Truth Restaurant and Lounge: Queens' Must-Try Vegan Options and Caribbean Comfort

Truth Restaurant and Lounge Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a culinary destination that perfectly marries vibrant Caribbean culture with dedicated plant-based dining, look no further than Truth Restaurant and Lounge. Located in the heart of Jamaica, Queens, this establishment is a genuine neighborhood gem that offers much more than just a meal. It identifies proudly as a Black-owned business, cultivating an authentic and down-to-earth atmosphere that patrons describe as chill, casual, and low-key—a welcome escape from the city’s high-pressure environments. While celebrated for its rich Jamaican and Caribbean offerings like melt-in-your-mouth oxtails and flavorful curry goat, Truth Restaurant and Lounge distinguishes itself by offering a robust and clearly marked selection of delicious vegan and vegetarian options. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that all diners, regardless of their dietary preferences, can enjoy the bold flavors and warm hospitality of the islands.

The venue operates as a versatile space, transitioning seamlessly from a brunch spot and casual restaurant during the day to a vibrant bar and lounge with live music in the evenings. This duality makes it an ideal location for virtually any occasion, whether it's a Mother's Day brunch, a quick lunch, or a late-night kickback spot after work. With an experienced chef and a committed staff, Truth Restaurant and Lounge focuses on using fresh ingredients and preparing food that "tastes like home made food with care and quality." Beyond the daily dining experience, they also offer professional catering services, making it easy to bring the distinct Caribbean vibe and flavor of Queens to your next New York event. From the great cocktails to the rhythmic reggae and hip-hop music, Truth provides an authentic slice of Caribbean life right here in New York.

Location and Accessibility

Truth Restaurant and Lounge is centrally situated in Jamaica, Queens, at 229-15 Merrick Blvd, NY 11413, USA. This address places it directly on a major artery in the borough, making it highly convenient for local residents and accessible to visitors from neighboring areas. The location benefits from both free and paid street parking options, alleviating one of the common frustrations of dining out in New York City.

In line with its commitment to welcoming all members of the community, the restaurant boasts excellent physical accessibility features. It provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring easy entry for everyone. Furthermore, the establishment includes a wheelchair-accessible restroom and seating, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to customer comfort and convenience. This accessibility, combined with the easy-to-find spot on Merrick Boulevard, cements Truth Restaurant and Lounge as a highly convenient and inclusive choice for dining in Queens.

Services Offered

Truth Restaurant and Lounge offers a comprehensive range of dining and hospitality services to the New York community:

Dine-in Service: Full table service available for lunch, dinner, and brunch, with the option to accept reservations for planning convenience.
Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options for both takeout and delivery, including curbside pickup, ensuring easy access to their Caribbean and vegan menu items.
Professional Catering: Offering full catering services to bring the distinct flavors of their Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine to private events and gatherings across New York.
Sunday Brunch: A highly popular weekly feature, with special brunch menu items like Oxtail & Grits, Shrimp & Grits, and all-you-can-eat options.
Bar and Lounge Experience: Functions as a full lounge with a bar onsite, offering a great selection of beer, cocktails, wine, and hard liquor.
Happy Hour: Daily specials on both drinks and food from 3PM-7PM, perfect for after-work socializing or a quick, affordable bite.
Live Music and Late-Night Food: Provides evening entertainment with live music and DJs, complementing late-night food and drinks for a rhythmic, vibrant atmosphere.
Accessible Amenities: Features table service, counter service, seating, Wi-Fi, and gender-neutral and standard restrooms.

