Pimento Jamaican Kitchen

7/10/2016

I highly disagree with the 1 star review from Meena. I'd actually say all of what you described, but I'd say it about Singhs. I don't find Singhs food to be very Jamaican in comparison.

I don't know if you've been to Jamaica, but the food there is not the same as other islands in the region. I've been to Jamaica five times for about a month at a time. If you get the "Kill Em Wid It" sauce from Pimento, it is spot on with what the sauce tastes like in Jamaica (including the heat). Its served with the sides I would expect on the island (plantains and coconut rice) and in the quantity I'd expect. On the island, a plate of Jerk is about $6. Here I believe it was $9, which to me is cheap by American standards.

Now, granted, I have not tried the curried vegetables, but the curry goat and jerk chicken dishes are the most similar to genuine Jamaican food I've tasted without it being made on the island.

Also, Jamaican food kind of is bland (especially if you are not using the authentic sauce). They were a British colony until 1962 after all. I just think you don't like Jamaican food and that's fine, but don't blame the restaurant for making it authentically.

7/10/2016

The best Jamaican food I have had in Minnesota period. The food was spicy enough and the sauces were very yummy. I get the one love all the time and my sister likes the curry goat and oxtail. I come here twice a week. Keep with the good work Pimento

7/10/2016

The atmosphere & decor were fun, the food was excellent & the service was awesome! Our little one tripped on the sidewalk on the way over & was struggling find her happy place, the owner took notice & brought out a plate of fried plantains just for her! A restaurant that anticipates the needs of young families is a WINNER in our book!

7/10/2016

Ummm...has anyone who works here ever had Jamaican food? or island food of any kind? This place was bland, flavorless, and disappointing. Expensive food that clearly sits under heat lamps. Pimento takes business away from real island places like Singhs and Marlas and it bums me out that the hipsters are eating eat street.

7/10/2016

The plantains and Jamaican beef patties are so good! Also the curry chicken was great, it has a nice balance of flavor. Definitely coming back for 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, etc.

12/25/2016

All around had a great experience. The staff was really friendly and helpful. Restaurant has a nice ambiance, feel and decor. The food was FANTASTIC. I had the combination jerk chicken and pork. The meat was fresh, spicy and cooked perfectly. The portions were very generous, we also tried the chicken wings which were absolutely delicious. Big portions, delicious food and very reasonable prices. Will definitely be going back soon!

12/25/2016

This food give me life. I can just over indulged all day with the jerk chicken. Very happy to find this place after years of looking for black inspired foods in MN. I can finally end my search!

12/25/2016

Friendly staff, a bright and clean place, and a short wait for a light and flavorful meal. The vegetable curry was flavorful if not particularly spicy, served atop rice and beans with tangy plátanos that were so caramelized my friend and I thought they were pork at first. I recommend the bottled sorrel if you've got a sweet tooth, although I had hoped for some house-made. All said, however, I can easily recommend a visit.

12/25/2016

Great food. It's simple, chicken or pork (OR BOTH!), Rice and beans, slaw, and sweet plantains. They have a special usually; oxtail or goat I've seen

12/25/2016

I went in got jerk chicken ... . I'm eating already. It's so good I will be back for more. In I will be telling everybody that's the place to go ... thanks again

1/27/2017

Seriously unbelievable jerk chicken and pork. This place is authentically spicy just with their base rub no hot sauce need. If you however are looking for the heat their habanero "kill 'em wit it" is on fire! I love this place, and I eat here more than once per week. Phone service can be a little slow during rush times.

1/27/2017

This place is 5/5. The meals come with a good size portion of meat, rice and beans, plantains, and slaw. The Jamaican Patties are excellent. Food comes out hot and quick. Pay up front before sitting down.

1/27/2017

The authentic Jamaican food and vibe really makes you feel like you're in Jamaica. The convergence of flavors in their jerk bowls will explode in your mouth like fireworks.

3/1/2017

It was amazing. If it's your first time, get the one love. This meal was the high point of my night.

