Melanie's

- 1248 Castle Hill Ave, Bronx, NY 10462

If you are searching for a taste of the Caribbean right here in the heart of the Bronx, look no further than Melanie's. More than just a local eatery, Melanie's has established itself as a vibrant culinary destination, celebrated for its authentic Guyanese and West Indian cuisine. Located in the Castle Hill section of the Bronx, this family-owned-and-operated establishment offers a warm, inviting, and cozy atmosphere that makes every New Yorker feel right at home—or like they’ve taken a quick trip to the islands.

Melanie’s prides itself on delivering hearty portions of flavorful, fresh food, making it an ideal spot for a satisfying lunch, a lively dinner, or even a late-night bite. The restaurant masterfully blends traditional West Indian cooking methods with a hint of Chinese-inspired flair, particularly evident in their popular rice and noodle dishes. Whether you are deeply familiar with the vibrant spices of Guyanese food or are a newcomer eager to explore, Melanie's offers a delicious and authentic experience. The staff is consistently described as friendly and accommodating, ensuring that the service complements the wonderful food.

The menu is extensive and showcases the breadth of Caribbean flavor, from comforting, richly seasoned curries to perfectly prepared grilled meats and various seafood options. It’s the kind of place where the food is always cooked fresh, making the short wait for your meal a worthwhile assurance of quality. With its commitment to fresh ingredients, generous servings, and a relaxed, low-key vibe, Melanie's Roti & Grill stands out as a true gem for Caribbean dining in New York City.

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The location of Melanie’s Roti & Grill makes it a convenient and well-connected spot for Bronx residents and visitors alike. Situated on a bustling thoroughfare in the Castle Hill neighborhood, the restaurant is easily accessible by various modes of transport.

Located at:

1248 Castle Hill Ave, Bronx, NY 10462, USA

The restaurant is centrally located, offering a local and authentic neighborhood experience. For those driving, the surrounding area features both free and paid street parking options, which is a great amenity in a busy NYC borough. Furthermore, the venue is committed to ensuring accessibility for all patrons, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, which enhances its appeal as a truly community-focused dining spot.

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Melanie’s Roti & Grill is dedicated to providing a comfortable and accommodating dining experience, offering various ways for New Yorkers to enjoy their acclaimed Caribbean cuisine. The atmosphere is generally described as casual, cozy, and family-friendly, making it suitable for groups, family outings, and solo diners.

Services Offered:

• Dine-in: Guests are welcome to enjoy the cozy and casual atmosphere of the restaurant with table service available for a relaxed meal.
• Takeout: For those on the go or preferring to eat at home, Melanie's offers convenient takeout services.
• Delivery: The restaurant partners with popular delivery platforms, extending its reach to serve the local community efficiently.
• Lunch Specials: Reasonably priced lunch specials are available, often featuring popular combinations like small fried rice or chowmein dishes with a variety of meats.
• Bar Service: A full bar is available on-site, serving a range of beverages including beer, wine, hard liquor, and signature cocktails.
• Happy Hour: The restaurant features happy hour for both drinks and food, making it a great after-work destination.
• Group Dining: The space is accommodating for groups looking to enjoy a shared Caribbean feast.
• Seating: Various seating options are available to suit different dining preferences.
• Payment Options: The restaurant accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for customer convenience.
• Family Amenities: High chairs are available, and the restaurant is considered good for kids.

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Melanie's Roti & Grill’s popularity is driven by a unique combination of culinary quality, menu variety, and a welcoming ambiance. The cuisine is rooted in Guyanese and West Indian traditions, offering a depth of flavor that appeals to a diverse crowd. Patrons consistently highlight several key aspects of the dining experience.

