The Islands
(Now Closed)Caribbean Restaurant$$$$
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Has a stamp of approval from The Corcoran Group and Serious Eats
127 Tips and reviews
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Jerk chicken, curry shrimp, calypso shrimp, stew chicken are all standouts. You really can't go wrong with anything here. The rice and peas that accompany most dishes is outstanding.
Beril EsenSeptember 6, 2015This beautiful place is not only awesome because it's byob, but due to the deliciousness of its spicy food. The calypso shrimp, jerk chicken, plantains, and roti skin were all amazing!
Peter CucèJune 17, 2016Ridiculous huge portions of West Indian food in odd-shaped venue. Oxtail, jerk chicken, curried goat are faves so far. Really can't go wrong. I love the steamed cabbage and rice and peas. Possible MSG
Andrew LimMay 13, 2015Cozy byob spot with very friendly staff. Food was so delicious. Order the jerk chicken and the oxtail. Come with sides of rice and peas, cooked cabbage, and a salad. Can't wait to go back- LilyMay 3, 2017Lucky Peach: "Portions are generous here: spicy, tender jerk chicken and curry goat come served on wide platters with plantains and coconut rice, most of them big enough to share."
Barry Gottehrer Real EstateJuly 15, 2016The food is so good here, I get take out from here all the time! Surprisingly the take out tastes just as good as when you get it there, thats not the case for most places! Jerk chicken is the best!
AnneAugust 16, 2013This place is as the reviews claim; genuine home cooking. Felt like I was back home. Great flavor, great portions, worth the trip. And as noted, it's truly a hole in the wall; limited seating.
Jana PetersenApril 27, 2013Jerk chicken is a MUST. Portions are huge. Ambience is ... set to feel like you're in a really really small boat. And it's BYO. Wins all around. Hidden gem and will def be back.
Raphael LangenscheidtJuly 22, 2015Jerk chicken, goat curry, Mac and cheese, plantains. Go there, right now. Order ahead, and sit on the steps of the Bk museum.
Helena WongJanuary 2, 2014Still thinking about the jerk chicken and oxtail. Meat is oh so tender! Dining upstairs is def an experience. BYOB!
- Fodor's TravelSeptember 9, 2015Generous portions (a "small" plate is plenty) of chicken, shrimp, goat, and oxtail come with rice and salads, an authentic and delicious low-frills meal. Read more
Damian BayonaJune 22, 2015Call in and order take out. Not much space at the restaurant. Everything curried is good. Get extra cabbage on the side as that stuff is dooooope.
Lori LuoFebruary 22, 2015This tiny eatery has a pint-sized dining area, but the flavors and portions they put out are nothing to scoff out. Get the Jerk Chicken with Rice and Beans; a large will be enough for two meals.
LaTanya B. 🌍💥👙👩👧🙏🏾🇺🇸🇧🇸🍫🌊🎾🎸✈️August 28, 2015Quaint. Authentic. Delicious. Spicy. Savory. Curry shrimp. Jerk chicken. Mac & Cheese. Do it.
Zac ZellersMay 2, 2016tiny cash-only 4-seat spot (sometimes with service upstairs) serving fine curry and jerk dishes. it just *feels* good to be here with someone on a warm sunny afternoon.
Tristan LewisMay 17, 2016Incredible experience. I'm Jamaica and I can attest that this spot is truly authentic. I'd definitely visit again!
Sha SugandaOctober 29, 2013One of the tastiest Jerk Chicken I've ever had! Oxtail was also delicious.... Def going back!
Gabriel HayesAugust 26, 2015Its a hard debate whether this or Glady's is better. They are the two best Caribbean places I have been to in Prospect Heights - Crown Heights, in Brooklyn & in New York City.
Lisa SchreibmanJanuary 26, 2018Ignore the menu and ask what is ready. There is always a chicken and a veg dish ready.
FAVORITE restaurant. The Islands man is super wonderful and generous, though he has a pretty thick accent. The food is delicious, too. :D Mmm stewed oxtails & calypso shrimp ...
The Corcoran GroupMay 1, 2011The sweet ladies that run this teeny tiny space are serving up some of the best Jerk Chicken and the Curry Goat around. Don’t rush here as you’re now on Island time.
Bob RutledgeMay 24, 2015Head to the kitty-corner bodega and grab a couple of Red Stripe beer before settling in at the upstairs dining room for Amazing jerk chicken.
Maya BruckMarch 30, 2015Everyone's right -- the jerk chicken is amazing. Get it. A large was more than my husband and I could finish.
Charles FordeApril 17, 2014Best Jamaican food in Brooklyn. Try the fried dumplings. Better than my mother's. Don't tell her I said that.- Gabriel HayesJune 20, 2015A whole in the wall on Washington Ave. One of the best hidden gems in the Prospect Heights / Crown Heights area.
Cicely OaksAugust 18, 2013Oxtails were delicious. Ideal seating area is outside its a little cramped upstairs.
- Gabriel HayesJune 20, 2015Ranked by many as the best Caribbean food in Brooklyn. I have no reason to disagree. So amazing.
illyJanuary 14, 2017Still dreaming bout the jerk chicken, oxtail, and baked mac n' cheese 😍 Literally licked the plate clean.
Noah XifrAugust 25, 2012Its all luvly homestyle cookin here, jerk chkn roti w gr8 spice. Finally tried the mac & cheese well baked. Must. Have. More. Mac&cheeesy.- Gabriel HayesJune 20, 2015Great Caribbean food near the Brooklyn museum. Limited seating but great for takeout.
TBernie Talks BeautyNovember 24, 2011The real taste of Jamaica! Faves: Stamp And Go, Soups, Garlic Shrimp Salad, Calypso Shrimp, Jerk Lamb, Steamed Snapper, Pineapple Cheesecake
Kristina PFebruary 25, 2018jerk chicken, oxtail, garlic shrimp were all sooo good. also it’s BYOB!!!
WEI WEIApril 4, 2016The best jerk shrimp I've had. Very small shop with a couple of tables upstairs.
Jess ButlerOctober 4, 2015Enjoyed a spicy and delicious plate of jerk shrimp and got a lesson on hot peppers from the amazing chef.
Lisa RayleSeptember 7, 2015The brown stew chicken with rice and peas was delicious, very satisfying. The jerk was too spicy for my taste.
Serious EatsMarch 19, 2013Service is slow but worth the wait for enormous servings of some of the city's best Caribean food.
Lynn HuAugust 14, 2013Certain items are sold out on some days so ask before you try to make decision. Also, small plate is actually huge!
Sam GilDecember 11, 2016Oxtail is perfect but price increased. Everything is great...bring a bottle of wine.
Amira BlissAugust 24, 2012The most amazing jerk chicken ever. Take out orders are prioritized over dine-in orders. I think you know what to do.
Mallory NapolitanoSeptember 19, 2016Slow service but great food and HUGE portions. BYOB and cash only, super cute but tiny place
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The Islands
803 Washington Ave (btw Lincoln Pl and Eastern Pkwy)
Brooklyn, NY 11238
United States
Brooklyn, NY 11238
United States
Permanently closed (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- Noon–10:30 PM
(718) 398-3575
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
No
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Dinner
Drinks
Wine, BYO
See More
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"Old fashions and 'Manhattanite' would start your flight for hours in this spot. 👍👍👍👍...and the amazing live music on Mondays"
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