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!More

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.More

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.More

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.More

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

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.More

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!

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.More

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.More

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.More

Kelly's been a staple in Athens for awhile and even some top chef's places to suggest. I was rather disappointed with the food and atmosphere. All the sides and meat have definitely cooked all day and are close to mush. The jerk chicken is spicy,...almost too much that it's not good. If you're just visiting for a short stay in Athens and want some island feel & food, I'd suggest up go Lumpkin St to Cali N Tito's instead.More

Great food at a reasonable price! Everything is good and the jerk pork and chicken is spicy. Plenty of options if you don't like spicy food. Service is good. They sometimes run out of things so get there earlier if there is a popular dish...you want. I have been going there regularly for 7 years and is easily one of the best restaurants in Athens.More