Food, Mood, Music are all First Rate
DESCRIPTION: This fantastic hideaway is an amazing find. My husband and I were simply strolling 125th Street as we came across this restaurant front, unlike anything else on 125th Street. The brass railing and mohagony wood front drew us inside. The room looked very stylish and a standing review of the menu said not pricey and a lot of seafood options. We had a slight wait at the bar for a table, but I meet a fun bar crew and the drinks were tasty and mood altering. The true reward was not the pretty room or the great live music, although both were noteworthy, the seafood dishes were exceptional. The whole fish dishes are the best I have ever had. My husband is a meat eater and swears by the beef ribs and by the smoked beef brisket. Everything combined for a wonderful outing we've gone back a few times taking friends. We come off looking like geniuses.
DATE: 2004-02-18
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Curried Coconut Salmon, Snapper Run-Down, St. Louis Barbecue, Rum Cake

Finger Licking Good Pretty Restaurant
DESCRIPTION: This gem of a restaurant is an amazing find in Harlem. Conveniently located in Harlem i/2 block east of the 2 or 3 train. Vegetarians and carnivores can all take delight in the tasty offerings. Best Beef ribs I ever tasted and the snapper run-down with onion, bell peppers in a savory coconut sauce is amazing. Try to go Monday through Thursday. There's a line on weekends unless you go early or late. Take your friends, they will sing your praises.
DATE: 2004-05-23
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : St. Louis Ribs or any of the Barbecues, Brown-Stewed Snapper, Curried Shrimp

great for carry-out place
DESCRIPTION: Want some jerk chicken? This is the place. I was a big fan of the Rum Cake too.
DATE: 2003-12-17
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Jerk Chicken Platter

Torrible, unequal service
DESCRIPTION: My friends and I had the strangest experience at the Mango House. Though we were excited about the food which we heard was delicious, the staff was rather unfriendly, and refused to seat us though there were tables available. After sitting at the bar for a while, they finally let us sit at a table, and then, because we had been waiting we were hungry, but we had 1 friend who had called and said she would be late. When we asked if we could order for the rest of the group, we were told it didn't matter: they would only bring all the dishes out together, so we would have to wait for our friends anyway. After sitting for half an hour or so, they finally brought us their delicious basket of sweet potato chips. The other tables were mainly occupied by couples (who had received their basket well before we did), but while one basket was good for three people (2 when they were starved like us!), they would only bring our party of 5 one - they made us pay for the second basket. After the last friend arrived, they finally took our order, and the food took a really long time to arrive, but it was pretty good. Our waitress was not very friendly, but at least we had food finally! Then they brought us the bill, which was written in the strangest way I'd ever seen a bill written, with various orders combined, and they took so long in getting our credit card that we finally took it to the front. Then, they took about 20 minutes to get the card back to us. Basically, we showed up at 7:15 and left a little after 10:00. We all agreed we would never go back again. It seems odd for me to have this happen at a Caribbean restaurant, but my friends and I couldn't help but notice that we were the only people of color at the restaurant - everyone else was white, and seemed to get faster service than we did.
DATE: 2003-07-01
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 2
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 2
RECOMMENDED DISHES : fried plantains, curried chicken, dum aloo

A wonderful journey into the Carribean
DESCRIPTION: As you walk into the door you feel you Jamaica with the restaurant's vivid tropical colors and casual ambiance. At our table were those incredible sweet potato chips. The three of us found it impossible to stop at just one basket. We ordered a wide variety of entrees and desserts and found them consistently flavorful. The service, which included refilling of our water glasses at the appropriate times, was excellent.
DATE: 2004-01-08
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8

Hot New (and Romantic) Spot
DESCRIPTION: The Mango House is a fabulous addition to the spicy cuisine of our favorite food city. Every dish we tried (and we've been several times) was delicious - all truly inventive and intensely flavorful. Sitting at the bar before dinner is a sensory treat - great island music, the wonderful aromas coming from the nearby kitchen are inticing, and the house rum-mango punch is the best drink around. The service matches the decor - lively, fun, casual. There's nothing too elegant or pretentious here - just a wonderful meal in a warm, cozy setting, perfect for dispelling the winter cold.
DATE: 2004-01-08
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : mango/hearts of palm salad, fish in banana leaves, all vegetables, key lime pie

What you talkin' bout, anonymous?
DESCRIPTION: Every time I have been to Mango House I have found the waitstaff to be extremely knowledgable and courteous. The food rocks, as well as the drinks, and it is all totally affordable. The atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming.
DATE: 2004-01-08
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : pepper pot, coconut shrimp

