Oh, felt like some no nonsense great food and decided to go to just the place for it, Jamerica on Willy Street. Got seated right away and a pitcher of water arrived with an invitation to check out their large and interesting supply of bottled import and domestic beer and soda. Ordered fried plantains off the appetizer menu that came hot and crisp with a side sauce that I didn't use because I enjoyed the plantain as it came. Enjoyed looking at the collage of celebrities on the walls, March Madness on the one TV set. The entrees, one a vegetarian ride out, and the other a savory, meaty jambalaya were super. I had enough to pack and take with me for another time. I eat jambalaya often and I'd say this was a standout. Definitely going back..$11 worth of delicious.
This place is very interesting- food and otherwise! I highly recommend the mango rundown salmon or shrimp! If you’re feeling adventurous, try the curried goat. The fried plantains are good. It’s a must-try if you live in Madison. Will be back to try the jerk chicken. Good spice use.
Home style café with pricey but generous portions for dinner. The Jerk chicken was absolutely amazing and the mango rundown shrimp was good. The proprietor was friendly and checked on us frequently. Leftovers made a great snack! Will come back when we need some Caribbean flair!
This is a bittersweet review. Jamerica has been a fixture in Madison for as long as I can remember, and now they are closing. The owner, Martin, is a familiar smiling face on Willy Street as well as just about every event in Madison. He's got great grandchildren and has earned the right to retire but I'll miss him and his food.
Like a lot of locally owned restaurants, the food varies sometimes based on who's in the kitchen. On a good day Jamerica has held it's own with any Jamaican food I've ever had, anywhere.
If you're going to be going before they close, do yourself a favor and try any of the Run Down dishes. I dont think any other restaurants in the area serve Run Down, and not only is it my favorite thing on the menu, it's the most consistent.
Recently I had the jerk chicken and jambalaya, both of which were a little bland for my liking. In other visits they have been plenty spicy.
Thanks Martin, for your years of great food!
Take your friends, family, spouse. The Jerk is superb, be it chicken, pork, tofu or fish. The Mango rundown wonderful! The menu includes BBQ & a few more choices. Reasons to go back! It might take a few trips. Go hungry the portions are generous, enough to trade samples. Very satisfying food at reasonable prices.
Make a reservation
Order online
Find the best restaurant in Madison
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes