EAT: FIRST LOOK AT JERK HOUSE ON 7TH AVENUE

Harlem Bespoke:  We have had a lot of good jerk chicken around town over the years but the new Jerk House on Adam Clayton Powell just north of 127th Street just might be the best of them all.  The fast casual spot has just been open since November and serves everything up takeout style with small orders going for $8 for the chicken.  Everything looks restaurant quality in the prepared section at the counter and the kitchen is industrial grade out back but seating really only accommodates about a dozen between a few communal high tables.

We especially like that the jerk chicken is chopped up per order and the offering itself is quite exceptional.  The seasoned skin has the dry spice texture along with a glazed quality with crispy charred edges.  Then the meat within is super moist on a level that we have not had before in Harlem.  Sides such as the mac and cheese are abundant in flavor and served in a huge portion.  Seasoned cabbage and the requisite plantains also complimented this super satisfying order.

Soft drinks in the refrigerated area such as the ginger beer rounded things off and we could not help but think about what to try out next time at this affordable spot.  Fish and fried chicken under the glass looked incredibly amazing along with other offerings we were less familiar with.  As far as pocket-friendly meals go, Jerk House is probably one of the better ways to go uptown for fantastic Caribbean food.

HarlemBespoke.com 2020