Jamaican Me Hungry

Cool Runnin's (Caribbean)

25 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ

(732)-246-2800

By far my favorite hole in a wall establishment, Cool Runnin's on Easton Avenue often seems overlooked by the average passerby, perhaps due to the bleak interior and usual lack of traffic in the store, or the slightly intimidating Jamaican woman behind the counter.. But there is nothing more satisfying than picking up a spicy Jamaican beef patty or a chicken and rice platter when you are facing that long uphill walk from the train station to your house on Senior St.

What to Eat?

The Jamaican Jerk Chicken, obviously. Traditionally rubbed with allspice, cinnamon, garlic along with scotch bonnet peppers, this dish is meant for those who love the dry heat and smoky charcoal nature of Memphis style ribs. Cool Runnin's does not offer boneless chicken, for the spices can only be expressed through a flavorful dark meat portion. So be prepared to suck those bones dry to get the full experience. While the meat tends to be more succulent earlier in the day, it is never dry. The Curry Chicken or Shrimp will both pander to your curry needs, especially if you like the strong flavors of ginger and garlic in your dishes. The platters come in small and large ranging from $7 to $11, stuffed with Jamaican rice and beans, a cabbage stew with carrots, and my favorite part: caramelized plantains! If you like experimenting with condiments, I would strongly urge you to use the Asian hot chilli sauce Siricha with your meal. We don't know why, but the sauce goes perfectly with the spices.

What to know before you go here:

Because this place is pick up only, it's ideal for those date nights you stay in, with a cheap bottle of red wine and a good movie. This place also has a $10 dollar credit card minimum but there is an ATM inside.

What they could do better:

While this place does work better as a small run down cafe lacking a dining room, the option for delivery would surely boost their sales. With the lack of parking on Easton Ave, it hasn't always been feasible to make it all the way down (and back up again). And for some reason the later you go here, the more likely it is for something to run out—even if it's dinner time! For a year now I've been trying to have the elusive full Red Snapper grilled to Jamaican perfection but it is rarely available, so always keep a few options in mind.