Queens Tribune

188-36 Linden Blvd., St. Albans
(718) 525-3069
CUISINE: Caribbean and American
HOURS: Mon to Sat 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Southeast Queens may be filled with Caribbean restaurants, but Jean’s Restaurant is one of the more popular ones, having been opened for some time now and is worth the trip.
Once you step in from the busy corner of Farmers and Linden Boulevards there is a welcoming atmosphere. The staff greet you with warm smiles and the smell of tasty Caribbean dishes takes you away from the hustle of Queens to a more leisurely shore.

Portraits of famous Caribbean and African American popular personas greet customers by the door. Jean’s strikes a delicate balance between a homey feel and a dancehall vibe, with African and Caribbean art and glossy color photos of tropical beaches decking its walls, combined with pulsating reggae music playing quietly in the background.

The staff is rather friendly and easygoing, which helps to create a jovial atmosphere that is contagious to customers.

Jean’s menu offers basic Caribbean dishes but with plenty of variety – and the restaurant is notorious for the large portions of food that it serves at reasonable prices.

The usual Caribbean feast that comprise of oxtail, curried goat, stewed beef, and codfish dishes are served here at Jean’s. Don’t be afraid – it’s quite delicious.

Lunch dishes vary in price from $6.95 to $12 and a variety soups and lunch specials are made daily.

Feast on the fried bammy, which is a dough made from cassava and served with fried fish. This is a popular Jamaican treat that is often served at beach parties.

Every Caribbean restaurant serves the ever-popular jerked chicken, and Jean’s is no exception. The jerked chicken is sold by the quarter or halved, ($8 to $12), and is one of the best in the borough.

A variety of homemade juices are made daily, and you can always find bottled beverages from the Caribbean. They range in price anywhere from $1.25 and $3.25. Try the ginger beer with its tangy and sweet flavor, a definite a thirst quencher and nice touch to any meal.

Hop on over to Jean’s for a tropical escape and tasty treat.