The Original Blue Cantina: Your Source for Authentic Jamaican Fast Food in Mount Vernon, NY

The Original Blue Cantina Introduce

The New York region, and specifically Westchester County, is a melting pot of global flavors, and for those in Mount Vernon seeking authentic Caribbean comfort food with the convenience of a quick-service spot,

The Original Blue Cantina

stands out. Operating as both a Jamaican restaurant and a fast food establishment, this local favorite offers a hearty taste of the islands, serving up classic dishes that feel home-cooked and deeply satisfying. This article is your local guide to what makes The Original Blue Cantina a must-try destination for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

For many New Yorkers, 'fast food' often conjures images of generic, mass-produced meals.

The Original Blue Cantina

, however, redefines the concept. Here, 'fast' refers to the speed and efficiency of service, but the food itself is steeped in the rich, slow-cooked traditions of Jamaican cuisine. This combination makes it uniquely appealing for the busy, local New Yorker who craves quality, flavor-packed meals without the long wait. Whether you're rushing to work and need a filling Jamaican breakfast, or ending your day with a comforting dinner, this establishment has positioned itself as the go-to spot for a quick, delicious taste of Jamaica right here in Mount Vernon.

Location and Accessibility

Strategically situated at

174 W 1st St, Mt Vernon, NY 10552, USA

, The Original Blue Cantina is easily accessible for residents and visitors throughout Mount Vernon and the surrounding areas of Westchester County. Its location in a bustling area ensures visibility and convenience, catering to a steady stream of local patrons looking for their Jamaican food fix. The restaurant recognizes the diverse transportation needs of its New York-based customers and has thoughtfully addressed accessibility for all.

Accessibility is a notable feature for patrons. The premises offer a

Wheelchair accessible entrance

, ensuring that the delicious Jamaican flavors are available to everyone. Additionally, the location provides several parking options that add to its convenience, including a

Free parking lot

, as well as both

Free street parking

and

Paid street parking

. This variety of parking solutions is a significant advantage in the often congested urban and suburban areas of the New York region, making a visit to The Original Blue Cantina hassle-free.

Services Offered

Focused on speed, comfort, and convenience, the services at The Original Blue Cantina are designed to fit seamlessly into the fast-paced lifestyle of the New York consumer. They prioritize quick turnaround for meals served throughout the day, establishing themselves as a true all-day dining option. The primary services offered include:

Takeout: Ideal for customers on the go who want to pick up their order and enjoy it at home or elsewhere.
Delivery: Partnering with popular services to bring the authentic taste of Jamaica directly to your door, perfect for those days you can’t leave the office or home.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Service: Serving hot, fresh meals throughout the day, from early morning Jamaican breakfast classics to hearty dinner plates.
Acceptance of Multiple Payment Types: Transactions are smooth and easy with options including
Credit cards
,
Debit cards
, and modern
NFC mobile payments
.

Features / Highlights

The Original Blue Cantina distinguishes itself from generic fast food through a focus on traditional flavors, diverse offerings, and a welcoming atmosphere. It successfully blends the speed of fast food with the richness of authentic Caribbean culinary practices. Key features and highlights include:

Authentic Jamaican Cuisine: The menu is a celebration of Jamaican staples, spanning from savory main courses like
Ackee & Codfish
and
Curry Chicken
to essential side dishes like
Festival
and
Fry Dumplin
.
All-Day Dining Options: Unlike many restaurants that limit certain meals, The Original Blue Cantina serves its full range of breakfast and main dishes all day, catering to any craving at any time.
Wide Range of Offerings: Customers can choose from
Coffee
, comforting and familiar
Comfort food
, options for a
Quick bite
, and even
Small plates
and
Healthy options
, providing something for every diet and mood.
Casual and Friendly Atmosphere: The dining environment is described as
Casual
and
Trendy
, making it a relaxed and inviting space where both
Locals
and
Tourists
feel welcome. However, be advised that the popularity of the place often means there is
Usually a wait
, a testament to the quality of the food.
Specialty Drinks and Snacks: Beyond the main courses, they offer a curated selection of Jamaican and Caribbean beverages, including
D&G Jamaican Soda
,
Tropical Rhythm
,
Ting
, and
Blue Mountain Coffee
, alongside traditional snacks and desserts like
Rum Cake
and
Tamarind Balls
.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or place an order for delivery or takeout, here is the essential contact information for The Original Blue Cantina:

Address:

174 W 1st St, Mt Vernon, NY 10552, USA

Phone:

(914) 667-1969

Mobile Phone:

+1 914-667-1969

What Is Worth Choosing

The menu at The Original Blue Cantina is extensive, but a few categories and items consistently draw high praise from the Mount Vernon community and beyond. The restaurant’s identity as a destination for both classic Jamaican cuisine and quick, convenient food means there are distinct highlights worth exploring whether you're a first-timer or a regular.

For a truly authentic start to your day, the

All Day - BREAKFAST

selection is highly recommended. The iconic Jamaican dish,

Ackee & Codfish

(or Ackee and Saltfish), is available all day and is a popular, flavorful choice. Other savory morning options like

Stew Chicken

and

Callaloo & Codfish

allow patrons to skip the typical American breakfast fare and dive right into rich Caribbean flavors. Pair your breakfast with a warm bowl of the

Porridge of the Day

or a cup of

Blue Mountain Coffee

for an authentic experience.

