Big Jerk Spot in Pickering

1211 Kingston Rd #15B, Pickering, ON L1V 6M5, Canada

★★★★★
(130 reviews)
Categories: Jamaican restaurant Caribbean restaurant Seafood restaurant Vegetarian restaurant

About

Authentic Jamaican Cuisine located in Pickering Ontario. Big Jerk Spot Liming and Dining, Delicious Food Menu.

Website
bigjerkspot.ca
Address
1211 Kingston Rd #15B, Pickering, ON L1V 6M5, Canada
Plus Code
RWJ4+R7 Pickering, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Sunday
4:30–10 PM
Monday
4:30–10 PM
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
12 PM–12 AM
Friday
3 PM–3 AM
Saturday
4:30 PM–3 AM

Services

Service options
Kerbside pickup No-contact delivery Delivery On-site services Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Sport
Accessibility
Assistive hearing loop Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee Halal food Happy-hour food Late-night food Organic dishes Private dining room Small plates Vegan options Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Catering Counter service Dessert Seating
Amenities
Toilets Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Photos

Reviews

4.6
★★★★★
130 reviews

Most Mentioned

coleslaw (9) spice (8) rice and peas (7) seafood soup (5) jerk chicken and rice (5) price (5) oxtail (5) tax (3) yardie (2) family-owned (2)
5 stars
111
4 stars
4
3 stars
2
2 stars
4
1 stars
9
★★★★★
October 21, 2024

First time @ Big Jerk Spot the modern family friendly establishment. -Positive vibes upon entry -Decor/Atmosphere was on point -Service with a smile -Easy to navigate menu with VEGAN options -Accomidating seating area paired with television -Tasty/Flavourful prepared provisions After placing your order expect a standard wait time for your best customer satisfaction. We were served our meals FRESH just the way you'd expect it to be for your family.... NICE & HOT! (Flavour & Temperature wise) If you're a fan of spicy however and would like to take it up a few scovilles request the hot sauce. (Tilt and shake the bottle to use contents DON'T SQUEEZE the bottle: Too much hot sauce will take away from the foods flavours.) GREAT EXPERIENCE/REVIEW Side note: "Big up the coleslaw portions for more balance."

★★★★★
October 13, 2024

The food here is amazing! It’s the best West Indian restaurant in Durham! The food is on point! Love it! The jerk chicken is better than what I have tasted in yaad! The curry was ecstatic… the seafood soup… fxxckin on point & amazing! Must try! Best jerk chicken in the east! Fresh made to order! Grilled to perfection! Must try! Been in Durham for years! & it’s the best spot!

★★★★★
September 28, 2024

I recently had the pleasure of visiting this family-owned jerk food spot, and I can't recommend it enough! From the moment I walked in, I felt the warmth and hospitality that only a family-run business can offer. The food was absolutely delicious—authentic jerk chicken with that perfect smoky flavor and just the right amount of spice. Every bite was packed with freshness and care. The sides, from the rice and peas to the plantains, were cooked to perfection and complemented the meal so well. It’s clear that they put a lot of love into their cooking, and it really shows in the quality of the dishes. If you're looking for a true taste of homemade Caribbean cuisine, this is the place to be. Plus, supporting a local, family-owned business like this one makes the experience even better. I’ll definitely be back for more! --- Feel free to adjust it to reflect your own experience!

★★★★
September 2, 2024

Delicious food with great service. The chicken was exceptionally tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. While they missed including my soup (which was free on Uber Eats but something I was excited to try), the quality of the meal itself was outstanding. The only downside was that the portions were a bit smaller than expected. Despite that, I highly recommend Big Jerk Spot—just be aware of the portion sizes.

August 18, 2024

Long story short, we came here late at night as it was one of the only few places open after 11pm. We ordered the Jerk chicken dinner. Seeing that the price was $17.50 (before taxes), we assumed that the portion would be similar to other places like Yardies. We came home to a shockingly small portion of their jerk chicken DINNER. Looks like we got some scraps from the daytime. This was not it and although it was tasty, it was definitely not worth $19+. The coleslaw was done after 2-3 bites. Charging this much to get this little should be illegal haha. Will definitely not be returning until they fix their prices to match the portions, or vice versa.