3/1/2017

a bit pricey but great food

3/1/2017

Just perfect, one bowl. Will return very soon.

Thank you David.

3/1/2017

Food was yummy and customer service was amazing.

3/29/2017

I heard about this place from a friend. He was correct that it is pretty good. I played it safe with pork and chicken and I was not disappointed! I can't wait to try the oxtails and then the curried goat! I recommend and I will be back for more.

3/29/2017

Bustling, happening place, smaller sized restaurant that was busy, but the service was great and the food came out fast and delicious. I had the special-the coconut bread chicken sandwich, which was a first and it wasunique and delicious, and despite it being busy it came out faster than expected, and was extremely filling. Really nice customer service and cool Jamaican decor was a nice ambiance, a mini trip to Jamaica within Minnesota.

3/29/2017

While I've only had the opportunity to order delivery through Uber Eats so far, what was delivered was awesome! Got the One Love bowl with the Kill Dem Wid It sauce and couldn't be happier. The meat was super moist, flavorful on its own, and the slaw (thank you for not drenching it in things like most places do!), rice, and plantains were fantastic. Getting plantains right takes love and effort - both are evident here.

The sauce wasn't super hot to me, but I'm a transplant and do not share the 'MN spicy' requirements of many of the MN natives. It had a nice building heat, while delivering flavor from the peppers. Well balanced and tasty no matter the heat level! Really cannot wait to take the better half here so we can try more things. I look forward to making my way through this menu.

3/29/2017

Amazing food and very affordable. Took my family to try it and my dad said he would eat here everyday if he lived in the area. Great portions for under $11.

3/29/2017

Who knew I loved Jamaican food? And you can get it so freakin spicy. YUM! Please re-open your other smaller locations. You are delicious and you are missed.

4/29/2017

I've been a few times, goat and jerk chicken were both great. Perfectly seasoned and cooked. Love their sauces. Atmosphere is lively and its the perfect pick when the weather is nice with their big garage-door style entrance that opens the sidewalk. Also, I appreciate the price point!

4/29/2017

This place is a true gem. The food is delicious, the menu is simple... Meaning they do a few things and they do them right. I can't recommend this place enough. Casual vibe, always great music, chill friendly staff. Can't recommend it enough!

4/29/2017

I had tasty jerk chicken with really good sides (delicious rice and beans & exceptionally tasty slaw). They have a good selection of sauces that can accommodate individuals of many spice tolerances. Not only that, but they carry a fun assortment of unique Jamaican sodas & a decent assortment of beer options to help cool of the taste buds of things get too hot.

4/29/2017

What a great restaurant . The owner is very friendly and helpful. I had the boneless jerk chicken and it was delicious. The slaw and plantains are yum o. I had the Island like Rickey pop and was good. Only thing this place needs are the frozen adult drinks.

5/31/2017

Nice place with a large garage door looking out on Nicollet Ave (eat street). We had the Goat curry special and the One Love Special. The goat was tender and flavorful and the curry awesome. I found the chicken unmemorable but the pork had great spice and flavor. It all came with rice, slaw, and sweet fried plantains.

Totally worth stopping by.

5/31/2017

Fantastic, authentic Jamaican food. Staff are bubbly and attentive. Highly recommend the plantains if you're in the mood for something sweet, but not overly-so. Perfect summertime spot with its open floor plan.

7/5/2017

Good stuff! Loved the atmosphere; they had the garage doors open since it was nice out and reggae music playing. I had the jerk chicken and rice with the Minnesota Nice sauce (very little kick) on the side. Nice sized portions. Chicken was cooked and seasoned perfectly. I especially love the plantains on the side...sweet and savory. The Jamaican patties were pretty good and flavorful. Order it all with a refreshing Ting!

7/5/2017

I'm so happy my partner and I found this gem when we moved into the Whittier Neighborhood in October of 2016. We frequently eat here. The staff are very kind and helpful. Portions are large which is great! I highly recommend the jerk pork bowl with rice and fried plantains, don't forget the jerk ranch sauce with it!