Loved It!
DESCRIPTION: Mango House was recommended to us by friends who live in New Orleans. The food, particularly the pork chops and the shrimp rundown, was great. The sweet potato chips are wonderful. Since the food is hot and fresh we didn't mind waiting a few extra minutes for our dinners. The mango colada was a favorite. The space is cheerful and warm, the food great, and the prices are more than reasonable. In fact, we liked it so much we ate there twice.
DATE: 2004-01-09
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Jerk Pork Chops, Shrimp Rundown,Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf

Fun, Unique Experience
DESCRIPTION: My friends and I recently had dinner at the Mango House, and it was one of the best dining experiences of recent memory. When we arrived on a Friday, the place was full, so we put our names on the list at the front door. We were going to wait there, but the host informed us we would be much more comfortable at the bar. The bar is tiny (only 4 seats)and already had 3 people there waiting, but one of our party of 4 got to sit and we stood. The bartender offered us drinks while we were waiting, showed us the specialty cocktail menu and made some recommendations of her favorites. She boasted that they served the best Mojitos in New Orleans, so we took her up on it. They were phenomenal! We were only waiting about 10 minutes when our table was ready. We sat down and were given the sweet potato chips that Mango House is known for. They're so simple, yet so good; it's hard not to order basket after basket. Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable, which was helpful as our knowledge of Caribbean food was virtually nil. We all decided to get something different, and sample each other's fare. We started with empanadas, callaloo soup (a soup made with coconut milk, crabmeat and spinach), coconut shrimp, and stamp n go(codfish patties served with a side of habanero sauce). All the appetizers were full of spice and flavor, making it easier to sample another special cocktail. This time we tried Dark and Stormy, a dark rum and ginger been with lime. Again, Primo! For dinner we chose Jerk Chicken, Crab Cakes, Shrimp Rundown and Pepper Pot Beef Stew. The jerk was sweet and spicy, the shrimp were cooked with coconut milk and tomatoes giving the sauce a nice red color, the pepper pot was great but VERY spicy, and the crab cakes had the most delightful delicate crisp shell and were topped with an avocado sauce that smoothed everything out nicely. Still undaunted, we went for the full ride and order cuban espresso and some after dinner rums. We had a Haitian rum which I cannot remember the name of, and a light rum called Prichard's. We coupled the drink with the Banana Rum Brulee and Key Lime Pie. The whole experience was wonderful. The place was packed to capacity and bustling, yet we could still hear the strains of Tito Puente in our little corner. The staff was smiling a lot, they looked happy to be there, and we wondered if they got to eat those Sweet Potato chips all the time! Even though we went on a busy night, the food, the service and the ambience couldn't have been more enjoyable. I would recommend the Mango House without reservation to anyone thinking of trying it. It's worth it and it will have you longing to return the minute you've stepped out the door!
DATE: 2004-01-11
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Jerk Chicken, Shrimp Rundown, Callaloo Soup, Banana Rum Brulee

Sweet Potato Chips
DESCRIPTION: So, "what is a sweet potato chip?", I asked. My girlfriend said that it's different, but I'd like it. I've heard that before, so I was still a little skeptical. Then we walked in this cool little restuarant, unique in every way right down the sweet potato chips (which turned out to be my favorite). I actually took some home with me. I had the signature jerk chicken for my entree; it was excellent. Mango House offers friendly service with a "come as you are" feel. I'm definately going back.
DATE: 2004-01-13
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Sweet Potato Chips

Unequal Service?--What?
DESCRIPTION: I have no idea what the person who wrote the first review of Mango House is talking about. I am a frequent diner at The Mango House. Every time I have eaten there, not only has the food been wonderful, but the service is also very warm. As an African-American womann, I would like to recommend this restaurant to all, and do not feel I have ever received unqual, "terrible" service.
DATE: 2004-03-29
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Stamp and Go, Key Lime Pie

Rubbery chicken
DESCRIPTION: Watery drinks, rubbery chicken--that I waited an hour for. It wasn't THAT busy. Didn't have a good time at all. Cute place; needs work.
DATE: 2004-06-25
FOODRATING : 2
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 2

Good Food, Good Music
DESCRIPTION: I live just down the street from this fantastic little place. The atmosphere is fun and the food is fabulous. I highly recommend the jerk pork and chicken. You might think you've had some good BBQ, but you haven't had anything like this. They serve it with a side of red beans and rice that are perfectly seasoned and tender. If you have not discovered Jamerica yet, get yourself down to Willy street and loose yourself in the Caribbean.
DATE: 2003-06-11
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : jerk chicken