★★★
July 1, 2024

5/5 for customer service. The owner was so inviting and kind and shared his best sellers. 3/5 for food. All food items were very fresh. Jerk chicken needed much more spice and flavour. Rice and peas were good. The coleslaw was disappointing as it didn’t have sauce. The seafood soup was okay. The beef patties were good.

★★
April 29, 2024

Nice establishment located in plaza behind District Lounge in Pickering. Decor and furniture looks nice with a convenient counter. Chef, owner was friendly & personable. Ordered jerk chicken, rice & peas with oxtail gravy. Unfortunately, rice was clumpy and bland, coleslaw subpar, jerk chicken had smokey flavor but it was too saucy for my liking, I found it to be missing depth of flavor that I'm accustomed to.

★★★★★
April 10, 2024

This was my third attempt to try this restaurant. Unsure why I missed them other times I showed up, but oh well. The next person that came in behind me said it was their fourth time trying to visit. I’m glad I caught them this time because I’d been hearing great things… had the 9$ lunch special jerk chicken, rice and peas and coleslaw - INCREDIBLE. So much flavour! Wasn’t too spicy, and every was on point. I’ve tried a lot of jerk chicken in my life and this is definitely up there with the best. Will be back very soon! 😊 Update: So I dropped by the other day and had the oxtail because they were out of jerk chicken. Sweet baby Jesus, that was damn good. What’s next? 😍 Encourage anyone who loves authentic Caribbean cuisine to drop by!

Local Guide
December 15, 2024

Awful experience here, food was rotten, cold, too salty and expensive. If trump opened a jerk place then this is what it d be like

★★★★★
November 22, 2024

I had a wonderful experience at Big Jerk Spot . The food was hot, fresh, delicious and clearly made with care, and the service was warm and attentive. This family-owned spot truly makes you feel at home highly recommend!

November 22, 2024

Visiting this restaurant was a Terrible experience I don t usually do reviews on people business but I had to with this kind of experience. I m Jamaican so I m really disappointed, I work late and decided I m going to find a good Jamaican restaurant to have some food to consume and I came across this restaurant I spent 25$ for a food and let me tell you the jerk chicken and rice was such a disappointment..! I had to throw it all away and go home to cook y all need to take pride in what you do this is a bad reputation for Jamaican cuisine please do better.

★★★★★
November 22, 2024

best tasting Jamaican food in Canada taste just like home !

★★★★★
November 22, 2024

Host was very pleasant, loved the food.

★★★★★
November 22, 2024

Food great Kid-friendliness: Took my 6month old sister it was great. Food : 5/5 |

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

They were sold out of jerk chicken :( So they convinced me to try the stew chicken and wow, its FIRE everything tasted great and great vibes with the staff, ill be going back for that jerk chicken soon

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

Love the food

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

They are soo professional and menu has all the nice Jamaican dishes. I enjoy their jerk chicken and oxtail I recommend anyone to try there ..wont regret!

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

Food was very good and the lady was very nice to us and had very good costumer service.

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

Best Caribbean food in Durham

★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

Lately I come to the store to find a sign on the door that said Be back in 15mins . I waited then I called only for the person on the phone to tell me they will be open the next day. So I came back the following day and the same sign in the door and the lights off. I thought okay so they must be going through something. So I gave it one more shot and when I went to check again. Still closed The food is amazing but the business could be run better and more professionally.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

Great food.. Open late till 3am on weekends!!

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

Best place to grab a bite next door after a hard night of dancing the night away only a 2 second walk away

★★★★★
September 22, 2024

Great place for a late night meal. Open late - friendly staff - excellent portions & food quality - very affordable, always served fresh & the jerk cooker outside is a sight to be seen. Will definitely be back & wish I could give this place 10 out of 10 stars. Wow!

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Pickering finally has a real jamaican food restaurant. Authentic jerk chicken, rice and peas. They make everything fresh. Portions and the price make sense. You are getting what you pay for. The place is very clean. Staff is friendly.