7/5/2017

You will feel the rythm and feel the rhyme at pimiento. This place is super dope. No joke, you will get a bowl of delicious food that will fill you up at a reasonable price. I love the parsed down menu as well! Their jerk pork is 2legit2quit, though word to the wise, get the hottest sauce, and order extra! They don't give you quite enough for one bowl.

7/5/2017

I loved this place when they first opened. I still love the food now, but they're far too slow now. For the past 3 times I've been there it's been a minimum of 30 min wait, and that's not during the busy time! Also, there was one waitress that was incredibly rude to my wife when she was asking about the menu. She actually said that my wife was bothering her.

I love the food, but the service has gone downhill for me and I don't think I can continue to support them. Maybe in time they'll get it figured out.

8/5/2017

Wow! Seriously delicious food! Been wanting to try them for a while and saw their truck at the basilica block party so we just had to splurge - did not disappoint. We especially loved the pork but the chicken was also delicious. Exceptionally authentic

10/9/2017

Glad to see a Jamaican restaurant in Minnesota! Had the one love (pork and chicken) bowl. The sides with the bowl we're delicious (coleslaw and plantains). However, wished the meat was a bit more savory and flavorful. Also ordered a side of coconut bread; definitely recommend that! Wasn't a fan of the sauces, they were overly sweet or too spicy. There's also a sweet backyard looks like it's used for music.

10/9/2017

Tried this restaurant out randomly one evening. Felt like we had stepped into the Caribbean. The chicken curry and Jamaican patties were awesome! There was a little mix up in our order but the staff got it corrected and got us a couple free drinks for the hassle. Good food, good service, fun ambiance. I'll be back for sure!

10/9/2017

Situated on Nicollet and 26th, the busiest and most bustling section of Eat Street. Server was a bit crappy when I asked to pick up my order. What happened to all that Jamaican hospitality and island happiness? Oxtail smells really good though, so that put smile back on my face. For $17, it outta be the most expensive oxtail I ever had. Its tender enough and packed with Caribbean spice combo. Didn't care for the slaw, there was too much of it and lacked flavor. Fried plantain was as good as it supposed to be. Overall, it at least earns a second visit.

10/9/2017

This is my new favorite place to eat in Minneapolis. All the food has been excellent, plus they have a great ambiance, friendly staff, and a great selection of n.a. drinks. Good portion sizes too.

11/10/2017

GREAT prices. The food's taste and quantity -- along with the service and atmosphere -- are all good here (though the food is spicy). I gave it 5 Stars because it was just such a great value. You also get to sit down and they bring your meal to the table without having to tip the waiter (though you can tip for the food up front).

11/10/2017

This place brings the full flavored spice, and it totally scratched my proverbial itch. Tried both the curry chicken and the Kingston, and have nothing but rave reviews. Both excellent dishes in their own right.

The sweet bread is like a Hawaiian roll and is nothing to write home about, but it does add an authentic touch and reminds you that the origin of this stuff is a poor Caribbean island.

12/10/2017

I LOVE Pimento. I love affordable ($10) meals that taste fresh and delicious while still offering a good serving size.

Not to mention, the food comes out quick, you don't have to tip because it is counter service, and the flavors are so tasty!

When I am going out, most often I want to save the money and get a great meal from this place!

12/10/2017

Really good food, but it seems when Ive delivered past few times Ive gotten burnt chicken. This never happens when I Dine in or pick it up myself. That’s disappointing and hoping it’s not intentional they send those pieces out via delivery (knowing it won’t/can’t be returned). And it’s also been cold. I will still dine in and support the business, but I’m hoping they see this and do much better. I have expressed my concerns once before. Other than that the food and quality have been consistent and I’m happy to see and experience a once smaller food court Business thrive and expand to a restaurant.

12/10/2017

We had an awesome experience here! The food was delicious and the atmosphere was very chill. The jerk chicken and pork was the best I've had. Do yourself a favor and head here immediately. As soon as I left, I told myself I'd come back again and again.

