Carib Shack

Great restaurant: excellent atmosphere and delicious food. The portions are large so bring your appetite.

Sadly, I am coming to the end of my Jerk Pork Bowl as I write this. The Cuban sandwich also looked remarkable. The service is more than «Island Friendly» and the island expression «soon come» was not in play as the freshly prepared meal was delivered to my table very quickly.
The combination of the cabbage, coconut rice and jerk pork was a perfect marriage of taste and texture.
This will be a permanent stop on my travels through VA Beach

Absolutely hits the spot! Surprised there weren’t long lines out the door. Great food, great service!

Vinny and Stephanie are putting out some righteous food at Carib Shack. Every item I have ever ordered on every visit reflects the care and dedication they put into it. Everything on the menu is worth ordering and devouring.
This is a great place to spend your money. The flavor to dollar ratio is off the charts.

It was good, but it is not authentic. I wanted goat or oxtail but nothing like that exists in this place where chicken, pork and beef rule. The meal i ordered was pretty decent, spiced well, although lentils and coconut rice isnt usually what i get (rice and beans).
All in all, it is good if you dont know what carribean food is about, but if you want the real stuff, try elsewhere.

Let me first say that the food is as delicious as all the previous reviews says that it is. This place didn’t dissapoint is the quality and taste of the food. I ordered the shack size Curry chicken which came with coconut rice and peas and curry potatoes. I want sure if i was going to like the taste of the coconut rice but i loved it too. The chicken was seasoned well with the curry flavor and was juicy. Now onto the best part of my meal… the plantains. AMAZING. Best I’ve ever had, i might dream about them tonight lol. Sweet like candy and delicious. Went with coworkers and one couldn’t have the rice so she got a side of plantains instead for me. I ate them all in one sitting. The only issue was the portion to price ratio. I’ve gotten 3x as much food at MP’s with just as good curry chicken for the same price.

Not a fancy place, they don’t even have restrooms. But, don’t let that stop you from trying this place! I had delicious coconut rice with angus beef cooked perfectly. My daughter had the cubano. Everything was excellent! I highly recommend.

My food was not at like any of the pictures! It was 75% rice which was made with what I assume was pigeon (gungo) peas and not the traditional kidney peas. I didn’t taste any flavor from a scotch bonnet pepper or the coconut milk. It actually tasted like Knorr cheesey rice out the pack. I had jerk pork cut into squares??? The flavor was good it just wasn’t traditional jerk with the jerk sauce. There were also a few pieces of the chicken mixed up in my plate, also cut into squares??? The cabbage was very bland and buried under the ton of rice. Everything is boneless and appears to be cut into squares??? If you have ever eaten in Jamaica you will immediately know the differences. This is definitely a no go for me. I posted a pic of my rice. Please compare it to the other pics. There is a huge difference!!!

If there was a 6^th star they would get it! The jerk chicken was great… and so was everything else. very friendly staff. Ask for the hot sauce!

Take this name literally. It is a «shack». So do not expect to bring the entire family and friends for some island food. This place is great. Stephanie was the cashier and was perfect with her service. Most island restaurants that I’ve been to here in the US don’t really take the time out to talk. They take your money, give you food, then kick you out. Not here. She was perfect even before I got my food I made up in my mind that I will returning here. Now on to the food. PERFECT. I ordered the shack jerk. The chicken was succulent, spiced to perfection. Please come by to see what all the fuss is about. Carib shack makes me want to buy a plane ticket to the Virgin Islands just to grab some food. But since I can’t afford it, I’ll be returning here again.

Small place, not really setup for dine in but I would highly recommend ordering online and taking it home. We had Mamas beef, jerk chicken & curry chicken plus rice & peas. Hard to say which was best, other than it probably comes down to your taste preference. The jerk was moderately spicy (I like things hot!) but had really rich flavor. Curry wasnt too strong or bitter and the mamas beef had a tasty complexity.

This place is really good. I had the cuban sandwich and jerk chicken bowl with coconut rice. I think the cuban is pretty good for its 7.99 price. I still think the best one is at mojito café, but this is really close and much cheaper. The jerk chicken bowl is definitely where this place shines though. The chicken is sooooo good. It has a tasty, spicy, tangy flavor that compliments well with the rice. I definitely will opt for white rice next time, but I think only because of the asian in me. Definitely try this place out if you are in the area because you won’t be disappointed. Next time, I want to try their rum cake.

Great local spot on Shore Drive. We live nearby and after reading some reviews my wife and I decided to try it out tonight. We used their online ordering system which worked very well and it even allows you to ask for substitutions. We placed our order and received a confirmation from the restaurant our order would be ready in 11 minutes.
I ordered the big bowl of shack jerk chicken with coconut rice. This is a huge amount of food and I as a big eater could only eat half of it. The jerk chicken was spiced well and had a nice kick. The rice was very good as well.
My wife got the curry chicken and she enjoyed it. We also got two chocolate coconut macaroons that were amazing.

