Island Taste

Eat here if you are not hungry and only when you’re alone. The food takes forever and when it finally comes it doesn’t come at the same time as the rest of your party. My friend and I received our food 30 minutes after the rest of the people at our table. The service is horrible.

I love going on Wednesdays and Thursdays on Wednesdays the bartender Shawna thats my favorite she has great customer service and makes the beat drinks the atmosphere is nice music is definitely great I don’t really go often for food but when I do its a bit too spicy for me it should be a better variety. On Thursdays when I go to Ladies Night out all of the bartenders are amazing friendly, great customer service and drinks on point. Great place to socialize

HORRIBLE! ! ! service is trash. Had to wait and hour because they only had one chief working. NEVER AGAIN!!!

I’ve been here a once before for apps and drinks and it was pretty good. Last night I opted to try having dinner. And I have to say I wasn’t pleased at all. We ordered drinks and an wings and they came pretty quickly. However my dinner took over an hour! I had to ask over an over for my food. I didn’t get it until I walked over near the kitchen and told them I didn’t want it anymore. A woman who I believe was the manager told me «if I was the 11^th person seated there would be 10 orders before mine. So I asked her then why did the 2 tables that sat after me had already been served. She says «that’s not right then walked away. That was it! She left never to be seen again. I felt bad for my server who was very polite, so I still have her a 10 $ tip on a 100 $ bill (I usually tip better FYI). Anyway I took my food to go when it finally came at 9:50 but we arrived at 8:30.

Please support Chicks Love Brunch next holiday season. My friend, Serena, is one of the chefs for this promotion.

I went here with a friend of mine and it was sort of a mixed bag. As a place to get drinks and dance I definitely see the appeal, as a place to eat and make conversation, it really isn’t meant for that.
Originally I ordered the Jerked Chicken with peas and rice and vegetables. The waitress left to put in the orders and came back 15 – 20 minutes later to tell us they were out of jerked chicken, I didn’t have the menu anymore so I switched to the curry goat that the person I was with was having with the same sides. Again the waitress left and cam back with out food maybe 20 – 25 minutes later but with different sides, the rice and peas and a salad. She told us they were out of vegetables (which was fine) but asked if we would like dressing for out salads. I said no since the service thus far had been cheerful and helpful but unfortunately kind of slow (I think she may have been over whelmed with the number of tables, I didn’t really see another server, they may have had someone call in sick) but I kind of wished she had just brought Italian or something on the side.
The food, though not what I ordered was really well cooked, well spiced, excellent food. The Goat was had quite a bit of bone but otherwise was very good. The rice and salad weren’t noteworthy but not bad either. The music was playing very loud in the dining area to the point where you really couldn’t hear each other talk but that’s not really a bad point, just not what I was looking for. Though if you like that sort of club scene it’d very much be your thing. Ihave to say I went on a Wednesday so I was kind of disappointed that so much of the menu was out. You’d think an early lunch on Wednesday most things would still be available. I’d say if you want to go there and check it out order from the specials the waitress recommends, they’re certain to be in stock.
While Looking at the menu it looked like there were $ 3 drinks for happy hour which seemed like a good deal, especially considering how large they seemed, and other reviewers have said they were strong.

I attended a NYE party at Island Taste on 12÷31÷15. I purchased my ticket the day before for $ 20 which included free food and champagne. I met up with my girls and we were amongst the first of the party goers. It was early and the staff was still setting up. The Dj tested his sound system which was extremely loud. It was as if they placed speakers behind our heads. He was making strange sounds and blasting the music at an unnecessary level.
They were already enjoying their rum punch. After exchanging pleasantries I decided to get myself a drink. I was waiting at the bar and was completely ignored until I called someone over. The $ 10 rum punch I ordered wasn’t strong. It was mainly sweet. I figured I’ll stick with it being that I was unsure what else to order.
At one point a staff member walked over to us and said there may be some people who’d like to buy bottles and if that’s the case they will need to use the table we were using. I thought it was strange but it ended up working out just fine.
There’s two things that I find disturbing about I.T. One being the lack of enforcing a dress code. Women came in with overalls and sneakers as if it were a 80’s party. They were the very same group that started trouble with a drunk guy and tried to start another fight with my girl.
Also the food they served was beyond spicy. It was flaming spicy. Not your typical Caribbean taste. It was not edible nor enjoyable. Things that shouldn’t have been spicy were. I want to come back here for dinner and see if they can redeem themselves and receive 5 stars.