I Miss It So
DESCRIPTION: I live in the Pacific Northwest after many years in Madison, where I lived a mile from Jamerica. I miss it so, sometimes I absolutely ache for it. It reminded me of Caribbean places in my old home terrain of DC and Philly, and of the food of my Jamaican friends and neighbors. The place has absolutely nothing yuppiefied about it, unlike many other Jamaican restaurants. The jerk goat and mango rundown I still yearn for, and Jamerica is my first, last, and sometimes only stop when I am on business in Madison and eating out. The food is wonderful, the owners are like the folks next door who are cooking for you because they love you...and they know what they're doing. The ambiance is perfect - oilcloth tablecloths, no frills but all the essentials, self-serve beverages, and Jah own voice wailing thru the air, mon. One other thing - the fried plantains. Not greasy atall. I'm getting tears in my eyes just thinking about them. Go. Eat. Relax. Give Martin a kiss for me.
DATE: 2005-04-27
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : jerk goat, mango rundown, callaloo, fried plantains

Great place to get some good Jamaican food.
DESCRIPTION: If you are a person who likes to eat natural food, this is the place. Yam and banana and dumplins. If you like calaloo, ackee and salt fish, this is the place. If you like curry goat, ox tail, brown stew chicken and my favorite brown stew fish or escovite fish then this is the place for you. This place makes a vegetartian start eating fish and I would eat the meat too if I man didn't find a little inner strenth left to resist. Mi a tell you star, di food is dat good.
DATE: 2003-03-19
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : The whole menu.

I love the place
DESCRIPTION: I've been looking for a nice Jamaican spot when I moved from NYC because we all know your not getting food like NYC. But cool running has really good food and the price is very good for the amount of food that they give you. I suggest that you find the restaurant and try the food out.
DATE: 2005-01-11
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Jerk Chicken, Stew Chicken

A True Jamaican Restaurant
DESCRIPTION: I visted this restaurant in April of 2005, and fell in love with it. True Jamaican dishes that will delight and make your taste bud budding. I love this place and recommend it strongly.
DATE: 2005-07-31
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Rice & Peas with Stew Chicken

Buyer beware
DESCRIPTION: Dining in is fine...Take out is another story. The food was delicious, however, we ordered extra meat and got less than normal and paid much more money. Just check your take-out order before you leave.
DATE: 2002-11-06
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Curried goat and Jerk chicken

Decent
DESCRIPTION: My wife and I love the oxtail stew. The curry goat is also very good. Prices are decent too. Try it!
DATE: 2003-01-24
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Ox tail stew or Curry goat over rice

GREAT FOOD, GREAT SERVICE....
DESCRIPTION: THE BBQ RIBS, CURRY GOAT, OXTAIL,AND PATTY DELICIOUS. THE ATMOSPHERE IS ALWAYS PLEASANT AND CLEAN, FRIENDLY CUSTOMER SERVICE. OVERALL A GREAT PLACE TO EAT.
DATE: 2006-03-06
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : BBQ RIBS, CURRY GOAT, AND OXTAIL.

DESCRIPTION: The only Jamaican restaurant I have found that I like. I live in Suffolk, L. I. Taking the subway to 133rd is way out of my way, but I do it about once a year. I was taken there by a friend, Clarence Wilson, the first time. I have taken many others there since, particularly out-of-towners when I want New York to make an impression.
DATE: 2003-05-22
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : curried goat is my favorite

Good food
DESCRIPTION: I really like the food here. It always tastes fresh. The portions are generous and the staff is friendly.
DATE: 2003-10-27
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Stew chicken, plantains, peas&rice

Awesome food
DESCRIPTION: The food is wonderful and the owner, Beverley, is personable, helpful, and a total sweetheart. Some of the other employees who work the front counter can be a little slow and frustrating.
DATE: 2005-05-13
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : The patties, coco bread, and salmon escoveitch

Nothing to do with Havana Cuba ... NOTHING.
DESCRIPTION: I was dissapointed because in another site It (Havana Bar & Rest.) was listed as having Cuban Cuisine which I do love. But as soon as I sat down and opened the menu ... There was NOTHING even close to Cuban Cuisine. Got up and Left. Sorry. It just really got to Me that it listed on one of the websights as having Cuban Cuisine and then when I got there ... It felt like false advertising. Sorry.
DATE: 2003-01-05
OVERALLRATING : 4

HI
DESCRIPTION: FOOD WAS VERY GOOD. BUT SERVICE IN INSIDE BAR VERY SLOW. BEERS ARE ALSO NOT VERY COLD.
DATE: 2003-01-08
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 6