spicy, flavorful sauce, mixed with pasta and often garnished with fresh herbs and vegetables.
Jerked BBQ Wings $14.39
chicken wings marinated in a spicy jerk seasoning, grilled or baked, and coated with a tangy barbecue sauce.
Stewed Beef $19.78
a hearty dish featuring tender beef chunks slow-cooked in a rich, spiced gravy with vegetables.
Jerked Pork $16.00
spicy, aromatic blend of jerk seasoning and grilled to a flavorful, smoky perfection.
Stew Peas $16.00
a hearty dish made with red kidney beans, salted meat, and dumplings, slow-cooked in a flavorful, coconut-based sauce.
Baked Chicken $13.58
seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, then oven-baked to a juicy, flavorful finish with a crispy skin.
Pepper Steak $19.78
a spicy, flavorful dish of tender beef strips sautéed with bell peppers, onions, and a bold, peppery sauce.
Jerked Salmon (Medium) $21.49
Large. salmon fillets seasoned with spicy jerk seasoning, then grilled or baked to a flavorful, smoky finish.

Patties
Vegetable Patty $3.10
Large. flaky pastry filled with a flavorful mix of seasoned vegetables, offering a savory and satisfying vegetarian option.
Beef Patty $3.10
Large. flaky pastry filled with spiced, seasoned ground beef, offering a savory and satisfying snack.
Chicken Patty $3.10
Large. flaky pastry filled with seasoned, spiced chicken, offering a savory and flavorful snack.
Ackee Patty $5.39
Large. flaky pastry filled with seasoned ackee fruit, often mixed with spices and vegetables, offering a savory and satisfying snack.

Soup
Goat Head Soup $6.29
a savory, spiced soup made with goat head, vegetables, and herbs, offering a rich and flavorful broth.
Chicken Pumpkin Soup $6.00
a savory, creamy soup featuring tender chicken, pumpkin, and spices cooked together to create a rich and flavorful broth.
Cow Foot Soup $6.29
a rich, hearty soup made with cow feet, vegetables, and spices, known for its flavorful broth and tender meat.
Red Chicken Soup $6.29
a savory soup made with chicken, red kidney beans, and vegetables simmered in a spiced broth for a rich, hearty flavor.
Seafood Soup $6.29
a flavorful, hearty soup featuring a variety of seafood like shrimp, fish, and crab, cooked with vegetables and spices in a rich broth.
Chicken Red Peas Soup $6.29
a hearty soup featuring tender chicken and red kidney beans, cooked with vegetables and spices in a flavorful broth.
Beef Red Peas Soup $6.29
a hearty, spiced soup made with tender beef, red kidney beans, and vegetables like carrots and yam, simmered in a flavorful broth.
Shrimp Pumpkin Soup $6.29
a savory, creamy soup made with tender shrimp and pumpkin, seasoned with spices and cooked to create a rich, flavorful broth.
Cow Foot Pumpkin Soup $6.29
a hearty dish featuring tender cow foot and pumpkin, simmered with spices and vegetables in a flavorful broth.
Red Peas Cow Foot Soup $6.29
a hearty, flavorful soup combining tender cow foot, red kidney beans, and vegetables, simmered in a seasoned broth.

Desserts
Oatmeal Cookie $2.09
Large. chewy, sweet cookies made with oats, often including raisins or nuts, for a hearty and flavorful treat.
Rum Cake $6.29
Large. rich, moist cake soaked with rum, often featuring fruits and nuts, and known for its deep, flavorful taste.
Chocolate Chip Cookie $2.09
Large. sweet, baked treats with a soft or crunchy texture, filled with rich chocolate chips.
Grater Cake $2.69
Large. traditional Jamaican sweet treat made from grated coconut mixed with sugar, then formed into bars with a chewy, coconutty texture.
Peanut Cake $2.99
Large. a sweet treat made from ground peanuts mixed with sugar and often honey, offering a crunchy and nutty flavor.