Rasta pasta with esco shrimp. Its sooooo goooooddddddddd try it. Earlier in the evening it’s a restaurant pretty small but nice venue and at night it’s a lounge however the waiters do take a while to serve the tables but they are nice respectable waiters i would visit again hopefully to try the Sunday brunch

Ok Rasta pasta, drinks take too long. I waited 15 – 20 mins for my cocktail when I was seated for dinner and it happened again. If you know you will want another drink make sure you order 30 minutes before the first drink is done.

Very unprofessional staff. I waited over an hour, just to be told that they didnt have any curry lobster that my boyfriend and I ordered. The waitress spilled drinks all over my white shirt. She did apologize for it and I got a free drink, but no one came to clean up the mess. The only reason why I gave 2 stars, is because the drinks were on point!

Great food only reason for 4 stars is they need more help waitress wise but with the unlimited Bellini’s I hardly noticed lol

I decided to finally try the brunch event that has been there for a few weeks, «Chicks Love Brunch» and was disappointed in everything. I went on 12÷6÷15 and here is my experience:
I went with my 2 sisters, cousin, niece and 2 nephews. Island Taste has moved further into the block which allows for more seating however they don’t use it wisely or do not have enough tables and chairs. I reserved a table of 10 but then changed to 6 and unfortunately had to wait for people to finish eating for another table.
The promoter of chicks love brunch really as no control over the staff and also tried to help but could not.
The waitress took half the tables orders, I personally had to get up and get more mimosas which took forever. There was no music until about 4pm then it was blasting at one point that you couldn’t hold a conversation with the person next to you.
The food was… we order 2 plates of wings which came out cold. The orders of mussels would have been good but that too was barely warm. I ordered the jerk shrimp and grits which was okay. The chicken and waffles should be chicken and waffle because its one waffle which was smaller than an Eggo frozen waffles. Unfortunately because there was no order in regards to checking on food or the table, my sister and niece were over the place and no longer wanted the oxtails and grits. We never ate the desserts. The mimosas were horrible which is why we asked for plain champagne. I noticed while getting my own drinks that they pour the entire bottle into a jug which is a big no no for champagne as it makes it flat when using for mimosas. One bartender was taking shots of Jack Daniels to the head-​night time fine but for brunch its a bit much.
The manager was walking around chewing gum however she did come after we asked and tried to help but it was too late. The waitress argued that she did take everyone’s order when she didn’t.
The thought of coming here was to support a black owned business however they have a lot to review and correct in terms of services and how they treat their customers. We all felt that we were an after thought and for spending almost 2.5 hours there we left hungry.
I don’t go to places to take pictures for instagram and unfortunately this place seems to be good only for that and not their service. I hope they change for the better until then I will continue to leave my borough for a better brunch.

My first visit was in the summer on a Wednesday. I was introduced to this spot by Michael Parker. First and for most the food and drinks are OUT OF THIS WORLD! I love the new spot, the only problem it don’t have the space like the old one as far as dancing. I don’t like that you have to make reservations, if not you can sit at the bar, but if the bar is full, now what? Now if I’m in Queens and decide to stop there, and can’t just sit any where I will be upset only because I live in Harlem and if I want Island Taste Food, I want there food. IJS! I think they should change that. Thank you, Ms. Moore

This place is a hit & miss. I LOVED it the first time I went. I sat at the bar so the bartender was very attentive. The drinks were strong & only $ 2.50 (Wednesday nights), the food was good & came quickly. I was so pleased that I came back w. My coworkers. That was a circus. They accommodated the group w. Seating that was reserved for later in the night (Very nice of them). But our server was HORRIBLE. She never came to check on us after taking our orders. Someone else brought the food out & when we asked for an additional order of fries we were told they had no more w. An attitude only to have some mysteriously going to another table a few minutes later. Water spilled & was left there the whole time, they all gave attitudes about seeing it but nobody cleaned it. When we wanted to pay the waitress reappeared and automatically got loud with us about splitting the tab which we weren’t even trying to do. LASTLY .I got take out recently & the girl who gave me my food decided to tip herself on my card after I left. UNPROFESSIONAL.

