The Jerk Center

405 S Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, United States
+1 727-940-5343
$$$ Caribbean restaurant
(705 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant taste of the Caribbean in Tarpon Springs, look no further than The Jerk Center. This local gem tucked away at 405 S Pinellas Ave is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that transports your taste buds straight to Jamaica. With its inviting atmosphere and friendly staff, you’ll feel right at home as soon as you step inside.

The menu is a treasure trove of Caribbean delights, featuring dishes that boast bold flavors and fresh ingredients. The jerk chicken has garnered rave reviews for its smoky, spicy essence. Pair it with their rice and peas for a classic combination that sings with authenticity. For those craving something different, the curry goat is succulent and tender, while the brown stew chicken will warm your soul with its rich, hearty sauce.

Don't overlook the sides, which complement the main courses perfectly. The mac and cheese, laced with creamy goodness, might just steal the show alongside a serving of steamed cabbage that’s cooked to perfection. And for a sweet finish, you can’t go wrong with a slice of rum cake or a pineapple upside-down cake, which captures the tropical vibes beautifully.

Patrons rave about their experiences at The Jerk Center, with one customer noting, “The food was amazing!!! Everything we got was hot and flavorful; the portions were huge.” Whether you are dining in or ordering to-go, expect generous portions that ensure you leave satisfied and eager to return.

With its affordable prices and a menu that caters to both seasoned Caribbean cuisine lovers and newcomers alike, The Jerk Center is not just about feeding hunger; it’s about sharing a piece of Jamaican culture through food. As one guest put it, “I walked in thinking I didn't like Jamaican food, I left LOVING it!!!”

With its friendly atmosphere and a menu that will tantalize your taste buds, The Jerk Center invites you to savor the essence of the Caribbean right here in Florida. Gather your friends and family, and make your way to this delightful eatery—you won’t be disappointed!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves organic dishes
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours

Monday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

705 Reviews
Shivana Ally

25 Oct 2025

We just came off a flight from PA and decided to stop here for lunch. Let’s just say, I’m more than glad we stopped in. We order the curry goat and it was the most tender cut of goat I’ve ever had. And we also ordered the jerk pork, also tender. The rice and peas were a great pair with the protein and the cabbage was perfectly cooked. Mac and cheese was also amazing. Great flavor, great service, very fast service. The man who greeted and served us was the sweetest as well.

Ryan D

06 Oct 2025

Have lived in the area for years and never stopped in. Decided to do so today, staff were friendly, and the food was delicious. I had the jerk chicken and it was full of flavor and fresh. Portions are huge! Will be going back.

B

17 Sep 2025

AMAZING food!!!! I picked up several Uber Eats orders here, and the place is such a vibe, I just HAD to finally try it!!! So glad I did.... the jerk chicken, cabbage, rice, and mac & cheese were all absolutely delicious!!!!! They are also the friendliest people ever!!!!!! Will definitely go back to try more!!!!!

Picha M

21 Aug 2025

The best Jamaican food in town! :)) I always order to go through Ubereats, but one day I would love to dine in at the restaurant! :)) Everything was phenomenal!!! ;)) My favorites were bbq ribs, brown stew chicken, oxtails, curry goat, curry chicken, jerk chicken, Omg I loved everything! lol Their ‘Festivals’ dessert is so addictive as well! :)) Loved it!

Beth W

16 Aug 2025

I walked in thinking I didn't like Jamaican food, I left LOVING it!!! The owner and his granddaughter were so friendly. She explained the menu and the food came out right away. The food was amazing!!! Everything we got was hot and flavorful; the portions were huge. The oxtails were my favorite and I dipped the crispy French fries in the sauce at the end. The meat patties were a tiny bit spicy which was delicious; the crust was buttery soft. The ribs and half chicken were spicy and sweet, with a smoky flavor. The chicken curry was insanely good! We asked for more curry sauce to sop up the rice. The cabbage was also flavorful, fresh and crispy even though it was cooked. The staff was just so nice throughout our time there. We will absolutely be coming back here!!!

Xavier Clayton

28 Jul 2025

I saw this restaurant on the cashback app Upside and went to check them out. I was in the market already for a new Jamaican restaurant. It’s very spacious inside and lively with the music. Marvin is a cool guy and I had a great time conversing with him. The food portions were abundant and I got a lot of bang for the buck. I’ll definitely be back.

Sam Root

27 Jul 2025

Authentic Jamaican eats located in a old strip plaza. This place is nothing fancy and building looks a bit dated. However the service was fast and the food was good. It's the definition of a hole in the wall restaurant. Definitely authentic and hardy.

John Doe

24 Jul 2025

I’ve been coming here for over a decade and the food never disappoints. The aesthetic of the restaurant is great and feels authentic. Normally, I get the curry goat or the jerk chicken, but today I got the oxtail - it was so tender and delicious. Everything is cooked to perfection with the right amount of spices, giving the food many different layers of flavor. Portion size on lunch is very fair. Do yourself a favor and swing in to grab a bite after a long day spent relaxing on the beach. You won’t regret it!

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