The Jerk Center
A family-owned gem serving authentic Jamaican cuisine with generations-old recipes, offering a true taste of the Caribbean.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
The Jerk Center
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-owned gem serving authentic Jamaican cuisine with generations-old recipes, offering a true taste of the Caribbean.
"Amazing food and super nice service. Everything we ordered was amazing and tasted great!"
Must-Try Dishes
Savor the authentic tastes of Jamaica with popular dishes like curry chicken and jerk chicken.
Consider Take-Out
Opt for take-out if you prefer to avoid the no-frills dining room; it's a convenient option.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Jamaican
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(727) 940-5343
Address
405 S Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Jamaican Flavors
Indulge in generations-old recipes for authentic Caribbean tastes, from flavorful curries to tender oxtails.
Oxtail Perfection
Experience melt-in-your-mouth oxtails, simmered to perfection with a rich sauce that diners rave about.
Vibrant & Welcoming Atmosphere
Enjoy a laid-back, family-friendly vibe with lively music and friendly owners who make you feel at home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Must-Try Dishes
Savor the authentic tastes of Jamaica with popular dishes like curry chicken and jerk chicken.
Consider Take-Out
Opt for take-out if you prefer to avoid the no-frills dining room; it's a convenient option.
Beat the Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours for quicker service and a more relaxed dining experience.
Oxtail Bone Awareness
If ordering oxtail, inquire about bone content beforehand if you prefer less meat on bones.
Tips
from all over the internet
Must-Try Dishes
Savor the authentic tastes of Jamaica with popular dishes like curry chicken and jerk chicken.
Consider Take-Out
Opt for take-out if you prefer to avoid the no-frills dining room; it's a convenient option.
Beat the Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours for quicker service and a more relaxed dining experience.
Oxtail Bone Awareness
If ordering oxtail, inquire about bone content beforehand if you prefer less meat on bones.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Jerk Center is celebrated for its authentic Jamaican cuisine, with oxtail and jerk chicken frequently highlighted as standouts. Diners appreciate the friendly service and family-owned atmosphere, making it a beloved spot for genuine Caribbean flavors. While some note the dining room is simple, the food quality and welcoming staff more than compensate, creating a highly recommended experience for locals and visitors alike.
"My favorite place for authentic Jamaican food! This isn’t a fancy restaurant, but it’s the best in the area! They do have seating, and we always dine in and listen to the music, chat with the owner and others who dine there. It’s a comfortable, laid back, very cool spot to throughly enjoy the good home cooking. Plenty of parking. Dine in or carry out. Best kept secret in downtown Tarpon Springs!"
Ellie M
"I’ve been coming here for over a decade and the food never disappoints. The aesthetic of the restaurant is great and feels authentic. Normally, I get the curry goat or the jerk chicken, but today I got the oxtail - it was so tender and delicious. Everything is cooked to perfection with the right amount of spices, giving the food many different layers of flavor. Portion size on lunch is very fair.
Do yourself a favor and swing in to grab a bite after a long day spent relaxing on the beach. You won’t regret it!"
John Doe
"I saw this restaurant on the cashback app Upside and went to check them out. I was in the market already for a new Jamaican restaurant. It’s very spacious inside and lively with the music. Marvin is a cool guy and I had a great time conversing with him. The food portions were abundant and I got a lot of bang for the buck. I’ll definitely be back."
Xavier Clayton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include authentic curry chicken, jerk chicken, and highly praised oxtails. Rice and peas are also a popular side.
Yes, The Jerk Center is a family-owned restaurant that uses generations-old recipes to bring authentic Caribbean flavors to its customers.
The atmosphere is described as low-key, casual, comfortable, laid-back, and cool, with lively music and friendly staff.
Some reviewers have noted that oxtail may contain more bones than meat. It's advisable to inquire about this before ordering if you have concerns.
You can dine in to enjoy the atmosphere and music, or opt for take-out. Visiting during off-peak hours is suggested to avoid crowds.
Yes, there is a decent amount of parking available, with additional parking located in the back of the establishment.
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20 Best Tarpon Springs Restaurants For A Drool-Worthy Meal
I have to admit, the first few times I drove by The Jerk Center, I thought it was a Jamaican market or spice store. It is, in fact, one of the best places to eat in Tarpon Springs and one of the few Jamaican restaurants in the Tampa Bay area. This casual eatery in a small strip center is exactly what one might encounter in any Jamaican neighborhood in Florida – a family-owned place which uses generations-old recipes to bring Caribbean flavors to the local community.
Great Day Trip: Tarpon Springs
The ideal day trip to Tarpon Springs would contain a little bit of history in the morning, followed by pizza or pub food for lunch. After that, you could plan an afternoon of shopping at The Sponge Docks, followed by a Greek dinner and a show at the Tarpon Spring Cultural Center.
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