I just visited this spot during my weekend visit to New York and this is the first happy hour spot that we hit. I will definitely go back because the drink prices were on point! We ordered basically top shelf drinks and our bill was VERY nice and affordable. We didn’t order any food but what I saw come out from the kitchen looked pretty good. The bartender told us that they have live reggae bands in there that start around 9pm and that seems like it would be a nice setup. They advertised a ($ 25) brunch for that Sunday with bottomless mimosas that sounded like it would be good.
We got a great spot on the street and I’m not sure if they have a private lot or not.
I will definitely visit again!

They recently opened a new location and the atmosphere is really nice. The food is really good. Very tasty and well seasoned. Good portions. The drinks are ok. The staff however needs some training. Their customer service skills are horrible. If you happen to sit down for food be prepared for a very long wait. There were no silverware or napkins on the table. There was one waitress that was struggling to help everyone seated. The wrong food and drinks were bought to our table and it was almost as if it was a guessing game. Then to top it off when she bought us our credit card and receipt to sign she didn’t know which credit card belonged to us. Pure chaos. This place potential if they make the necessary changes.

The food is food is great, the drinks are even better. They would have gotten 5 stars, I had to take off one for the service. I usually give less for bad service but they are fairly knew so they need more time.
Once they get it together with service they will be a sure 5 stars.
The manager seemed very lost on this day, she didn’t know what to do nor how to manage the Restaraunt when the large crowd came.

I’ve been coming here since they’ve opened and the service was much better then. They’ve become to big for their britches and have no appreciation for their new or established patrons.
I brought a family member to Island Taste in July and experienced the same thing as a previous reviewer. Like Jasmine B stated I was harassed about parking. We parked in a legal parking space close to the lounge and was asked to move. It was suggested that we illegally block a driveway in front just to free up the space. I was told by an owner that If we did not move the car we’d be denied access. So we left.
FYI: it is illegal to hold a parking space on a public street. Those who come in contact with these illegal barriers such as parking barricades, cones or garbage cans feel free to contact 911, 311, or DOT.

Great food. Excellent music. Place is nestled right on the corner of Merrick n’ 24^th st. Very small location with great backyard access with tables and chairs and umbrellas too accommodate whatever your needs maybe. They have an excellent menu. Wednesday seafood special are mouth watering. Their happy hour from 5 – 10., with $ 5.00 mason jar drinks., like rum punch., long island ice tea. Even this blue drink I believe was blue island tea. Also had their sweet and sour shrimp. Excellent. Will return.

So the stars for this place are really dependent on what you’re expecting when you walk in. A friend asked me if I wanted to go out for some Rasta Pasta so I was expecting a restaurant. This is your typical local bar. I came at 9:00, but my friends were there towards the end of happy hour. ($ 5 strong drinks) The music was low enough to talk, and the food though it took an hour to arrive, was pretty good. My friends ordered my food for me around 8:45 and I got it a little before 10. By then the music was blaring and I was screaming at my friends trying to have a conversation with them.
We noticed people getting charged at the door and the comedy show host let us know there was a show starting in a few minutes so we waited… And waited… And waiteddddd. It finally started around 11:30, and ok the host was slightly funny but everyone else sucked so bad. I feel bad for anyone who paid for that show, I would recommend coming RIGHT before they start charging If you are that bored on a Monday night. I will say it was a tough crowd for a comedy show, but maybe if the comedians were actually funny it wouldn’t have been.
If I ever do come back it’ll be for food, but definitely getting the check by 9:00!