Makenns Introduce
For residents and visitors in the greater New Jersey area seeking a truly authentic and vibrant culinary experience, look no further than Makenns Caribbean Cuisine. Located conveniently in Maplewood, this restaurant stands out as a destination for those who appreciate the rich, savory, and distinctive flavors of Haitian cooking and broader Caribbean influence. Makenns is more than just a place to eat; it's a culinary journey that brings the warmth and spice of the islands right to Essex County.
The core of Makenns' appeal lies in its commitment to providing flavorful, perfectly seasoned food, as noted by enthusiastic local diners. It’s a place where comfort food meets complex, traditional recipes, ensuring every bite is deeply satisfying. Whether you are craving the deep, earthy taste of Black Rice (Diri Djon Djon) or the succulent tenderness of Oxtail, Makenns delivers a memorable experience that celebrates the heart of Caribbean culture and cuisine.
Makenns serves as a hub for both quick, flavorful meals and more leisurely dining experiences. With a casual atmosphere that's welcoming to everyone, including families, it has established itself as a popular spot for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant proudly offers dishes known for their authenticity and generous portions, making it a valuable addition to the local dining scene in New Jersey.
Makenns Caribbean Cuisine is strategically situated at a prime location for local New Jersey patrons. You can find this delightful spot at:
- 1651 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040, USA
Positioned on Springfield Avenue in Maplewood, the restaurant is easily accessible for residents across Essex County and surrounding towns. Maplewood itself is a vibrant and accessible community, making the short trip worthwhile for exceptional Caribbean fare. For those driving, the restaurant utilizes paid street parking, which is a common and manageable parking solution in this bustling area. The location’s ease of access makes it a convenient choice for an unplanned takeout order or a planned family dinner.
Understanding the varied needs of today’s New Jersey diners, Makenns provides a comprehensive range of service options designed for maximum convenience and safety:
- Dine-in: Enjoy the warm, welcoming, and casual atmosphere right inside the restaurant.
- Takeout: Perfect for residents on the go, allowing you to quickly grab your favorite dishes.
- Delivery: Offering convenience right to your door via third-party delivery services, ensuring your meal is just a click away.
- No-Contact Delivery: A safe and convenient option for those who prefer minimized interaction.
- Curbside Pickup: An efficient service allowing you to collect your order without having to leave your vehicle.
These flexible options ensure that no matter your schedule or preference, you can always enjoy the authentic flavors of Makenns Caribbean Cuisine.
Makenns excels by blending traditional Haitian excellence with modern dining expectations, offering several key highlights that make it a favorite among New Jersey food enthusiasts:
- Authentic Caribbean and Haitian Focus: The menu features genuine Haitian staples such as Diri Djon Djon (Black Rice), Legume Mirliton (Stew), Soup Joumou, and flavorful Fritay.
- Signature Dishes: Popular menu items include the highly-rated Snapper Fish, tender Oxtail W/ Rice, the unique Plantain Sandwich, and the flavorful Rasta Pasta (available with Oxtail or Jerk Chicken).
- Comfort and Variety: Beyond traditional dishes, the menu offers a wide selection of comfort food, including Jerk Chicken W/ Rice, BBQ Ribs, Sirloin Steak, and Kenn's Burger, catering to diverse palates.
- Fresh Drinks and Smoothies: Quench your thirst with refreshing options like Cola Lakay (Orange Caribbean Soda), various Juices, Ginger Tea, and the special Kenn's Smoothie.
- Family and Solo-Friendly: The casual atmosphere is noted as being good for kids and is also a popular spot for solo dining, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
- Payment Flexibility: Accepting Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments for easy transactions.
From the satisfying quick bite to the substantial, rich dinner, the diverse offerings ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Connecting with Makenns Caribbean Cuisine is straightforward, whether you're planning a visit or placing an order:
- Address: 1651 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040, USA
- Phone: (862) 370-9956
- Mobile Phone: +1 862-370-9956
Potential customers are encouraged to use the phone numbers for direct inquiries, reservations (if applicable), or placing takeout orders. The team is known for being friendly and attentive, contributing to the restaurant’s excellent service reputation.
For New Jersey diners, choosing Makenns is choosing an authentic, high-quality, and richly flavorful dining experience that stands apart. The restaurant is constantly praised by local patrons for the genuine "love and authenticity" that shines through in every dish. The cooking is described as "perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection," which speaks volumes about the quality control and passion behind the kitchen. The commitment to using true Haitian culinary techniques and ingredients results in dishes like the red snapper with black rice—a meal described as "absolutely delicious" and "so flavorful."