When it comes to main dishes, the reputation of Jamaican staples shines through. While detailed information about top-selling entrees like Curried Goat, Oxtail, and Fried Chicken often surface in public customer feedback, the variety of stews and curries provided in the menu data, such as

Stew Chicken

and

Curry Chicken

, ensure you have robust choices for any mealtime. The commitment to

Comfort food

and

Quick bite

options, like the assortment of authentic Jamaican snacks including

Gizzarda

Tamarind Balls

, and

Peanut Cake

, makes it an ideal spot to grab a complete meal or a satisfying afternoon snack. For a sweet finish, the

Rum Cake

is a must-try dessert that embodies the spirit of the islands.

In summary, The Original Blue Cantina in Mount Vernon provides a valuable service to the New York area: high-quality, authentic Jamaican food delivered with fast-food efficiency. Its full-day service, extensive menu of traditional dishes, and accessible location make it a standout choice, offering a little slice of the Caribbean right here in Westchester.

The Original Blue Cantina Food & drink

All Day - Snacks
Cream Crackers $3.45
Water Crackers $3.45
Banana Chips $5.17
Shirley Biscuit (Original Or Coconut) $2.30
Gizzarda $2.87
Tamarind Balls $2.87
Peanut Cake $2.30

All Day - Desserts
Rum Cake $4.02

All Day - Drinks
Snapple $2.87
Bottled Water $1.72
Tropical Rhythm $2.87
D&G Jamaican Soda $2.87
Coconut Water $6.90
Mystic $2.30
Ting $2.87
Pepsi $2.87
Ginger Ale $1.72
Garlic Water $6.90
Welch's $2.87
Squeez'r $2.87

All Day - BREAKFAST
Ackee & Codfish $17.25
Ackee & Corn Pork $17.25
Callaloo $10.00
Callaloo & Codfish $10.50
Codfish $10.50
Kidney $10.50
Liver $10.50
Stew Chicken Back $10.50
Stew Chicken $10.50
Curry Chicken $10.50

All Day - BREAKFAST SIDE
Saltfish Fitters $2.30
Festival (2) $1.72
Fry Dumplin (2) $1.72
Plantain (4pcs) $1.72
Side Of White Rice $5.75

All Day - Porridge of the Day
Cornmeal Porridge $5.75
Tea (One Size) $2.30
Blue Mountain Coffee (One Size) $2.87

The Original Blue Cantina Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
Locals
Tourists

Planning
Usually a wait
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Paid street parking

The Original Blue Cantina Photos

The Original Blue Cantina Location

The Original Blue Cantina

New York Westchester County Mount Vernon South Side West 1st Street

174 W 1st St, Mt Vernon, NY 10552, USA

The Original Blue Cantina Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 637 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Very good mostly in quality of food . Late night is definitely a hit or miss…. Chef please to keep consistency going . Also if the rice burn, I understand you lose money but it’s better than to try to mask it. Rice that’s burnt taste and smell burn.Stew peas was so good 😊 got soup as well and it was too salt and the large was 12 dollars and I couldn’t eat it
June 21 · Mell M
This my 1st time reviewing a place but I had to. I ordered a $35 fish for it to be filled with scales so wasn't cleaned properly and over fried. Not the best tasting fish at all, my husband had the fried chicken and said it was okay. My aunt loved her red peas soup.
March 15 · Kim smith
The food here has always been outstanding, but I’ve noticed the quality slipping recently. Service is also consistently slow, which makes dining less enjoyable. I understand that restaurant work can be demanding, but staff should still maintain a sense of urgency and attentiveness to the overall flow of business.The atmosphere is another concern. The space feels far too small for the size of the clientele, and it can come across as cutting corners rather than investing in customer comfort. Additionally, there has never been a customer appreciation event, which would go a long way toward building loyalty.Lastly, the rising prices are difficult to justify without improvements in service, space, and customer engagement. I truly believe this restaurant has great potential, but to keep customers coming back, it needs to focus more on professionalism, hospitality, and value.
September 05 · S. B.
My husband stopped at this restaurant got brown stew fish and jerk shrimp. Oh my goodness! The food was terrible shrimp wasn't seasoned tasted bitter had a not so well taste , rice taste was off and the fish wasn't cooked well. . You guys need to replace your chefs. Honestly I wouldn't recommend. Can't afford to waste your money like this on food you can't eat. Total $58.00 dollars for what. You people need to do better.
July 07 · Browning Thomas
The food from this place is great tasting, my husband is obsessed with it to say the least. However, when they get busy, they close the restaurant abruptly from ordering on Ubereats. I had a scheduled order for two hours for my daughter. I scheduled it around 5:15pm and it said it would be here somewhere between 7pm and 7:30pm. I got notified that they received my order at around 6:45pm just for them to cancel it 7:08pm. My daughter has been waiting for TWO HOURS. If it wasn’t for the fact that my husband and daughter loves the food, I would never order from them again. Now after all that time, I have to find another place to order from. Come up with a system where scheduled orders take precedence if you get too busy. This was uncalled for and so inconvenient.
June 27 · Shanice Simpson