Features / Highlights

Choosing Truth Restaurant and Lounge means experiencing a blend of authentic Caribbean flavor and inclusive, vibrant hospitality, highlighted by the following key features:

Dedicated Vegan Menu: A specialized section featuring flavorful plant-based dishes such as Curry Tofu, Sweet and Sour Tofu, Truth Linguine Pasta (VEG), and Vegetable Stir-Fry (VEG), appealing directly to the growing vegan community in New York.
Authentic Caribbean Vibe: Praised for its casual, cozy, and non-pretentious atmosphere, with music always "on point" (old and new reggae and hip-hop), creating a genuine "Caribbean vibe without too much going on."
High-Quality Comfort Food: Noted for exceptional food quality, with customer favorites including the "melt-in-your-mouth" Oxtail and Grits, flavorful Mackerel, and well-seasoned Jerk Chicken, all described as "excellent food" and great value, especially during happy hour.
Vibrant Bar and Cocktails: A full bar with "great and strong" drinks, including highly recommended margaritas, Tequila sunrises, and lemon drops with Tequila.
Black-Owned and Community Focused: Identifies as a Black-owned business that creates an LGBTQ+ friendly, transgender safe space, and a family-friendly environment (good for kids, offering high chairs and a kids' menu).
Complete Accessibility: Offers full wheelchair accessibility, including the entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons.

Contact Information

For reservations, catering inquiries, or to place an order, please contact Truth Restaurant and Lounge:

Address: 229-15 Merrick Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11413, USA

Phone: (718) 413-2021

Mobile Phone: +1 718-413-2021

What is worth choosing

Truth Restaurant and Lounge is an essential choice for any New Yorker who values authenticity, flavor, and community. What makes it truly worth choosing, especially in the diverse culinary landscape of Queens, is its successful fusion of a high-energy lounge atmosphere with a serious commitment to excellent food—including highly sought-after vegan options. For plant-based diners, the dedicated Vegan menu is a major draw. Unlike places that offer a single, uninspired vegetable plate, Truth provides flavorful, Caribbean-inspired choices like Curry Tofu and Sweet and Sour Tofu, which ensures that vegans and vegetarians can fully participate in the dining experience without compromise. The Truth Linguine Pasta (VEG) is another testament to their creative and inclusive approach, offering a comforting pasta dish seasoned to perfection.

Beyond the vegan offerings, the overall experience is what captures the local New York crowd. Customers consistently rave about the "excellent service," particularly the attentive bartenders, and the quality of the food that "melts in your mouth," such as the Oxtail. The atmosphere is celebrated for being "real and down to earth," offering a casual, non-pretentious spot to relax and socialize. Whether you are coming for the popular Happy Hour specials—with delicious, strong drinks and affordable meals—or the incredible Sunday Brunch (with highlights like Oxtail & Grits and all-you-can-eat options), Truth delivers exceptional value and a genuine Caribbean kick. By choosing this Black-owned restaurant, you support a local business that is actively fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and rhythmically vibrant space right in the heart of Jamaica, Queens. It is highly recommended as a destination for great food, great drinks, and an authentic, unforgettable New York Caribbean experience.

Truth Restaurant and Lounge Menu

Salad
Caesar Salmon Salad $22.00
Romaine Hearts Tossed In Caesar Dressing And Topped With Crisp Seasoned Croutons With Salmon
Caesar Salad $15.00
Romaine Hearts Tossed In Caesar Dressing And Topped With Crisp Seasoned Croutons.
Caesar Chicken Salad $18.00
Romaine Hearts Tossed In Caesar Dressing And Topped With Crisp Seasoned Croutons With Jerked or Baked Chicken
Caesar Shrimp Salad $20.00
Romaine Hearts Tossed In Caesar Dressing And Topped With Crisp Seasoned Croutons. With Grilled Shrimp
Caesar Shrimp/Chicken Salad $25.00
Romaine Hearts Tossed In Caesar Dressing And Topped With Crisp Seasoned Croutons. With Jerked or Baked Chicken And Grilled Shrimp

