KELLY'S JAMAICAN FOODS, Athens - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number

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Yes

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About

One of the best restaurants in Athens Classic. I was surprised to see it was not listed.

CUISINES

Caribbean, Jamaican

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly

Meals

Lunch, Dinner

FEATURES

Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible

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4.5

63 reviews

Excellent

38

Very good

18

Average

6

Poor

0

Terrible

1

84teacher

Toccoa88 contributions

What a Wonderful Surprise!

Apr 2024 • couples

We were lucky enough to experience Kelly’s fantastic food at Creature Comforts Brewery today! Oh, my! It was all spectacular! We now have a new favorite restaurant in Athens! Thanks, Kelly, for spectacular service and lunch!

Written April 20, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TerryHarbin

Eatonton134 contributions

Outstanding Jamaican Food!

Jan 2024 • couples

Wow, almost like being back in Jamaica. Friendly staff, easy access, and the food was outstanding. Will certainly come "home" again.

Written January 30, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

joanie30735

Dalton3910 contributions

Real Jerk Chicken! Best Place EVER!!

Jul 2019 • couples

While in the area my husband and I found this place. Thank Goodness we did!! It's a very small hole in the wall place that most people probably wouldn't want to go, but dang this place is AMAZING!! The owner is from Jamaica, and puts that love of Jamaica into his foods! We had the pleasure of speaking to him!! We both had the Jerk Chicken along with our 2 sides. I had the mac n' cheese with rice and my husband had greens and rice. We both had a slice of the corn bread. All was GREAT Tasting!! Get ready, if you do not like Really, Really Spicy foods then I do not recommend going here, because it is all VERY Spicy!! Honestly I had to drink 2 bottles of water, lol. And, both our noses were running, lol. But soooo worth it!! The foods were so tasty and just right out Good! We can't stop talking about how we wished there was a Jamaica Foods place near us! We also had a slice of the Red Velvet Cake, WOW!!! Out of this world Delicious! We actually got a slice to go! We loved our visit here not just for the foods but the atmosphere as well! Great foods with Great people! Would recommend anyone looking for that Real Jamaica Taste to go here! We will be making another visit here for sure!!

Written July 29, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

krdsmith

Bishop47 contributions

We love Kelly’s

Jun 2019 • family

My husband always gets the jerk pork. Since I don’t eat meat, I get a veggie plate- Mac n cheese, cabbage, and greens. The cabbage is absolutely amazing! Everything has just a little kick to it but not too spicy. Our kids like it too, especially the cornbread.

Written July 18, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Linda C Frazier

North End158 contributions

Amazing Food and Incredibly friendly people!

Feb 2019 • friends

Kelly catered a super bowl party yesterday. The food was amazing - the jerked chicken and the corn bread are a must have - and Kelly and his team were incredibly friendly. It was a party of about 250 people of all ages. Kelly and his team showed up early with some of the food prepared in advance so they were ready to go. Enough to go around for everyone with not too much left over so they planned it perfectly. I highly recommend them for your events!

Written February 4, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hillyer J

London20 contributions

Best restaurant by far in Athens, GA!

Oct 2018 • friends

Kelly's is by far the best restaurant of any type in Athens, Georgia! Kelly (the owner) is extremely friendly and welcoming to all of his guests, and he is truly inspirational. The food is top-notch. The jerk chicken has some spice, but there are plenty of other options if you don't like spicy food. The corn bread is the best corn bread I have ever had anywhere, and the same goes for the sweet tea. There are traditional Jamaican sides like rice & peas (beans) and plantains, and there are traditional Southern sides like mac & cheese and greens as well. You can't miss this place when in Athens!

Written January 2, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RetiredDawg

Athens46 contributions

Spicy and Friendly

Jul 2018 • couples

We visited the Epps Bridge Rd. location for lunch today. You would not go to this restaurant based on it's external appearance. But, once inside you'll love the food and the friendship with those working, especially Kelly himself if he is there. We had the jerk pork, and the spicy cabbage and spicy squash and loved them all. We ordered the "small" version that was plenty of food, especially for lunch. If you are the adventurous type or like Jamaican and/or spicy food, this is the place for you. We strongly recommend you give it a try. I think you'll return.

Written July 24, 2018

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

terryLCO

Greer570 contributions

Much like going to a jerk joint in Jamaica, rough but good food.

