Karubees Jamaican Restaurant - Charleston, West Virginia

Scott H.

What a hidden gem. We stopped for lunch on our way though Charleston and so glad we did. They are tucked away on a side street around the corner from several well known restaurants. I can’t say enough about the owners. When she took our order she was patient and explained different dishes to those of us who weren’t quite sure what was what. And brought us a plate of rice and beans to try. The food was fantastic- she said her husband comes in early every morning to make sure the chicken is done correctly. He does a fantastic job- my wife is a white meat no bones in her chicken person and she cleaned up all the chicken that came with her meal (dark and bone in) If your in the area or a local please stop in and give them a try. You will thank me later.

Janet L.

Where should I start DELICIOUS. Fried plantains were the best I have EVER had, and as a frequent traveler to the Caribbean, I have eaten a lot. These had the lightest, crispiest outside and the most flavorful soft insides. Outrageous. I had the jerk chicken, which was tender and fell off the bone. Enough spice to make my nose run just a bit but not too much…beautiful flavor. The rice and peas was a generous portion and cooked to perfection. My husband, son in law and daughter had the curried chicken and my son in law actually moaned when he took a bite 🤣. Again, tender, juicy and flavorful. My husband loved the slightly sweet flavor. My hubby also had the greens which came out looking so fresh and he said they were wonderful. My daughter also loved the Mac and cheese. Another hit were those Jamaican beef patties. 🤌🤌🤌 *chefs kiss*. The crust was light and crispy and that beef mixture was soft in texture, flavorful and had a slow spicy flavor that kicked in at the end of the bite. After we ate, we ordered some extra plantains and a beef patty to go! We loved talking with the owner and hearing all about she and her husband’s restaurant and food. Charleston definitely has a treasure in this restaurant. We sadly have to go home to Kansas but we will be talking about that meal for a long time to come.

Daniel T.

Flavor on top of flavor!

Charleston has several newer restaurants downtown and in my search for something new I found this gem that has actually been in the valley for three years. I visited at dinner time but please note it closes at 6:30pm and they serve more of a lunch crowd. If you want the best chance of a full menu to be available, go early. With that said they had all the flavors I wanted to try.

I ordered the jerk chicken and curry shrimp combo with rice and peas and a side of cabbage. The jerk chicken was a portion of six full wings as they had sold out of quarters. The chicken was moist with a smoky sweet jerk flavor. They will make your mouth tingle. The curry shrimp portion was 4 jumbo shrimp cooked to order in the house curry sauce which is outstanding. With that said I could order a plate of sides and feast. The rice and peas were my favorite and the cabbage tender and sweet.

The combo is $33 and a single meat plate starts at $15. It is certainly priced right for the quality and portion you receive. A couple could easily split a combo meal and be full.

Sorry there is no Red Stripe.

Finn W.

Me and a couple friends went here for lunch today as they were opening and we got there a little before they opened and they let us in and were super kind about it. The service was great the food was even more amazing, i got the chicken curry lunch special with the white rice and mac&cheese and it was phenomenal. Some of the best food I’ve had in a long time and I would highly recommend it to anyone coming through Charleston or people that live here.

Jeff H. (.

This is my favorite restaurant simply because the food is so good. The atmosphere isn’t the best and I rarely eat in. But it matters none to me. It’s plan and lacks any “island” feel but that’s just for the review. The food carry’s this place and that’s what should matter most. The fact you can make chicken taste that way is incredible. I could eat an entire bunch of plantains myself. The Mac and cheese is arguable the best I’ve ever had. The Corner Kitchen is probably tied for first. I wish I could eat this every single day. I also like the sodas just because they are different. No bad options here at all. I mena if they can make ox tail taste that good it’s no wonder the jerk chicken is mind blowing. It’s cooked for hours I imagine because it is so soft the bones start to break down so be careful not to accidentally eat any fragments. Otherwise it is a perfect meal and experience and in Charleston WV of all places! Keep this restaurant here!!!

Marilyn M.

Food was delicious! Had the lunch menu jerk chicken, macaroni and cheese and collard greens. Jerk chicken spot on. Collards superb. Mac n cheese had a sweetness I’m not used to but darn delicious! Service was fast and friendly. They are repairing their floors but could tell it will be nice so benefit of the doubt gives them gives them 5 stars all around. We will definitely go back so as to try other menu items. Definitely recommend.

Paijo G.

Never tried Jamaican Food before,,but now become my new favorite. When I get there,,they run out of everything except shrimp. So dissapointed with that, so I decided to eat whatever they have left. And my oh my,,my dissapointment changed right away. Rice and bean just perfect, shrimp was sweet and spicy in a good way, and collad green taste great. Will be back next time for sure

Rodney T.

Exceptional good Jamaican food in Charleston, WV. My only complaint is that they close to early for a downtown restaurant. I had not had a beef patty in a while and these were very good. A little on the flat side but good.