Sides...
Side Festival $8.00
Sweet dough deep-fried to perfection
Roasted Garlic Potatoes $8.00
Roasted garlic potatoes
Mac & Cheese Side $12.00
Deliciously rich and gooey baked 14oz elbow macaroni with our creamy truth blended cheese
Rice & Peas $8.00
White Rice $8.00
Breadfruit $12.00
Fried Green Plantain $8.00
Green plantain deep fried
Fried Sweet Plantain $8.00
Ripe green plantain deep-fried
Bammy $8.00
Cassava flatbread soaked in milk cooked in a seasoned sauce or fried
Mashed Potatoes $11.00
Delicious, creamy, and smooth freshly mashed potatoes served with an option of extra butter
Mashed Potatoes With Pulled Curry Goat Meat $15.00
Delicious, creamy and smooth freshly mashed potatoes served pulled oxtail meat and gravy
Vegetables $8.00
Mixed vegetables
French Fries $8.00
Straight cut potatoes fried to perfection
Mashed Potatoes With Pulled Oxtail Meat $17.00
Delicious, creamy, and smooth freshly mashed potatoes served with pulled oxtail meat and gravy

Vegan
Truth Linguine Pasta (VEG) $19.00
Linguine pasta cooked until al-denta then coupled with our creamy sauce and special seasoning
Vegetable Stir-Fry (VEG) $15.00
Sautéed vegetables cooked and seasoned to perfection
Sweet And Sour Tofu $15.00
Lightly sautéed pieces of tofu chunks cooked down in our special blend of seasoning and sweet sour sauce
Curry Tofu $15.00
Seasoned to perfection tofu with the nostalgic flavors of authentic Jamaican spices

Meat
Jerk Lamb Chops $43.00
Exceptionally tender grilled lamb chops with truth's special kick of flavor jerk spicy seasoning made to perfection
Jerk T-Bone Steak $48.00
Prime 15 oz. t-bone steak marinated in our signature jerk rub grilled to your preference
Jerk Surf & Turf With Whole Lobster Tail $55.00
Oxtail & Butter Beans $33.00
Slowly cooked oxtail meat with our special spices & seasoning
Jerk Chicken $18.00
Seasoned grilled chicken marinated overnight with our special jerk sauce
Oxtail & Curry Goat $43.00
Slowly cooked Oxtail and Curry Goat meat with our special spices & seasoning
Chicken Parm $21.00
Tender chicken breast lightly breaded and fried, then topped with special blend of Marinara Sauce
Curry Goat $23.00
Slowly cooked well seasoned curried goat meat

Branzino
Brown Stew Branzino $33.00
A Whole Branzino Mediterranean fish first fried and then simmered down in our dark specially seasoned sauce.
Blackened Branzino Fried $33.00
Crispy fried Whole Branzino Mediterranean fish and seasoned with our special blend brown spices
Esco Branzino $33.00
Crispy fried Whole Branzino Mediterranean fish topped with a spicy pickled vegetable medley.
Steamed Branzino $33.00
Lightly seasoned Fresh Whole Mediterranean fish steamed with an assortment of okra, pumpkin, and our special blend of seasoning
Jerked Branzino $33.00
Perfectly seasoned Fresh Whole Mediterranean Branzino fish marinated in our signature jerk seasoning
Run Down Branzino $33.00
A Whole Branzino Mediterranean fish flavorfully stewed, cooked in coconut milk, tomato, onions, garlic and other specially blended seasonings

Salmon
Garlic Butter Salmon $33.00
Seasoned wild caught salmon fillets seared in olive oil, then cooked in our signature garlic buttery sauce
Grilled Salmon $33.00
Wild caught Salmon filets that are seasoned with our special blend, then marinated and grilled
Sweet Chili Pineapple Salmon $33.00
Yummy mixture of sweet and spicy chili sauce, fresh juicy pineapple, and tender wild caught salmon fillets in one dish.
Coconut Curry Salmon $33.00
Seasoned wild caught salmon fillets seared in olive oil, then cooked in our signature curry sauce made with coconut milk, aromatics, and some added veggies.
Jerked Salmon $33.00
Perfectly seasoned wild caught Salmon fillets marinated in our signature jerk seasoning
Honey Jerk Salmon $33.00
Perfectly seasoned wild caught Salmon fillets marinated in our signature honey seasoning
Jerk Salmon & Shrimp Kebab $36.00
Salmon & shrimp marinated in our signature jerk seasoning and then grilled
Esco Salmon $33.00
Crispy fried wild caught Salmon fillets topped with a spicy pickled vegetable medley.