Features / Highlights:

• Authentic Guyanese and West Indian Cuisine: The foundation of the menu is authentic, flavorful Caribbean food, with customer favorites often including the freshly made Roti, flavorful Curry Chicken, and tender Jerk Chicken.
• Fusion Menu Items: A notable feature is the creative inclusion of Chinese-inspired dishes, specifically the Fried Rice, Chow Mein, and Lo Mein options, which are often topped with Caribbean classics like Jerk Chicken or Jerk Pork, demonstrating a unique Guyanese flair.
• Generous Portions and Value: Customers frequently comment on the large, filling, and satisfying portions, which offer excellent value for the price.
• Signature Dishes: Must-try menu items highly praised by the community include the Roti, which is described as fluffy and delicious; the Jerk Chicken, known for its tenderness and spice; the savory Fried Snapper; and the addictive side-dish, Polourie.
• Lively Bar and Cocktail Menu: Melanie's operates as a bar and grill, offering a selection of popular cocktails, with the coconut margarita being a standout item, perfect for pairing with the spicy cuisine.
• Atmosphere: The venue boasts a cozy, casual, and low-key vibe, making it a comfortable place to relax and enjoy food, drinks, and music without the overwhelming crowds of larger venues.
• Commitment to Freshness: Numerous reviews attest that the food is consistently cooked fresh to order, which significantly contributes to the high quality and flavor of the dishes.
• Quick Service: Despite the focus on fresh preparation, the restaurant is known for its relatively fast service, especially for those dining in.

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Contact Information

To experience the authentic flavors of the Caribbean at Melanie's Roti & Grill, you can visit the restaurant or contact them directly:

Address:

1248 Castle Hill Ave, Bronx, NY 10462, USA

Phone:

(718) 409-1088

or

+1 718-409-1088

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What is Worth Choosing: A Culinary Journey Through Melanie's Menu

Choosing what to order at Melanie's can be an adventure, as the menu is packed with tempting options across several categories. Whether you're in the mood for a light appetizer, a comforting soup, or a hearty main course, there is a dish to satisfy every craving. A comprehensive review of the menu highlights why this establishment is a must-visit for food lovers in the Bronx.

For those looking to start their meal, the appetizer selection is robust and authentically Caribbean. Crowd favorites include the light and savory Polourie ($9.00), soft, golden fritters served with a tangy dipping sauce, and the crisp Potato Balls ($11.00). Seafood enthusiasts will enjoy options like the Fried Snapper ($23.00), while meat lovers can dive into the Jerk Chicken ($20.50) or Jerk Pork ($25.00) even as a savory starter. For a quick snack, the classic Egg Ball ($5.00) is a great choice. Don't forget to ask for their 'bomb' pepper sauce for a kick of flavor and spice, as recommended by local diners.

The mains are where the Guyanese-West Indian fusion truly shines. The traditional West Indian Dishes section features staples like the freshly made Roti ($5.00) and Dhal Puri ($5.00), both essential for soaking up the rich curries. The Curry and Rice menu is a main attraction, featuring deeply flavorful dishes such as the Chicken Curry ($17.50) and Goat Curry ($27.00), each served with rice. The vegetarian options are also strong, with a satisfying Potato Curry ($12.00) and the traditional Bigan Choka with Roti ($17.00).

A signature aspect of Melanie's is the extensive selection of fried rice, chow mein, and lo mein options, which reflect the Chinese influence on Guyanese cuisine. The Chicken Fried Rice ($17.00) is often cited as the owners' best dish, but the Jerk Chicken Fried Rice ($20.00) and Mixed Fried Rice ($28.00) are also extremely popular, offering a uniquely Caribbean twist on Asian noodles and rice. The portion sizes here are notoriously generous, guaranteeing you’ll likely have leftovers.

For mid-day diners, the Lunch Special menu is an excellent value proposition. For around $10, you can choose from combinations like a small Chicken Fried Rice, Chicken Curry with Rice, or a Jerk Chicken Lo Mein, providing a reasonably priced and filling meal perfect for a lunch break.

Finally, the bar and beverage menu warrants attention. Beyond the standard sodas like Pineapple Soda and Ginger Beer ($4.00), the cocktail selection is a great accompaniment to the spicy dishes. The coconut margaritas are particularly noteworthy for delivering a great buzz and complementing the meal beautifully. Enjoying a happy hour drink with a quick bite at the bar is a perfect way to experience the lively but low-key atmosphere of Melanie’s.

In summary, Melanie's Roti & Grill offers a true New York City neighborhood gem experience. It’s the place to go for authentic, freshly cooked Guyanese and West Indian food, generous portions, friendly service, and a genuinely cozy dining atmosphere. For a satisfying taste of the islands in the Bronx, Melanie's provides an unforgettable culinary journey.

Melanie's

1248 Castle Hill Ave, Bronx, NY 10462, USA