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

Food tasted unbelievable and workers were extremely polite hands down the BEST JERK CHICKEN in the city hands down

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

Food is absolutely delicious! Their soup is my favourite.

★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

The jerk chicken had a nice bbq smoky flavour to it without being burnt! But it was a bit dry for me so I ll keep looking. Portions were good. Coleslaw was average.

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

Jerk chicken was amazing...juicy and flavourful

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

Love this place, the food is authenticly Jamaican (yardman style). Inviting esthetic and the owners are friendly and interested in custome satisfaction!!!

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

The food is always freshly prepared and very appetizing.... The ambiance is homey and very welcoming... This is my go to caribbean spot whenever I visit the Durham region.. I highly recommend...

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

I ve been looking forward to trying the jerk chicken at Big Jerk Spot restaurant for awhile now, and was so glad that I did! The food was so delicious and the service was really great, too! The jerk chicken was so yummy and I ate the whole thing, even though it was quite heavy for one person.The jerk chicken was tender and went well with the sauce and rice and peas Perfectly cooked and the flavor was amazing. Everything was honestly delicious and I cannot wait to go back. Big Jerk Spot

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Good jerk chicken, rice and peas. Reminds me of good homemade cooking

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

First time here restaurant very inviting friendly food is great!!! I highly recommend everyone eat here delicious.

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Everyone here treats you like family, the food is irie and they are always willing to accommodate to my needs when I only want fish or veggie dishes.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

Let me start by saying Ive been on the hunt for good Jamaican food for the last 4 years since moving from Scarborough to ajax. Think the hunt is over...This is the FIRST spot I came back to! Got the jerk chicken and the stew chicken. Usually dont like ordering jerk chicken cuz I make my own, but this is definitely worth getting! Back now getting the oxtail and excited for it to be just as as the first meal!

June 22, 2024

Got the jerk chicken dinner. So disappointing after being so excited to try this place. Tasted burnt, not enough food, and the price was way too much $20 after tax for what you get. Hands down, Chris Jerk at Birchmount & Finch is so much better.

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Home cook food, real good. Home made juices too!

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Very clean Food amazing. The best hands down. Highly recommended this spot in Pickering. Husband and wife very nice and friendly. Felt welcome

Local Guide
June 22, 2024

Went in to grab food. There was a woman lying on a couch (not shown in pics on google lol). She did not greet me (or acknowledge me?). No one came out to serve me. Waited 5 minutes and left. Very strange experience.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

If you re looking to try Authentic Jamaican food, This is the place! Everything was Amazing! The Food, the Service and the Staff. Highly Recommended!

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

This was my first time visiting and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. I ordered the coconut curry shrimp and the seafood soup. The shrimp were sizeable portions and delicious. The soup was to die for, filled with so much flavour. Everything was freshly prepared and extremely tasty. I would definitely recommend them. Thanks for your exceptional service!

★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

I really wish I could give this place better review as the owner was so lovely! But the food just didn t stand up. Rice and peas were clumpy, bland and overcooked, coleslaw was sad and the jerk chicken itself didn t have much flavour other than smoke. Likely won t be returning, but 5 star service for friendliness!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

Authentically Jamaican dishes by a true Jamaican.

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

This one of the best Jerk spots in Durham!!! I wish I had found this place when I first moved to Durham!!! Staff is great!!! food was great!!! Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

100% delicious Jamaican food! The chef also takes care of every customer properly. We enjoyed the jerk chicken and goat curry.

★★★★★
May 22, 2024

Amazing food, will be back again!

★★★★★
May 22, 2024

Great food great service

★★★★★
May 22, 2024

I ve been looking for a Jerk Chicken place, in Durham that does it on the grill. I m blessed I found this place, yummy yummy. The jerk chicken is blessed

★★★
May 22, 2024

Great service I have had better food

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

This is a caring restaurant that takes care of their patrons, 5 stars

★★★★★
May 22, 2024

Amazing jerk chicken

★★★★★
May 22, 2024

Highly recommend this restaurant!