I finally tried this place and wasn’t disappointed. This is mostly a take out place, there are only three booths and all food is served in takeout containers and it closes by 8pm. The drinks sold are canned soft drinks. The eat in is counter service, but they do bring the food to the table. The food was some of the best Caribbean I have had. The jerk pork and shack chicken flavors were deep. The coconut rice was delicious. There plantains were great. The bowl size is huge perfect for me. My wife could have probably got away with the smaller shack size. The big bowl is huge and probably is enough for 2 or three. Each comes with a protein, coconut rice and cabbage. Can’t wait to go back.

Not much more to say than the other 5 star reviews. I love this spot, good food and will keep coming back. Second an earlier comment that the Shack size or small size for entrees is a good idea. Have to admit I never had the Shack size as I’m always getting the large, the food is too good.

Very personable and friendly staff. I love the affordable snack shack option. It looks small but it packs a lot of food.
I ordered the curry chicken and coconut rice and peas. The rice and peas surprised me with their sweetness but it grew on me. The curry chicken wasn’t quite as seasoned as I prefer but it was fresh and the boneless meat is awesome. I mixed my rice and meat together and enjoyed it that way.
Plantains are great! A little sweeter than I’m used to but still great. Cuz they’re plantains.
I thought the rum cake would look like the brownie style rum cake I’ve had before. It’s actually more like a rum infused bundt cake. It’s light, fluffy and Ah-​may-​zing! The rum flavor is strong but not burning strong.

Amazing Food and Awesome Owners
I was recently invited to join-​up with fellow Unilocaler J David H. to try out this business for lunch. At first I was a little hesitant about the type of food as I’m not much of a curry guy but decided to give it a try anyway. I know there’s been at least a several number of times I’ve driven past Carib Shack and would have never known were it was located, due to the awkward location of the business as the front faces to the North towards Shore Drive and there isn’t any signage on the Western side of the business to be able to know its there.
Upon walking in, the eating area was a bit small but at the same time its these small spaces are so unique at times to the actual business itself that its often the places that have the most business it seems. Prior to ordering David had given me a few updated details about the place and his initial thoughts about Carib Shack form his initial visit and then briefly introduced me to Steph one of the owners. She was extremely attentive and understanding when ordering that the time couldn’t eat rice on this visit and offered a little extra of the curry portion instead which was awesome I thought, so I ended up trying/​having the Jerk Chicken. The first thing that came to my mind was, OMG! It was soo good, I almost felt guilty asking for another plate it was that good. All of the food is bought fresh daily and cooked made to order so it does take some time to make if you’re in a hurry. After we were finished eating Steph asked if I’d like a slice of her Rum cake that she made that morning to which I politely accepted. YUMM! Need I say more?
It was after dessert and looking around I felt a strong 4 star review, yet felt there was something missing with the interior décor. I mentioned to David perhaps the floor was too dark and gives the place a darker feeling. I wondered if they did like a brighter floor, like maybe a laminate floating wood floor or maybe something to brighten things up a bit.
It wasn’t a moment later that Vinny, the other owner walked out to say hello and pushed my review to a full 5 star. I felt it was such a pleasure talking to him and hearing about him working at his former job in St. Thomas at the Ritz Carlton it just made my experience complete. He willingly accepted different suggestions about the business and answered all my questions I had. I think Virginia Beach is truly blessed to have the Carib Shack around plus the food is SUPER AMAZING too!
**Overall, Awesome business with amazing owners. I would also like to thank David for inviting me out to try this new place out and can wait to tell everyone about the AMAZING Carib food. Heck, I can’t wait to go back and enjoy some great food myself. LoL.
Cheers!

Where do I begin!!! It is simply amazing. We had the curry chicken with coconut rice and peas and plantains. The best carib food I have ever had! Stephanie and Vinnie are awesome and took the time to talk to us and share their love for what they do. Let me tell you, it comes thru in the flavors and quality of the food.
I wondered why there were no pictures of food and I got several bites in and realized why… As soon as you open the container the aromas hit you and it looks so fantastic that taking a picture is the LAST thing on your mind!
We have definately found our new regular place to eat or get carry out!
I had to do a follow up since Stephanie and Vinnie added JERK CHICKEN to the menu. I had been on a quest to find somewhere to satisfy my craving for jerk chicken every since I moved from the Tampa area. I would occasionally find some that was OK, but didn’t really leave me wanting more. We tried thier’s and OMG!!! I have gone back 4 times in less than a month! It is awesome! They use boneless chicken that is stewed (in either a crock pot or pressure cooker) in the best jerk sauce I have ever had. There is enough heat that lets you finish your meal without numbing your face so you can’t taste anything. Don’t get me wrong, it is not for the faint of heart either, but it wont leave you in pain! Back to the flavor. Besides the nice heat, there is the perfect blend of seasoning that just makes you want more and more! I can honestly say it was s the best I have ever had… GO GET YOU SOME!