Porridge
Oatmeal Porridge $5.39
creamy, spiced breakfast dish made from oats, simmered with milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a warm, comforting meal.
Plantain Porridge $5.39
creamy breakfast dish made from ripe plantains blended with spices, milk, and sweeteners, offering a rich and comforting flavor.
Cornmeal Porridge $5.39
creamy, spiced breakfast dish made from cornmeal, cooked with milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a comforting and hearty meal.
Peanut Porridge $5.39
creamy, nutty breakfast dish made from ground peanuts cooked with oats, milk, and spices for a rich, flavorful meal.

Beverages
D&G $3.25
popular Jamaican soft drink known for its fruity flavors and refreshing taste, including varieties like cola, ginger beer, and pineapple.
Tropical Rhythms $3.50
Jamaican beverage line featuring a blend of exotic fruit juices, offering vibrant and refreshing tropical flavors.
Coconut Water $2.99
a refreshing, naturally sweet liquid found inside young coconuts, known for its hydrating properties and rich electrolyte content.
Bigga $3.25
popular Jamaican soft drink brand offering a variety of bold, fruity flavors, known for its sweet and refreshing taste.
Magnum Tonic $9.89
drink made with a blend of herbs, vitamins, and alcohol, known for its energizing and revitalizing properties.
Coffee $1.59
brewed beverage made from roasted coffee beans, known for its rich flavor and stimulating caffeine content.
Cranberry Wata $1.79
a flavored water beverage infused with the tangy and refreshing taste of cranberries, offering hydration with a hint of fruitiness.
Tropicana $2.09
known for its fresh and natural flavors, particularly its orange juice made from real, high-quality fruits.
Ting $3.19
Ting is a popular Jamaican soda made from grapefruit, known for its tangy, refreshing citrus flavor.
Tea $1.59
a soothing beverage made by steeping leaves, herbs, or spices in hot water, offering a variety of flavors and health benefits.
Canned Pepsi $1.39
carbonated soft drink with a sweet cola flavor, known for its refreshing and crisp taste.
Water $1.25
clear, odorless, and tasteless liquid essential for hydration and maintaining life, making up a large percentage of the human body.
Natural Juice $6.79
beverage made from freshly squeezed or blended fruits and vegetables, offering a pure, refreshing, and nutrient-rich drink without added sugars or preservatives.

Breads & Buns
White Bread $5.89
Large.
Long Bun $10.79
Large.
Whole Wheat Bread $5.89
Large.
Short Bun $8.99
Large.
Round Bun $3.19
Large.

Sides
Fried Dumpling $0.99
Large. crispy, golden dough balls with a soft, fluffy interior, typically served as a side dish or breakfast item.
Mac & Cheese $5.39
Large. rich, creamy dish with baked macaroni in a flavorful, cheesy sauce, often seasoned with Caribbean spices for extra depth.
Fresh Vegetables $4.49
Large. vibrant assortment of locally grown produce, including items like callaloo, okra, and tomatoes, used in various Caribbean dishes.
Rice & Peas $4.99
Large. savory side dish made with rice cooked in coconut milk with kidney beans, scallions, thyme, and spices.
White Rice $4.75
Large. simple, fluffy rice cooked to a tender texture, often served as a staple side dish with various Caribbean meals.
Boiled Provision $11.00
Large. medley of root vegetables like yam, sweet potatoes, and cassava, boiled until tender and often served as a hearty side dish.
Festival $1.79
Large. sweet, fried dough treats with a light, fluffy texture, often served as a side or dessert.
Yellow Rice $4.29
Large. rice cooked with turmeric or saffron, giving it a vibrant color and a subtly spiced flavor.
Roast Breadfruit (Per Slice) $1.79
Large. tropical fruit roasted until the skin is crispy and the flesh is soft and slightly sweet, often served as a side dish.
Steamed Vegetables $4.49
Large. colorful mix of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and okra, lightly cooked with herbs and spices until tender.
Rasta Pasta $11.00
colorful pasta dish featuring creamy sauce with a mix of bell peppers, onions, and spices, often garnished with herbs and sometimes paired with jerk chicken or shrimp.
Plantain $5.39
Large. sliced and fried until golden and caramelized, offering a sweet and savory side dish.
Steamed Cabbage $5.39
Large. light, flavorful dish where cabbage is sautéed with onions, carrots, and spices until tender.
Fried Bammy (4pcs) $7.19
crispy, golden flatbread made from cassava, fried until crunchy, and often served with fish or as a side dish.
Roti $7.00
Large. soft, flat bread, often served with curry dishes, featuring a light and flaky texture.

