Seemor
The IslandsB+Worth Trying
671 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
· Caribbean restaurant, Bar & grill, Jamaican restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (586 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Flavor-forward Jamaican comfort food with standout oxtail, jerk chicken, and escovitch fish; generous portions and warm vibes, but service can be slow and inconsistent on busy nights.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
The Islands delivers exceptional food quality with standout dishes like oxtail and escovitch fish that justify its strong reputation, but inconsistent execution and slow service on busy nights prevent a higher grade. The restaurant excels at what it does—authentic Jamaican comfort with generous portions and fair pricing—yet operational reliability gaps keep it from competing with the area's most polished establishments.
Restaurant Summary
The Islands feels like a neighborhood living room where plates land generous and the air smells of pimento and coconut. Service is often warm and personal, and one guest raved, "Meat slid right off the bone and the sauces sang." On busy nights, though, expect a wait; a few diners reported long delays and even lost tickets. The cooking leans classic Jamaican comfort: oxtail with rich gravy, jerk chicken, curry goat, and escovitch branzino or snapper. Flavors are bold, portions hearty, and the best bites taste home-cooked in the best way. A couple of items, like mac and cheese, can vary by batch, but most plates bring serious satisfaction. Families fit right in. Portions are shareable, and kids can stick to rice and peas, plantains, mac, or milder chicken. There is a true vegetarian lane too (curry vegetables, ackee with nori). No formal kids menu, but the straightforward sides make it easy to build a kid-friendly plate.
At a Glance
- Oxtail, escovitch fish, and curry goat earn consistent praise
- Portions are large and prices are fair for the amount
- Service can be slow with occasional ticket mishaps on busy nights
- Mac and cheese quality varies notably by batch
- One review reports significant card surcharge; consider bringing cash
What Sets It Apart
- fall_off_the_bone_oxtail
- whole_fish_escovitch
- family_run_hospitality
What People Love
- Deep, comforting stews and jerk flavors
- Fall-off-the-bone meats
- Generous portions that create leftovers
- Neighborhood, family-run warmth
Points of Concern
- Service delays and lost tickets reported on peak nights; patience required
- Quality variance on mac and cheese and occasional dry jerk
- Possible card surcharge reported by a diner; verify before paying
- A few isolated food safety complaints; not a consistent pattern but worth noting
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$36-50 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair oxtail or curry goat with rice and peas and plantains for balance
- For lighter plates, choose steamed salmon ($25) with cabbage and jasmine rice
- Vegetarians: curry vegetables ($16) or ackee & nori ($18) with roti skin ($5)
Perfect For
- Casual weeknight comfort-food cravings
- Group dinners where sharing works well
- Seafood lovers seeking whole-fish escovitch
- Takeout when you want hearty portions
Location Insights
Area: Leafy brownstone blocks with a neighborhood feel; mix of families, longtime locals, and weekend diners.
Safety: Generally safe and well-trafficked, especially evenings; typical city awareness advised.
Nearby: Near Prospect Park, Brooklyn Museum, and bar/cafe strips; steady takeout traffic reported.
Prospect HeightsProspect Heights offers a dynamic dining scene with a blend of trendy restaurants, casual eateries, and classic Brooklyn establishments. The area is known for its cultural institutions, proximity to Prospect Park, and a lively yet community-oriented atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–22:30
Tuesday12:00–22:30
Wednesday12:00–22:30
Thursday12:00–22:30
Friday12:00–22:30
Saturday12:00–22:30
Sunday12:00–22:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →