Food Corner: Jamaican Joes

Another Caribbean spot has been added to the many that call the U-Street/Georgia Avenue area home. The newest addition, Jamaican Joes, located just across the street from the U-Street/African American Memorial metro stop blends perfectly in the neighborhood with a rich past and unique culture.

When Roy "Doc" Brown, owner of Jamaican Joes was asked about what sets his new restaurant Jamaican Joe's apart from other restaurants he said, "we're fairly new, and have customer service, you'll recognized when you walk in."

The evidence of their stellar customer service is seen through all of the people who have become regulars here because of the great food, friendly service and the warm essence that this restaurant has.

With this restaurant standing on a street, which at one time considered ‘Black Broadway' Brown says he knows about the rich African-American past that U Street has. He wants to hold on to that and reach out to U-Street first timers.

Brown says that the Shaw community has been very supportive of his business; however, he would love to see more business and support from the Howard University community.

The restaurant prides itself on its fast service – providing the option to carry out or sit down – and enjoy a hot meal as well.

"Jamaican Joe's has a grab and go concept, you can do it all in 30 minutes or less, the menu is concentrated," Brown said. "Expansion sometimes waters down good food."

What he means by concentrated is that they have perfected a few key things. The only meat they serve is Jerk chicken and the sides that naturally pair with the chicken such as plantains and French fries.

Aside from the basic competition of the many other Jamaican themed restaurants in the D.C. area, Jamaican Joe's must also compete with the bad economy. Although, it is a difficult time for all business owners, Brown opened Jamaican Joe's in hopes that the community would help him and his business through patronage and word of mouth.

Jamaican Joe's opts to stand out from the competing Jamaican restaurants by providing a cozy sit-in dining area and live music on Friday nights. Jamaican Joe's also sets itself apart by delivering to the late-night student population and staying open until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. This makes Jamaican Joe's an excellent after party spot.

When asked about his competition, Brown said, "We're not in competition if we maintain consistency in quality of food and customer service."

He has a strong confidence that once people give Jamaican Joe's a try they will be back.

That has definitely been the case for Howard student, Kelci Cox, junior telecommunications management major when I asked her how she felt about Jamaican Joe's she said, "I love it! I'm addicted!"