1/10/2018

Staff was awesome. Food was mediocre.. It's obvious this place caters to a different clientele. Meaning no one from the West Indies would ever eat here. No shame in running a profitable business. The only reason I'm giving 1 star is because the food is watered down to appeal to the masses. Sadly, they seemed very surprised when I asked for certain traditional items. No one had a clue what Irish Moss is. They also looked at me like I had 3 heads when I asked for a Cream Soda.

2/13/2018

The man behind the counter greeted every customer that walked in the door and was so helpful in walking us through the menu and getting anything we needed. The food, drinks, and sauces were all incredible. Plantains as good as my grandmother made. I’ve been meaning to come here for a long time and it didn’t disappoint. I’ll definitely be back!

2/13/2018

Great food and atmosphere! I got the One Love bowl. The chicken had authentic flavor but was a little tough. The pork was amazing.

2/13/2018

Fantastic food, wonderfully friendly service, and overall cool vibe! I got the boneless jerk chicken with Minnesota Nice sauce and I'll definitely be coming back for more! Thanks guys!

3/13/2018

This place is great! Allot of options for meat, spicy, and before options. Like heat and a vegetarian? No problem! Carnivore who needs Minnesota level spicy? Can do! Great price as well. Definitely one of the cheapest options in that area.

3/13/2018

So much flavor in my chicken bowl with rice and beans. I even enjoyed the taste of my own burps afterwards! Hard to find words other than simply amazing! The atmosphere is very nice as well! This place is a gem in Minneapolis!

3/13/2018

I HIGHLY recommend not ordering take out, they're inconsistent. When we ate in I got more chicken, rice, and slaw (honestly, probably double of the sides at least). I called to ask if it's normal to have smaller take out portions than eating in, and the girl said every order has the same portions. I sent a picture because there were definite size differences just between our two take out orders. She offered 2 sides of slaw - not worth the drive. The Jerk chicken is good, the rest of the food is pretty decent. Don't order take out unless you're not hungry. Really bummed because it's good jerk chicken and the staff are always friendly, but can't afford to order double each time I want take out.

4/18/2018

One of my favourite places to dine! If you go at the right time, they play live music -- very chill and relaxing. They have a Jamaican based menu - jerk chicken, pork, oxtail, plantains, rice, Jamaican beverages. The staff there is so kind and authentic. If you're looking for a good place to chill out and eat some great food, I highly recommend Pimento. You may want to wait a little while as they're doing some construction in the building next door and it can get a little loud! Also, they DO have parking on site (limited).

4/18/2018

The closet match to the food I enjoyed in Jamaica. I appreciated the sauces that can adjust the amount of spice such as: Neutralizer, Minnesota Nice, Jerk Ranch, Kingston Kick or Kill Dem Wid it. The food is amazing and the atmosphere is inviting. In the summer when the garage style door is open on a nice day it's like paradise. The excellent customer service makes this a top Minnesota food choice. Check out the food truck too!

4/18/2018

Excellent customer service. Expected the food to be spicy, but I asked for some hot sauce and they brought me a few options to add into my dish. Super chill atmosphere. Cool decor.

5/18/2018

The food is more than just a meal, it's medicine.

You will feel better in health after a bowl of the jerk chicken and sauce

The restaurant is more than just a place, it's a community. Come here to enjoy amazing food and incredible people!

5/18/2018

It is the go to spot for Caribbean for most people in the area, great vibe. Try the 🐐 (goat), and one love. Everything is good here.

6/19/2018

Very comfortable atmosphere. The owner is wonderful. Hard working and makes sure everyone is always happy and taken care of. The food is excellent. Good vibe environment. I'll definitely be back.

6/19/2018

The sides are very good but the chicken is lacking in flavor. I've been to a few local jerk huts in Jamaica and the spices used in the marinades/sauces really stand out there. I know you have to please us white bread Midwestern folk and meet in the middle flavor-wise but please offer a more flavorful option for those of us who want it.

Edit: There are different levels of spiciness but I am referring to the thyme/allspice/ginger in the sauce.