Starters
Shrimp App $18.00
Jerk, Grilled, Fried or Peppered Shrimp
Cod Fish Fritters $13.00
Cod fritters battered in a seasoned flour mixture and fried
Veggie Spring Rolls $15.00
Delicious vegetable mix wrapped with rice paper and fried to perfection
Fried Wings $13.00
Fried non-breaded chicken wings then seasoned with a sauce of your choice: (mango habanero, barbecue, buffalo, escovitch, sweet chilli, honey garlic)
Fried Whiting $13.00
Deep fried whiting lightly seasoned with our signature herbal blend
Mac & Cheese $24.00
Deliciously rich and gooey baked 14oz elbow macaroni with our creamy truth blended cheese
Conch Fritters $13.00
Fresh conch battered in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to perfection
Fried Calamari $15.00
Breaded calamari lightly fried in canola oil with a side of sweet chilli sauce

Sides
Mashed Potatoes With Pulled Oxtail Meat $17.00
Delicious, creamy, and smooth freshly mashed potatoes served with pulled oxtail meat and gravy
Fried Green Plantain $8.00
Green plantain deep fried
Rice & Peas $8.00
Side Festival $8.00
Sweet dough deep-fried to perfection
Fried Sweet Plantain $8.00
Ripe green plantain deep-fried
Bammy $8.00
Cassava flatbread soaked in milk cooked in a seasoned sauce or fried
White Rice $8.00
Mashed Potatoes $11.00
Delicious, creamy, and smooth freshly mashed potatoes served with an option of extra butter
French Fries $8.00
Straight cut potatoes fried to perfection
Mac & Cheese Side $12.00
Deliciously rich and gooey baked 14oz elbow macaroni with our creamy truth blended cheese
Vegetables $8.00
Mixed vegetables
Mashed Potatoes With Pulled Curry Goat Meat $15.00
Delicious, creamy and smooth freshly mashed potatoes served pulled oxtail meat and gravy
Roasted Garlic Potatoes $8.00
Roasted garlic potatoes

Sunday Brunch Uber
Fried Dumpling $5.00
Ackee & Saltfish $18.00
Small Fried Snapper $15.00
Festival $5.00
Oxtail & Grits $15.00
Oat Porridge $8.00
Chicken & Waffles $20.00
Grits Only $10.00
Fried Breadfruit $5.00
Hash Brown $5.00
Shrimp & Grits $18.00
Callaloo & Saltfish $16.00
Run Down Mackerel $18.00
Kidney $15.00
Small Esco Snapper $15.00
Oxtail & Waffle $25.00
Tea $3.00
Coffie $3.00
Jerk Steak & Eggs $25.00
Cornmeal Porridge $8.00

Starters Online
Fried Calamari $15.00
Breaded calamari lightly fried in canola oil with a side of sweet chilli sauce
Mac & Cheese $20.00
Deliciously rich and gooey baked 14oz elbow macaroni with our creamy truth blended cheese
Shrimp App $18.00
Jerk, Grilled, Fried or Peppered Shrimp
Conch Fritters $15.00
Fresh conch battered in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to perfection
Veggie Spring Rolls $15.00
Delicious vegetable mix wrapped with rice paper and fried to perfection
Cod Fish Fritters $13.00
Cod fritters battered in a seasoned flour mixture and fried
Fried Wings $13.00
Fried non-breaded chicken wings then seasoned with a sauce of your choice: (mango habanero, barbecue, buffalo, escovitch, sweet chilli, honey garlic)
Fried Whiting $13.00
Deep fried whiting lightly seasoned with our signature herbal blend