Makenns is particularly worth choosing for its exceptional value proposition. Despite the high quality and authentic nature of the food, many items are affordably priced, offering substantial meals that satisfy the craving for both comfort and exotic flavor. Whether you are a long-time lover of Caribbean cuisine or looking to explore the exciting flavors of Haiti for the first time, Makenns provides a welcoming and fulfilling experience. It’s an essential stop for anyone in the Maplewood area and beyond seeking an authentic taste of the Caribbean right here in New Jersey.
The combination of exceptional, authentic food, friendly service, and convenient service options—including delivery and curbside pickup—cements Makenns' status as a beloved local gem in the New Jersey restaurant scene. Visit for lunch, dinner, or a quick, flavorful snack; you are guaranteed a meal that feels like a taste of home, no matter where your home is.
Makenns Vibe
Drinks
- Cola Lakay( Orange Caribbean Soda) $3.00
Orange Caribbean Soda
- Juice $6.00
Passion fruit, lemonade, and orange.
- Ginger Tea $4.00
Tea with Ginger
- Kenn's Smoothie $9.00
Strawberry, Rasberry, Blueberry.
Main Menu
- BBQ Ribs $28.00
Ribs with BBQ
- Sirloin Steak $32.00
Choice of plantains, rice, or french fries.
- Oxtail W/ Rice $32.00
Choice of Brown rice or White rice w/ Macaroni and cheese $2 extra
- Fried Rice $18.00
Fried with the choice of chicken or shrimp
- Fettucine Alfredo $23.00
Fettucine with Alfredo Sauce with meat choices of Oxtail, Shrimp, Jerk Chicken, Chicken.
- Kenn's Burger $15.00
Comes with a choice of Side served with Lettuce, Cheese, Kenn's special sauce, and Tomato.
- Snapper Fish $38.50
Served with rice and plantain.
- Legume Mirliton (Stew) $25.00
Served with white rice and bean sauce (sauce Pwa) and a side of fried plantains.
- Plantain Sandwich $18.00
Served in two with griot or other choice of meat. Choice of lettuce, tomato, pikliz (haitian coleslaw) special kenn's sauce.
- Jerk Chicken Tacos $15.00
3 Jerk Chicken Tacos that come with the choice of avocado, lettuce, cheese, and tomato
- Bouillion $15.00
Haitian Vegetable and Goat Soup
- Oxtail Tacos $18.00
3 Oxtail taco comes with the choice of avocado, lettuce, cheese, tomato.
- Jerk Chicken W/ Rice $22.00
Choice of White rice or Brown rice
- Diri Djon Djon (Black Rice) $23.00
Black rice with choice of chicken or turkey.
- Haitian Spaghetti $16.00
Choice of chicken or shrimp. Boiled egg an extra charge.
- Soup Joumou $18.00
Squash soup made with squash ,potatoes ,meat ( beef or chicken) selective vegetables Carrots ,cabbage and more ...available on sundays
- Fritay $20.00
Fried meat and plantain Choice of Turkey, Kabrit(goat), or Regular Griot (pork)
- Kabrit/Goat $28.00
Served with rice of choice and Fried Plantain.
- Rasta Pasta $28.00
Rasta Pasta comes with the meat choice of Oxtail or Jerk Chicken, or VEGGIE OPTON.
Appetizers
- Salad $13.00
choice of meat served with iceberg lettuce, tomato, onion, and ranch
- Accra $12.00
Served with sauce.
- Chicken Soup $7.00
small bowl of chicken soup
- French Fries $6.00
A side of french fries
Makenns Details
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
Atmosphere
- Casual
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Makenns Photos










Makenns Location
Makenns
1651 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040, USA
Makenns Reviews
atmospherehaitianseasonedfriedplantain sandwichoxtailblack ricesoup
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I always have an amazing experience at this restaurant! I ordered the red snapper with black rice, and it was absolutely delicious. It always so flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to perfection. You can really taste the love and authenticity in every bite. The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming, and the service was excellent—friendly, attentive, and made me feel right at home. This is one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a taste of real Haitian cuisine! 10/10 recommended!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 04 · Ashlee ElieI had this chicken, with carrots, and Orion on one plate; and black bean soup, on the second plate, and a plate for fried plantains. It were good, and under $20.
August 07 · Zakariyah NewtonOrdered Rasta pasta. NASTY. Taste like chalky cheese sauce with pasta. No visual seasonings … I saw one red piece of pepper. No other infrequent besides the shrimp. It looked like pasta with Alfredo sauce . Tasted worse.
June 24 · samyra pleasantSuch an amazing location to eat and even host and event their plantain sandwiches are to die for
May 15 · Erna SaintCharlesI ordered chicken fried rice. NO FLAVOR. I asked for Hot Sauce NOT SPICY AT ALL. 21.00 in the garbage. NEVER AGAIN. Food was off totally off.
July 11 · Priscilla Acevedo
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