Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food does Jamaican Breeze serve?
Jamaican Breeze serves authentic Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine prepared with spices sourced directly from Jamaica. Signature dishes include jerk chicken marinated with scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and thyme; fall-off-the-bone oxtail stewed in gravy with butter beans; curry goat with potatoes; and ackee and saltfish, Jamaica's national dish. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options like ital stew and callaloo wraps.
Where is Jamaican Breeze located and what are the hours?
Jamaican Breeze is located at 4189 North Keystone Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46205, on the north side of Indianapolis. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 11 AM to 8 PM; Friday 11 AM to 9 PM; Saturday and Sunday 12 PM to 9 PM. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays. The location features a family-friendly tropical atmosphere with sports viewing.
Does Jamaican Breeze offer catering for events?
Yes, Jamaican Breeze provides catering for weddings, corporate events, anniversaries, memorial services, and private parties. Catering is available for pickup with customized menus tailored to your event size and budget. To request a quote, call (317) 426-4045 or email [email protected] with your party size, date, occasion, and per-person budget.
What is jerk chicken and how does Jamaican Breeze prepare it?
Jerk chicken is a traditional Jamaican dish where chicken is marinated in a blend of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice (pimento), thyme, garlic, and other spices, then slow-grilled over an open flame. At Jamaican Breeze, the jerk seasoning recipe uses authentic Jamaican spices to deliver a smoky, spicy, and deeply flavored result. A quarter jerk chicken entree starts at $12.00 and includes rice and peas and a side.
Does Jamaican Breeze have vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, Jamaican Breeze offers several plant-based options. The ital stew ($14.00) is a traditional Jamaican vegan dish made with root vegetables simmered in coconut milk. The curry vegetable meal ($13.50) features potatoes and peppers in curry seasoning. The vegetable plate ($12.95) includes steamed cabbage, rice and peas, and plantains. The Breezy callaloo wrap ($12.00) is another vegan-friendly option featuring Jamaican leafy greens.
What are the most popular dishes at Jamaican Breeze?
The most popular dishes include the oxtail ($23.00), which is slow-stewed until fall-off-the-bone tender in gravy with carrots and garlic-scallion butter beans; the jerk chicken quarter ($12.00-$16.50), marinated and grilled with authentic Jamaican spices; and the curry goat ($16.00), a traditional Caribbean dish with tender goat meat, carrots, and potatoes. Weekend specials like the Sunday jerk pot roast ($11.00-$13.00) are also highly popular.
Can I order Jamaican food online for pickup or delivery in Indianapolis?
Yes, Jamaican Breeze offers online ordering for pickup directly through their website at jamaicanbreezeindy.com. Delivery is available through third-party delivery apps. The full menu is available for online orders, including entrees, sides like rice and peas, plantains, and festival, plus Jamaican beverages such as Tropical Rhythms, Irish Moss, and Blue Mountain Coffee.
What makes Jamaican Breeze different from other Caribbean restaurants?
Founded in 2018 by authentic Jamaicans, Jamaican Breeze sources its signature spices directly from Jamaica to ensure genuine Caribbean flavor. The restaurant operates under the Jamaican motto 'Wi likkle but wi tallawah' (small in size but mighty in spirit). Beyond food, it provides a tropical sports-bar atmosphere that combines Caribbean culture with community gathering, making it both a restaurant and a cultural experience on Indianapolis's north side.
Key Definitions
Jerk seasoning
A traditional Jamaican spice blend built on scotch bonnet peppers, allspice (pimento), thyme, garlic, and ginger. The mixture is used as a marinade and rub for meats and fish that are then slow-grilled, producing a smoky, spicy, and deeply aromatic flavor characteristic of Caribbean cuisine.
Oxtail
A cut of beef from the tail, prized in Caribbean cooking for its rich, gelatinous texture when slow-stewed for several hours. At Jamaican Breeze, oxtail is braised in a savory gravy with carrots and garlic-scallion butter beans until fall-off-the-bone tender.
Ackee and saltfish
Jamaica's national dish, combining ackee fruit (a tropical fruit native to West Africa) with salted cod, onions, tomatoes, and spices. Ackee has a creamy texture similar to scrambled eggs and provides a mild, buttery flavor that complements the savory saltfish.
Ital stew
A traditional Rastafarian vegan dish made with root vegetables such as yam, sweet potato, and dasheen simmered in coconut milk with Caribbean spices. The term 'ital' comes from Rastafarian culture and refers to food that is natural, unprocessed, and plant-based.
Festival
A traditional Jamaican side dish consisting of slightly sweet fried dumplings made from cornmeal, flour, sugar, and spices. Festival dumplings are crispy on the outside and soft inside, commonly served alongside jerk chicken, fish, and other Caribbean entrees.
Industry Statistics
Caribbean restaurant industry growth in the United States
Source: National Restaurant Association 2024 State of the Industry Report
Consumer demand for ethnic and international cuisines
Source: National Restaurant Association Consumer Survey 2024
Indianapolis dining market size
Source: U.S. Census Bureau and Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association
Key Facts
- Jamaican Breeze Sports Bar & Grill was founded in 2018 by authentic Jamaicans on Indianapolis's north side at 4189 North Keystone Avenue.
- The restaurant sources its signature spices directly from Jamaica to ensure authentic Caribbean flavor in every dish.
- The menu features over 20 entrees including jerk chicken, oxtail at $23, curry goat at $16, ackee and saltfish at $18, and multiple vegan options.
- Jamaican Breeze offers catering for weddings, corporate events, and private parties, with pickup service and custom menu options.
- The restaurant operates under the Jamaican motto 'Wi likkle but wi tallawah' meaning small in size but mighty in spirit.