Jun 2018 • friends

Went with friends for the first time. Generous portions. I had lamb and I was pleased. Stewed squash and collards were HOT spicy and a bit sweet for me. Sugar added. Cornbread is also sweet. Others had chicken and pork. All were pleased. But the place itself is old and not spotless so if you’re a germiphobe forget it. But it’s much like anything you were really stopping at on the island. Been there.

Written June 18, 2018

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kenneth S

Jefferson City31 contributions

Kelly's review

Sep 2017 • friends

The food is really good but it is hot. If you are not a fan of hot food this is not a place for you? If you are a fan of hot food this is your place to eat. You will enjoy everything on the menu.

Written November 16, 2017

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ray K

Athens10 contributions

lots of food -- always good

Oct 2017 • friends

great place for a quick meal. They give you a big plate of delicious food for the regular size and the large is really big. Authentic Jamaican food

Written November 9, 2017

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lauren W

Tampa76 contributions

Horrible

Oct 2017 • friends

Now.... my parents....extended family is from Jamaica. I’m the first generation born and raised in the U.S. THIS FOOD WAS NOT JAMAICAN IN ANY SHAPE FORM OR FASHION. The cabbage was red & sweet, they served collards and cornbread, not dumpling and callaloo. I had to call my mom. 🤦🏾‍♀️ Of course ppl were there but check who they were. This was truly a disappointment. I don’t know who left previous reviews but they obviously don’t know Jamaican cuisine.

Written October 4, 2017

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

nandltravelers

Flowery Branch91 contributions

Excellent Dinner

Jun 2017 • couples

Kelly's jerk chicken is the best outside of Jamaica. Their food is as authentic as it gets. The sides: squash, collards, and cornbread are perfect accompaniments. This place is a treat for your tastebuds. We love it!

Written June 22, 2017

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Wegmanner

Goettingen40 contributions

ALLSPICE LOVER'S HEAVEN

Dec 2016 • solo

I've been here several times, which comprises my experience of Jamaican cuisine. Allspice appears to be a main spice in combination with aromatics such as onions and garlic. There are several types of meat choices, rice and peas, macaroni and cheese, cabbage, and corn bread. There are also curried beef or chicken patties - stuffed into a flaky-like crust. The general taste of the food is good, but significantly different from other cuisines. There is a lot of repetition of flavor. The macaroni and cheese is not like the usual Southern fare, but has a distinctive flavor that blends well with the other offerings. Remember, the more allspice the more intense - even hot - the food will be. There are combos offered in small and large sizes. The portions are large, the prices reasonable. It's worth a visit to expand one's culinary experience.

Written April 23, 2017

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alex E

Athens16 contributions

Not what it was hyped up to be IMO

Sep 2016 • solo

Got take out for lunch yesterday. $13 for large plate, which included meat, 2 sides, cornbread, and sweet tea. Enough food for 2 people, easily. I would get the small next time. Good value, good service. Onto the food: Jerk chicken: large came with 2 thighs and a drumstick. First off, super spicy! I liked it, very authentic. However, this chicken was so dry I often could not tell what was bone and what was meat. Due to dryness, I rate it 2/5. Mac N Cheese: LOOKED GREAT. Taste was not for me. I have had carribean mac n cheese before ( typically casserole/ lasagna style, sometimes with peppers and onions, etc) however this reminded me of goulash. It tasted like it had a lot of tomato sauce in it. Could not taste the cheese at all. Very mushy, 2/5. Peas N Rice: Fantastic. Nothing I would do different. Perfect with some of the jerk sauce mixed it. Not mushy. 5/5. Cornbread: Perfection. Some of the best I have had. Very sweet and moist. Tasted like cake. 5/5. Sweet tea: tasted like powdered/instant stuff. Very sweet. Nothing special. It was free, however I would have gotten something else had I payed for it. 2/5. Overall, food was a 3.2/5 based on scores. With service and value, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5. Be aware that it doesn't look very clean, kinda dirty, ice served out of cooler, etc.

Written September 21, 2016

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

willpwr03

Charlotte58 contributions

Authentic Caribbean

Jul 2016 • family

Food was good but not great. I had the curry chicken with greens & spicy cabbage. The chicken was tender and well seasoned. The greens were a little bland and the cabbage too spicy. My family all went for the bbq chicken with plantains and mac&cheese. The chicken was dry and they said the m&c tasted "odd". Plantains got the thumbs up and they had home made chicken patties which is always a plus in my book. Overall we were satisfied and would go back but vary our order next time.

Written July 9, 2016

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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