Who says you can’t enjoy authentic Caribbean food while in the south? With a large West Indian community, southern states have their faire share of restaurants serving up delicious Caribbean dishes like roti, jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish and more.

From North Carolina to Florida, these are the 13 Caribbean restaurants you should hit up when visiting down south.

Tropical Rhythm – Brandon, Florida

If you’re in Florida and craving oxtail and jerk chicken, head to Tropical Rhythm for amazing food. Not to mention, the portions are very generous!

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Brown Stew Chicken, jerk chicken..beans n rice and plantains!!! Bout to find out

A post shared by TJ aka Sleep aka Doublefisted (@misterfourtwenty) on Apr 15, 2019 at 9:28am PDT

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The Island Spot – Dallas, Texas

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Today is the perfect day for a little curry, don’t you think? Order online or dine-in – we know we’ll hit the spot! 🔥

A post shared by The Island Spot – Dallas (@theislandspot) on Oct 26, 2020 at 10:15am PDT

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From ackee and saltfish to jerk chicken with peas and rice, The Island Spot is definitely the place to be when in Dallas and looking for Jamaican food.

La Fourchette – Miami, Florida

For delicious Haitian food with $5 lunch specials, head to this takeout spot. You can choose from a hearty stew or keep it light with conch, either way, the food is delicious.

Reggae Hut – Houston, Texas

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Let Reggae Hut be your escape today! Join us for #lunch. Sit back, relax and enjoy delicious Caribbean cuisine and IRIE music! #reggaehut #caribbeancuisine #caribbeanfood #patties #plantains #brownstewchicken #curryshrimp #oxtails #lunchtime😋 #lunchideas #caribbeaneats #houstoneats

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This Houston spot has absolutely delicious jerk chicken, cocoa bread and plantains.

Negril Village – Atlanta, Georgia

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Start your meal with our spicy jerk wings, topped with pineapple salsa. #ThingsToEatInATL #Wings #JerkWings #Spicy #FlavorPacked

A post shared by Negril Village ATL (@negrilvillageatl) on Sep 13, 2020 at 8:05am PDT

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This upscale Caribbean restaurant offers incredible Oxtail Pasta and Jerk Chicken ’n Waffles.

Compère Lapin – New Orleans, Louisiana

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Mo Betta Butter #doyoulike #gottalike #Repost @itsallripe with @get_repost ・・・ Never met a biscuit we didn’t like, but also never met a biscuit that tasted as good as the one @comperelapin

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With a chef from St. Lucia, this restaurant serves up a mix of Caribbean and Creole cuisine. Conch Croquettes are a must try when dining here.

Chef Creole Seasoned Kitchen – Miami, Florida

The Haitian chef who was born in the Bahamas creates authentic dishes, true to Caribbean cuisine. Try the stewed conch and oxtail for an explosion of taste.

Mango’s Caribbean Cookhouse – Huntsville, Alabama

Don’t sleep on Alabama for Caribbean food, this spot serves up delicious Caribbean dishes such as Pasta Pasta, stew chicken and curry chicken.

Coastline Caribbean Restaurant – Gulfport, Mississippi

This Gulfport staple has delicious curry goat, rice and peas, oxtails and more!

Caribbean Hut – Charlotte, North Carolina

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Oxtails , Rice & Peas 🤤! #food #foodphotography #foodie

A post shared by Caribbean Hut (@therealcaribbeanhut) on Nov 25, 2018 at 11:45am PST

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The owners are a husband and wife team from Jamaica who serve up incredible jerk chicken, curry tofu and curry shrimp roti.

Mama J’s Caribbean Restaurant – Columbia, South Carolina

When dining at this Columbia gem you have to try the oxtail plate!

Queens da Jamaican Jaint Richmond – Richmond, Virginia

The jerk chicken is definitely a highlight when dining at this Jamaican spot.

Island Vibes Restaurant – Nashville, Tennessee

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The Foodies Round Table took on Island Vibes located in Nashville, TN. Pictured is the Jerk Wings Combo w/ Mac n Cheese, Rice & Cabbage & a Jamaica Pinapple Soda- unfortunately they were sold out of Plantains 😩. If you’re ever in the area, I suggest you stop by. Great customer service & they’re in compliance with the CDC rules.

A post shared by The Foodies Roundtable (@thefoodiesroundtable) on Jul 2, 2020 at 3:05pm PDT

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If you’re in Nashville and craving Caribbean food, head to Island Vibes. The jerk pork, escovitch and roti are absolutely delicious.

Charlotte

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