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

Kerry thank you for putting togather that amazing Soup for. It was the best I had in a while and I know my cuz will say the say. My son loved the Jerk Chicken he wishes there were more, yet he saved peice for me to try because it was soo good. The jerk Chicken...seasoned well, and that sauce. ..I am assuming that is you special sauce..it was impeccable . The love you put into putting together my meal was unimaginable, not too many restaurants around does that and for those reasons that is was makes you stand out for real. The patties, the eat all he keeps eating and uumh mom, this is good. Kerry your hospitality was well appreciated, it has been the first time the employee/owner of a restaurant assisted me to my car with my purchase..thank you for observing it was a lot to carried out at one time and helped me. Its the best meal we had in a very long time...I will be showing up in person and Uber eats here I come #@bigjerkspot.

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

Jerk chicken was well flavored, not spicy, but well marinated nd cooked on a grill. Jerk sauce was wow. Nice touch. Everything was fresh especially the coleslaw! I definately will be back. If youre in the Pickering area, this is a must try ting!

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

Delicious fresh food, friendly staff.

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

Getting food late at night is honestly a headache but big jerk spot came in clutch. The jerk chicken and chicken soup was amazing. Y all should really check this place out

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

Great jerk chicken! Really flavourful and good quantities.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

Really great service! My husband was here twice in one week

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

Best jerk chicken in Durham region!!! Very friendly service from Kerry Thank you!! Will definitely be back Food : 5/5

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

I just left this place 20 mins ago and honestly I am SOOOOO happy I found it. Omg ! Blasting with flavour and good quantity. Most definitely will be back! Thanks

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

Owner is so lovely and friendly! The food is great to!

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

Amazing food and service!

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

Had the jerk plate & seafood soup last night when I stopped by for the first time, and the food surpassed expectation! It was SO flavourful, the meat was tender, the rice & peas were fresh - and the soup had so much in it, with an incredible broth. The meat melts off of the bone; it wasnt dry, and it was smokey and so tasty. I cant say enough good things! The food isnt spicy, so I got some hot sauce on the side which was super yummy. Highly recommend! The service & environment was really nice too. Ill be back for sure!!

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

Would come again!

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

This place is absolutely amazing. Definately the best food in town!

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

Was a little concerned about the price but after I took my first bite all that concern disappeared. Price is well worth it. Amazing food.

January 22, 2024

First time ordering from this place and I will not be ordering again. I was not feeling well and decided to order their chicken soup, it was absolutely awful ..the picture speaks for itself

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

The service was great. The staff were very kind and the food was delicious.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

My partner ordered a catered Jamaican breakfast - boiled yam & green banana, beef liver, ackee & saltfish, fried dumplings, and callaloo. The food was superb, great flavours. The owner helped me load all the platters into my car, cautioning me about potential spillage from one of the dishes (it was heaped to the brim, hahaha). They were quick to answer the phone and messages on FB Messenger. Would definitely return to try the rest of their menu.

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

The staff was very welcoming and friendly and the food, the food was fresh and delicious finger licking good

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

Great food!

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

food here is . Owners are extremely friendly. Came here 10 minutes before they closed and honestly worth it 100%. I can t even begin to describe how savoury the jerk chicken was . Best jerk spot in the east. If you re looking for anything jerk, this is the spot . Don t take my word for it, come here and try it asap

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

Chicken was falling off the bone, perfectly cooked with the right amount of spice and flavour

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

One of the best jerk chicken in Pickering. The chicken gives a great smokey flavour and the coconut curry was delicious

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

Great food, very friendly owner!

January 22, 2024

I ordered two vegan patties (delivery) and they were freezer burnt, basically empty and ripped.

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

Stubbled upon this place, so happy I did! REAL Jamaican food, amazing service. I got oxtail, soup and jerk chicken. 10/10 all around!