Pasta
Salmon Linguine Pasta $30.00
Jerk Salmon Linguine Pasta $30.00
Fry Lobster Linguine Pasta $43.00
Jerk Lobster Linguine Pasta $43.00
Chicken Breast Linguine Pasta $21.00
Jerk Chicken & Shrimp Pasta $33.00
Fry Salmon Linguine Pasta $30.00
Oxtail Linguine Pasta $31.00
Lobster Tail Linguine Pasta $43.00
Grilled Shrimp Linguine Pasta $28.00
Grilled Salmon Linguine Pasta $28.00
Grilled Lobster Linguine Pasta $43.00
Grilled Chicken & Shrimp Pasta $30.00
Jerk Shrimp Linguine Pasta $28.00
Shrimp Linguine Pasta $28.00
Jerk Chicken Breast Linguine Pasta $21.00
Truth Signature Linguine Pasta $17.00

Lobster
Fried Lobster $43.00
Lightly fried 8 ounce Lobster tail seasoned to perfection
Garlic Butter Lobster $43.00
Grilled 8 ounce Lobster tail topped with our rich garlic butter sauce
Curry Lobster $43.00
An 8 ounce Lobster tail simmered down in a rich curry sauce.
Jerk Lobster $43.00
A Spicy 8 ounce Lobster tail seasoned with our specially blended jerk seasoning
Esco Lobster $43.00
Lightly fried 8 ounce Lobster tail topped with a spicy pickled vegetable medley.

Shrimp
Fried Shrimp Meal $25.00
Jerk Shrimp Meal $25.00
Esco Shrimp Meal $25.00
Garlic Butter Shrimp Meal $25.00
Curry Shrimp Meal $25.00
Sweet Chili Shrimp Meal $25.00

Meat
Jerk Lamb Chops $40.00
Exceptionally tender grilled lamb chops with truth's special kick of flavor jerk spicy seasoning made to perfection
Chicken Parm $18.00
Tender chicken breast lightly breaded and fried, then topped with special blend of marinara sauce
Jerk T-Bone Steak $45.00
Prime 15 oz. t-bone steak marinated in our signature jerk rub grilled to your preference
Oxtail & Butter Beans $30.00
Slowly cooked oxtail meat with our special spices & seasoning
Jerk Chicken $15.00
Seasoned grilled chicken marinated overnight with our special jerk sauce
Curry Goat $20.00
Slowly cooked well seasoned curried goat meat

Vegan
Curry Tofu $24.00
Seasoned to perfection tofu with the nostalgic flavors of authentic Jamaican spices
Sweet And Sour Tofu $24.00
Lightly sautéed pieces of tofu chunks cooked down in our special blend of seasoning and sweet sour sauce
Vegetable Stir-Fry (VEG) $12.00
Sautéed vegetables cooked and seasoned to perfection

Pasta
Oxtail Linguine Pasta $28.00
Shrimp Linguine Pasta $25.00
Truth Signature Linguine Pasta $14.00
Lobster Tail Linguine Pasta $40.00
Salmon Linguine Pasta $25.00
Jerk Chicken Breast Linguine Pasta $18.00

Snapper
Jerked Snapper $27.00
Perfectly seasoned wild caught Red Snapper marinated in our signature jerk seasoning
Steamed Snapper $30.00
Lightly seasoned wild caught Red Snapper steamed with an assortment of okra, pumpkin, and our special blend of seasoning
A Whale Of AH Snapper $40.00
One 2 Pound Wild Caught Fresh Snapper Steamed or Escovitch.
Fried Snapper $27.00
Lightly seasoned wild caught Red Snapper deep fired to perfection
Esco Snapper $27.00
Crispy fried wild caught Red Snapper topped with a spicy pickled vegetable medley.
Brown Stew Snapper $30.00
Wild caught Red Snapper first fried and then simmered down in our dark specially seasoned sauce.
Esco Blackened Snapper $27.00
Crispy fried wild caught Red Snapper seasoned with our signature brown seasoning and topped with a spicy pickled vegetable medley.
Blackened Fried Snapper $27.00
Crispy fried wild caught Red Snapper seasoned with our signature brown seasoning
Snapper Rundown $30.00
Wild Caught Red Snapper flavorfully stewed, cooked in coconut milk, tomato, onions, garlic and other specially blended seasonings