6/19/2018

Great fast causal spot. I like the One Love, which is pork and chicken. The plantains don't disappoint. Ox tails are good, when they have them. Can dine in or order through an app. Update 6.1.18 had the Curry Goat it was so flavorful and yummy. Staff is attentive and quick.

7/20/2018

EXCELLENT FOOD!!!! DEFINITELY WORTH TRYING!!! The staff helpful and very friendly. The atmosphere was totally AWESOME! There was a live band on the patio, great DRINKS (RUM PUNCH was my favorite) I will definitely be returning here on the regular. They will soon be opening a new location in St. Paul I can't wait it'll be closer to me.

Definitely a place to go enjoy yourself and invite your friends!

7/20/2018

We went here specially for oxtail since my husband is Jamaican and loves this dish. I had specially called the restaurant to check with them if it will be available and when. They confirmed that the best time to get it is post lunch rush around 2 pm. Hence we planned our visit accordingly. We got there and found this chillaxed laid back kinda set up with the Carib beats as we expected. Placed the order for oxtail and 15 minutes later we were presented samples of got curry because oxtail wasn’t ready. The goat curry wasn’t bad at all, but our minds were set on oxtail hence we decided to wait. And another 20 minutes later our dish arrived. I would say we have had a lot better oxtail at other places and the price we paid for the meal wasn’t worth it at all.

7/20/2018

We had an event there last week (June 2018) for MBEN and it was amazing!! The food was so good. I had patties, wings and plantain and I would recommend all of it. The Bartender Tony was pouring great drinks at the new Rum bar and the wait staff was super friendly. If you haven't been yet, treat yourself!!

7/20/2018

Went to the Pimento Jamaican Kitchen last week with co-workers for an event. The atmosphere was very relaxed. The wait staff was very friendly and the food was extraordinary. The owner came out to welcome us and make sure everyone was taken care of. I can't wait to go back!

7/20/2018

Pimento has EXCELLENT food! Spicy and delicious. The staff are friendly. The restaurant is small and inviting. They also just attached a rum bar. The rum bar is just a really chill area. Go to Pimento if you enjoy fun!

8/24/2018

The food is excellent here. Great customer service. I wish they had more veggie options but what they offer is delicious. The cabbage slaw is to die for. The sauces that come on the side really elevate the dishes. Kind of spendy buts it’s worth every penny. Make veggie patties please! Only thing missing.

8/24/2018

This is one of my favorite restaurants! You do get slightly less food with take out. I can always finish the take out but not when I eat in because it's so much. Its nice because i get some later😊. In 2 years of eating here, there has been 2 times the meat was tough. Other than that, it is pretty consistent and falls apart perfectly. The slaw is almost flavorless but pairs perfectly to calm the spice. My only complaint would be the slightly bigger take out portions or drop the price. A small take out bowl of the One Love Special is $14 which is a little over priced for me given the size but its sooooo good! They do have a bar now too!

9/27/2018

I stopped by Pimento for lunch today. The restaurant has a garage door that opens to the street, which was perfect on a gorgeous late summer day. I tried their One Love special with chicken and pork, served with coconut rice, beans, slaw, and fried plantains. I absolutely loved it, and I'm looking forward to the opening of their new location at the Keg and Case Market in St. Paul this month. (BTW, you have to love a restaurant that serves a sauce named "Kill Dem Wid It").

10/27/2018

The food and drinks were really good........ but be prepared for the wait. However, this might be my new favorite spot.

10/27/2018

i can’t say enough good about this restaurant. i happened upon it following a suggestion by a friend, and was not disappointed! i mean, sweet plantains and juicy jerk chicken? i’ve been waiting for good Caribbean food since forever in Minnesota. super energetic and involved staff, great portions at good prices, lovely music and even live performances. i walked in on a steel drum show, and there was plenty of room to dance...and an opportunity to hang out with band members and other patrons on the beautiful patio out back. i wish i would’ve gotten to see that outdoor section lit up and in business—there’s a whole bar and additional dining/dancing space through the back doors of the actual restaurant. lovely, unique experience!