December 22, 2023

I looked forward to trying the food at this new place but was very disappointed with the food and service provided. I ordered a jerk chicken meal. The chicken and rice was dry and no taste of jerk spice it tasted like burnt bbq d chicken. Sorry but that s my comment. After spending 17.99 plus taxes .. Not happy!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Went here on a Sunday with my family for brunch. We ordered almost everything on the menu because the place is new and we wanted to try them out. Jerk chicken was fresh off the grill they have outside, well seasoned, hot and delicious. Fry chicken had that beautiful color and it was also delicious, my kids ate it all with french fries. Each adult ordered a different soup, I had beef, my husband had the seafood soup and my mother in law had the chicken, all were good but the seafood soup was the best of all 3. Server was great, we didnt get the typical Jamaican restaurant attitude, she was polite and accommodating to my kids. We will return to this restaurant. Forget to take pictures, when we go back we will and update this post.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

finally got to check out this restaurant, interior was beautiful, vibes were immaculate, music was bumping & food was so yummy I got the brown stew chicken with white rice :) will definitely be back & so recommend this spot

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

The food was Amazing, Fresh, and Authentic and the Chef is absolutely wonderful. One of my new Favourite go to spots! Kid-friendliness: There s plenty of seating for large families and special occasions. I threw my son s Birthday party there and the staff were amazing.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

So happy we found this spot! We ordered the Big Jerk Chicken. The chicken, rice and coleslaw were all delicious! We re looking forward to coming back and tasting everything else!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

The food and service was great! Will definitely go back.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

I went there yesterday and the food was AMAZING. I ll definitely go there again

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Excellent food. A real mom and pop place. Excellent service. The owner served me. Better than the Real Jerk and Mr. Jerk.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The best jerk chicken in Durham hands down! Highly recommend, everything on the menu is made to perfection. Soup, jerk chicken, stew chicken and more have had them all and they never disappoint!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Amazing food and staff, highly recommend checking them out!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Check mark. They get it. Will seasoned, yardie food for your soul. Found this place by accident and it will now be in rotation. A bit pricey but still worth it.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Soup and Jerk Chicken is off the chain. The service is great owners are great Jamaican couple.

December 22, 2023

I ordered the mac and cheese jerk and you guys gave me kraft dinner...paid almost 20$ for this smh

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Best food I teased so far

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

The owners so lovely and always so welcoming!! We come almost every week. Thank you so much!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

The Best Jerk Chicken and some flavourful food. This spot is a gem

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Food is delicious, restaurant is spotless and what makes this place extra special is the wonderful service. Dietary restrictions: Halal meat available

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Super tasty! Their hot sauce is the right blend of spice and flavour!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

This is probably my favourite place to get Caribbean food!!! I ve had a lot from different restaurants but nothing compares to Big Jerk Spot! They were so welcoming and friendly even before I got my food! AND THEIR NATURAL MANGO JUICE IS SOOO GOOD!!! I highly recommend trying this place out!! 10000000/10 Wheelchair accessibility: The restaurant is on ground level which makes it a lot easier for those that have mobility issues!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

The jerk chicken is cooked in the drum and really tastes like it! Hands down my go-to place for jerk chicken right now.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

This restaurant is a 10/10 in my books and I will definitely be back the music choice is great the food is wonderful and the owners are awesome super welcoming and friendly

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Hidden gem in Pickering. Ordered some takeout and it was delicious.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

As you walk in you are greeted with a friendly smile, nice music and the food is awesome. Made ready to order so you get it fresh. Definitely come back. Vegetarian options: Just tell them what you need and they will make it. Parking: Lots of parking available

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

A friendly and caring place. Very good jerk chicken. A burst of flavours from the fresh jerk spices and subtle smoky fire wood bbq right outside the store. Definitely going back for more!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Friendly staff and great food

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

The food was great! Good portion the rice and peas weren t dry and the jerk was seasoned well and you can tell it was cooked in the drum. Will definitely be back.

★★★★
December 22, 2023

Ordered Jerk on Uber twice this week. The first order was subject to a forced substitution from BBQ to Jerk - Fortunately, my wife could manage the spice level and ended up liking the food. The chicken has a unique smokey favlour thats not very common in the area. Its truely authentic. The service online has been great! I had a special request and they took the time to go beyond my expectations. Who ever was in the kitchen on the night of Dec 9th, thank you. I appreciate you. The quantify of food is okay, however its great for the price. If I had the option Id pay for a little more.