I love the Carib Shack.
Waiting in the ridiculous lines at Citrus across the street, I noticed the Carib Shack a few times before actually stopping in. I wish I could get those 6 months back.
The owners are nice as can be — Stephanie at the counter and Vinny as the cook. Both are really pleasant and add to the experience. Plus — they have both been there every time I stopped in so you know the food and service are consistent.
The food is painfully good, literally. I burn my mouth everytime I try to eat the greatest wrap on earth — the Jerk Chicken Wrap. There is so much flavor I just deal with the burn blisters on the roof of my mouth as I scarf it… instead of waiting for it to cool a bit. No big deal though, the sweet plantains provide plenty of comfort later on in the meal.
While I have trouble getting past the Jerk Chicken Wrap, I have also had the Stew Beef, Curry Chicken, and Butternut Squash Soup, all exploding with flavor.
My parents came into town recently for the holiday season and before they even got out of the car as they arrived in Virginia Beach, I met them out in the driveway, and we went straight to Carib Shack. The whole family loves it now.

For a first visit I was impressed. Like most newer businesses it’s word of mouth that can jump start you. Even though they have now been in operation since February I did not know they were there and I pass them weekly. When a friend said how can you be a foodie and not know about this place. I guess he schooled me and it’s true I should have known.
Carib Shack is located in the Seashore Shoppes on W. Great Neck across from Citrus. The white sign blends in a bit and it is unfortunately not eye catching. I have missed them over and over again. When pulling in I found them in the corner location of the building, so they do have visibility from the road if your looking. They are in a space that offered sandwiches and catering two years ago. The parking lot was clean and there is plenty of it. The front walk also clean and inviting with a chalkboard sign.
I stepped in not knowing what to expect, but was excited to try their Caribbean menu. Steph who runs the front is the chef’s wife. There is a large chalkboard with menu options to choose from. You can have bowls, wraps, soups, salads, sides, deserts and bottled soda. The bottle soda is self serve after you order. I looked over the board and thought the fish sounded good. I asked for options and was told the fish and jerk chicken are best sellers. Also the Cuban Sandwich is very popular. So I decided to combo up the Carib Fish with a side of sweet plantains. This was really exciting because its not easy to find the soft type of plantains. I would eat these by the buckets in Miami. The pricing was around $ 13+ tax.
The dining room is not really that small, but there is little space to eat in. Two booths and a waiting seat. Everything was clean. The décor has evolved per Steph. They started with pretty much nothing other than the menu board and filled in. A regular brought in the three island pieces that were painted by a street artist in the US Virgin Islands. Concrete floors looked terrific, the white dingy ceiling tiles not so much. It would be great if they could go open concept. They do not have restroom which may be an issue if dining in.
While waiting I spoke to Steph about the business. They are excited to offer fresh Caribbean in Virginia Beach that is not a buffet. There goal is to be fast while maintaining quality. To there knowledge there is no one else offering fresh made to order Caribbean food. The business is approaching it’s one year mark. Her husband Chef Vinny was last employed at the Ritz Carlton in St. Thomas. He is a native of the island which gives him immediate credibility. They moved here with a dual approach of being closer to a family member and opening a business that could later be bottled as a franchise one day. I had a chance to talk with Chef Vinny and he is passionate about island food and making it in Virginia Beach.
The food did take a while, but I was not in a hurry and was more excited to give them a try. Probably at the 15 min, or so mark the food was up. Everything comes served to go which is 90% of their business. I was not thrilled at the idea of getting food for here served in a bag. Steph told me many customers take leftovers home. I had them recycle the bag because there was no way any of this this great smelling fish was going home. Visually looked awesome and the fish was hiding in there some where. Served piping hot. The plantains looked way too good to not start on first. Looks were not deceiving, they were so scrumptious. Make no mistake the entrée was the hero. The fish cooked perfectly and the rice scrumptious soaked in Coconut Milk with the added pigeon peas. I wont lie, it did take a while to knock it down as the portion was huge.
The deserts seemed too good to pass up, but I was stuffed! I did take home two chocolate dipped Macaroon’s for home to have my wife try. This evening we warmed them up and had them. Again another yum item. There rum cake is what they are known for and can be ordered online and shipped any where.
Keep in mind since they do everything fresh to order as I found out it can take a little longer than what you may expect. Customers have the ability to order on Facebook, or off there website. Of course they can just call in too! The idea is to streamline the process so customers do not have to wait.
It’s nice to know that we have got some diversity in dining options in Virginia Beach and a Caribbean flare is perfect for the Shore Drive neighborhood. However, word is out in Chesapeake and Norfolk too per Steph. With a great menu, fresh made to order food and extremely generous portion size they will gain a following. I would recommend and hope to be back to try another dish soon. I could not quite get to the 5, but strong 4.5 rounding down until a few more visits under my belt. Thank you for a great lunch Chef Vinny & Steph.