11/29/2018

Amazing food all around. Their jerked pork and chicken are some of the best I've ever had and their rice and beans seal the deal. They also have a nice selection of Jamaican sodas. I highly recommend the pineapple ginger soda.

I found them through my work using them to cater lunch and had to come their restaurant to try it fresh. It was worth it and I look forward to coming back many times again

11/29/2018

First time trying it after delivering from there for bite squad. Great food! Unique flavors. Seating was kinda weird and was a little chilly on a cool, rainy fall day. Live music was cool to have but as also a bit loud. Almost would've wished to have a door between the car and seating area. Cool space overall, would recommend checking out.

11/29/2018

Blown away by this place. Cannot wait to go back. The quality of the food was outstanding. Enjoyed the slow-roasted pork with Jamaican slaw. I went Kingston-Kick for the sauce - but really, the Kill Dem Wid It! would have been the right choice.

11/29/2018

Love the food and service here. Food actually has spice and flavor. The plantains always hit the spot. If using a delivery service to pick up food it's a good idea to call to make sure the order is as it should be. Used GH a few times and there was always something missing.

11/29/2018

The food is literally too good. I spent all my savings. I started stealing to support my Pimento habit. I've become estranged from my family and I know the whole staff by first and last name. I need help, but don't want it. It's like chasing the first high, except you get it every single time.

12/29/2018

I really like this place and I eat here all the time. The food is awesome and I get good vibes from the staff. The only thing I don’t like is the loud music. But I get that it’s also a bar and that doesn’t stop me from going there.

1/29/2019

My first time having dinner at Pimento was decent. I enjoyed the rum punch better than the vegetable curry dish.

I would have loved to taste more spice in the curry. It was very bland. The side of jerk sauce was VERY Spicy. You literally only need a "panch" which is smaller than a pinch.

I'm not a huge spice person so if something is bland to me, then it's going to be super bland to those who like more spice.

The bar side is off the chain. The DJ was playing old school hip-hop. We had a great time and I will definitely be back to try another dish along with the yummy rum punch.

1/29/2019

I love pimento!! The food is always FRESH and hot! The service is lovely and the atmosphere really makes you feel like you're on a vacation!

1/29/2019

This is one of the best restaurants in Minneapolis. Delicious oxtails. Comes with my favorites fried plantains and coconut rice and peas. Have a ting and some of Lutunji Abrams delicious peach cobbler and you'll be happy. The staff is great. Biggup music and black owned. Come early as the place will be jamming.

3/1/2019

Delicious food, quick service, and bowls with a large lower lip that make portions look extra big. The chicken was a bit dry for me, but the pork was perfect, and the plantains are so good that I had to order a side even tho they come with the entree. I was still hungry when I finished tho, which at the price isn't something I'm thrilled with.

3/1/2019

Awesome flavors and great service! Got the Kingston style chicken and it was so flavorful. Tried the slow-roasted pork as well and that was fantastic. The meat is cooked very well and the sauces are fun. I really liked how the staff gave us samples of all the sauces, we got to taste all of them before ordering. Really great customer service. Would totally recommend!

3/1/2019

I would vote the dry rub wings as one of the best I city. I have been going around as of late trying many different places for their dry rub wings. The unique seasoning on top is spot on and the wings themselves were cooked to perfection. The beef pasty was lacking, though the seasoning was decent, the filling to bread ratio was a little short.

3/1/2019

Loved it! Super authentic, delicious food. 🙌🏼We got the jerk chicken which had a perfect amount of spice. Also liked that it came with slaw and rice. The menu isn’t huge but they are making delicious food with the entrees they have. We also loved the MN nice sauce and Kingston Crusher sauce. Will be back soon!! 😍😍👍🏼

3/1/2019

Very friendly staff and authentic delicious spicy jamaican food! I love their plantains. So so good! Definitely go try this place! Quick service too! If you want a strong drink get run punch!

2/11/2018

Pimento is in my top 3 restaurants in Minneapolis. If you haven't been, GO. The One Love special (jerk chicken and pork combo) is the way to go. The meat is...read this and 219 more