Breakfast
Canned Mackerel $14.00
a convenient, shelf-stable fish packed in oil, water, or sauce. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids and often used in salads, sandwiches, or cooked dishes.
Callaloo & Saltfish $15.00
a Caribbean dish featuring leafy greens (callaloo) sautéed with salted cod, onions, and spices. It's a savory and nutritious meal often served for breakfast or lunch.
Rundown Mackerel $13.49
a Jamaican dish featuring mackerel simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce with onions, tomatoes, and spices. It's a savory and flavorful meal often served with dumplings or yams.
Beef Liver $13.49
nutrient-rich organ meat with a tender texture and strong flavor, often sautéed or fried with onions and spices. It’s known for its high iron and vitamin content.
Butter Beans & Saltfish $13.49
a Jamaican dish combining tender butter beans with salted cod, sautéed with onions, peppers, and spices. It's a hearty and flavorful meal often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch.
Smoked Herring $12.59
fish preserved through smoking, giving it a strong, smoky flavor. It's commonly used in various dishes or enjoyed on its own.
Saltfish $13.49
dried and salted cod or other white fish, known for its intense flavor. It's typically soaked before cooking and used in a variety of traditional dishes.
Okra & Saltfish $14.00
Caribbean dish combining tender okra with salted cod, sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and spices for a flavorful, hearty meal.
Ackee & Saltfish $18.00
Jamaica's national dish, blending the soft, buttery ackee fruit with savory salted cod, sautéed with onions, peppers, and spices. It's a flavorful and iconic Caribbean meal.
Beef Kidney $13.49
a flavorful organ meat with a firm texture, often sautéed or stewed. It’s rich in protein and nutrients and commonly used in traditional dishes.
Salted Mackerel $12.59
a preserved fish cured with salt for a strong, savory flavor. It's typically soaked before cooking and used in various traditional dishes.

MacKariba Kitchen Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Offerings
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Locals

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

MacKariba Kitchen Photos

MacKariba Kitchen Location

MacKariba Kitchen

New Jersey Essex County Irvington Springfield Avenue

1080B Springfield Ave, Irvington, NJ 07111, USA

MacKariba Kitchen Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 45 user reviews.

oxtailssouprice and peascurry goatpriceatmospheredinnermoneystew chickenfried

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I came in yesterday and ordered the pasta with the jerk chicken. I had the jerk chicken before the pasta is new. I was disappointed this is the 2nd time I have got food from here this week and was disappointed with the taste. The jerk chicken had more bones then meat and the meat that was there most of it was dry. The pasta was ok but the vegetables was overcooked. We all work hard for our money I don't mind paying I even tipped but to get that as food was very upsetting.
August 29 · Cece Barrett
I loved everything! Oxtails, rice & peas, veggies & beef patty was amazing. Great service as well ❤️‍🔥
September 05 · Asia H
My server was very friendly. I got an oxtail meal, ridiculously expensive and the meat was extra fatty and undercooked.Please take some time to give the food some extra love
May 15 · E St
I'm there every week so u know the food is good🔥🔥 some of my favorites are Oxtails with rice and peas and cabbage, fried chicken and the shrimp rasta pasta on seafood Fridays 😋
January 31 · Cindy Lover
I’m so happy I came across this Jamaican restaurant! Every dish here is freshly prepared. Not sure who the chef is here, but give that man a raise! Lol….authentic Jamaican food is definitely a big plus for this location. They give you many options aside from their famous rice and peas with a side of chicken. They also have a variety of soups on their menu. Their prices are very fair and for that reason I will definitely be back, and this time for some good ol’ oxtails! The establishment is very clean, and the staff is very polite. Only bad thing I can say is, why didn’t I come here sooner!!!! Guys keep up the great work. You’ve gained a repeat customer. I will be sure to let everyone I know about MacKariba Kitchen!
December 04 · J S