Kelly's Jamaican Foods
A beloved Athens institution serving authentic Jamaican standards like jerk chicken and oxtail for over 20 years. Known for bold flavors and welcoming...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Kelly's Jamaican Foods
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Athens institution serving authentic Jamaican standards like jerk chicken and oxtail for over 20 years. Known for bold flavors and welcoming vibes.
"Hands DOWN, my favorite Jamaican restaurant! The food still tastes the same. It's not fancy, just good food. "
Inquire About Spice Levels
Ask about milder options if you're sensitive to spice; many dishes, like the turmeric-based curry, are not spicy.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid crowds and ensure your favorite dishes don't sell out, consider visiting during non-busy times.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Jamaican
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Jerk Chicken
Savor the bold, spicy flavors of authentic Jamaican jerk chicken, a signature dish beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Warm & Welcoming Atmosphere
Experience a genuine taste of Jamaica in a cozy cafe with friendly owner Kelly, who warmly engages with every customer.
Must-Try Sides
Complement your meal with exceptional sides like spicy cabbage, creamy mac 'n' cheese, and wonderfully moist cornbread.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Inquire About Spice Levels
Ask about milder options if you're sensitive to spice; many dishes, like the turmeric-based curry, are not spicy.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid crowds and ensure your favorite dishes don't sell out, consider visiting during non-busy times.
Don't Miss the Cornbread
The cornbread is frequently praised, often described as moist and a must-try side dish with any meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Inquire About Spice Levels
Ask about milder options if you're sensitive to spice; many dishes, like the turmeric-based curry, are not spicy.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid crowds and ensure your favorite dishes don't sell out, consider visiting during non-busy times.
Don't Miss the Cornbread
The cornbread is frequently praised, often described as moist and a must-try side dish with any meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kelly's Jamaican Foods is lauded for its incredibly flavorful and authentic Jamaican cuisine, with many highlighting the spicy jerk chicken and unique sides. While the food receives widespread acclaim, some reviews mention that the customer service can be subpar and the restaurant's appearance is unassuming. However, the exceptional taste and generous portions often outweigh these concerns for diners seeking a true Jamaican culinary experience.
"A bit pricy for what you get, but my golly is this fantastic food. I got the jerk chicken with rice and plantains. The lady who gave me my food was understanding of the fact that I'm white and bad with accents. Plus it comes with tea and cornbread. 10/10 would come to Athens for this again"
Caden Carver-Longley
"This was my first time visiting here. Sandy was my attendant and she was so very kind and welcoming. She allowed me to taste test and view all the food before making my choice. Sandy was very patient and informative. I chose the jerk chicken beans n rice corn bread and green beans. I downed it all with a sweet tea. This is a great meal. The next time I wanna get the jerk pork mac n cheese with collard greens and corn bread. Thank you Sandy for giving me a great experience."
Beauti FAHT
"I'm sorry that I don't have photos. As many times as I've been here, I should 🤦🏾♂️. This is HANDS DOWN, my favorite Jamaican restaurant! I've tried several (believe me), but I love Kelly's. I've been coming here since I can remember and the food still tastes the same. It's not all of the fancy bells and whistles, just good food. These days, that's definitely a blessing. So if you like good Jamaican food, definitely give them a try. Yes, the jerk is very spicy, the cabbage is spicy, the squash n zucchini is spicy, and no, the mac n cheese is not spicy. Just an FYI lol."
Marq King
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, and jerk pork are consistently highlighted as must-try dishes. Popular sides include spicy cabbage, mac 'n' cheese, and cornbread. [^R3, ^R4, ^M1]
Many dishes, like the jerk chicken and spicy cabbage, are very spicy. However, there are also non-spicy options available, such as the turmeric-based curry chicken. +1
While primarily known for meat dishes, options like rice and peas, plantains, mac and cheese, and sides like cabbage and greens can often be prepared to accommodate vegetarian or vegan preferences. It's best to inquire directly.
Yes, Kelly's Jamaican Foods is available for catering events, and they are known for their delicious food and friendly service for parties of all sizes.
Kelly's is described as a compact, pared-down cafe. While the appearance might be unassuming, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, often enhanced by the friendly owner. +1
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For a culinary experience that offers a stark contrast from the boozy, Tex-Mex, Southern-style food options around Athens, look no further than Kelly’s Jamaican Food. A mainstay in the Athens area for over 20 years, Kelly’s has all of the classic Jamaican dishes that you know and love, from Jerk Chicken and Grilled Salmon to Oxtail and Curry Goat. With side options like the Mac and Cheese, Spicy Cabbage, and Plantains, it’ll be hard not to order up all of them the next time you stop by the Lumpkin or Westside location.
7 international restaurants to try in Athens | Eat & Drink
Five Points has been home to this Athens staple for 13 years where owner and chef Kelly Codling can be found at the takeout window. Phone orders can also be placed at (706) 208-0000. Kelly’s offers oxtail, barbecue chicken, jerk pork, grilled salmon and more — but act fast, because the authentic Jamaican dishes are known to sell out early in the day.
60+ Places to Eat in Athens, Georgia
Kelly’s Jamaican – Located in Five Points, Kelly’s Jamaican has the most highly recommended jerk chicken in Athens!. This one is also a black-owned business!
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