Salad
Caesar Chicken Salad $18.00
Romaine Hearts Tossed In Caesar Dressing And Topped With Crisp Seasoned Croutons With Jerked or Baked Chicken
Caesar Salmon Salad $21.00
Romaine Hearts Tossed In Caesar Dressing And Topped With Crisp Seasoned Croutons With Salmon
Caesar Shrimp/Chicken Salad $25.00
Romaine Hearts Tossed In Caesar Dressing And Topped With Crisp Seasoned Croutons. With Jerked or Baked Chicken And Grilled Shrimp
Caesar Shrimp Salad $20.00
Romaine Hearts Tossed In Caesar Dressing And Topped With Crisp Seasoned Croutons. With Grilled Shrimp
Caesar Salad $15.00
Romaine Hearts Tossed In Caesar Dressing And Topped With Crisp Seasoned Croutons.

Truth Restaurant and Lounge Details

From the business
Identifies as Black-owned

Service options
Curbside pickup
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Live music
Serves local specialty
Sports

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Truth Restaurant and Lounge Photos

Truth Restaurant and Lounge Location

Truth Restaurant and Lounge

New York Queens County Jamaica Merrick Boulevard

229-15 Merrick Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11413, USA

Truth Restaurant and Lounge Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 282 user reviews.

bartenderatmospherebrunchcomedyjamaicanhappy hourphonesalmongratuitydinner

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This is my 3rd time there and twice for happy hour. Happy Hour is until 7pm. Yayy. Our bartender was Chris great. Drinks were great and strong. We had margaritas, Tequila sunrise and my lemon drop with Tequila was so delicious. Now the food. Definitely worth the trip. For happy Hour the meals are like $8-$10 bucks. We had jerk Chicken euthanasia rice and peas, cod fritters, escovitch fish was nice and spicy, the peppers shrimp is definitely my favorite is just you have to peel it with your hands but if you ask for gloves you will get it and the buffalo wings with fries real good. Now as far as ambiance it's not the best but the food is worth it and the music is always on point. Let Chris know he was highly recommended.
September 21 · Stephanie Bertrand
Excellent food. Excellent service. I brought my mother here for Mother’s Day brunch, and it was our first time here. It’s a casual, chill, lowkey, neighborhood restaurant lounge. I will definitely be back. I can see it as a kick back spot after work or just for when you just want to get out and be in a Caribbean vibe without too much going on in the environment. The music was good - rocking in our seat to old and new reggae and hip hop music. I love regular spots with a real and down to earth atmosphere. Not pretentious. Highly recommended for any day of the week. My favorite was the oxtails and grits. Oxtails melt in your mouth!!! Mackerel is flavorful. Food is just on point.
May 11 · Anna Kemp
Truth Restaurant is a nice place if you are looking for some great carribean food. Meals are a bit expensive though. Servings are small.
August 14 · Kadian Baugh
The vibe was cool - they have security in the front . The drinks were good not very strong though. The food could have been better. The calamari was not fresh and the Mac and cheese taste like fridegrator .
January 12 · Dess R
On entering the restaurant I got a party vibes, music was playing and there was an area set aside for dancing later. The waitresses were pleasant and attentive The menu items were diverse some with a touch of Jamaican cuisine. The food blew us away, the presentation was impressive and the taste was incredibly satisfying. I definitely recommend this restaurant.
August 07 · Brenda Lee