Minto's Jamaican Restaurant & Bar

Friendly customer service food is delicious atmosphere is so so

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Not returning bc I waited 30 minutes for a beef patty with cocoa bread just for the cocoa bread to be cut in half. Never in my Jamaican life have I seen a cocoa bread cut in half. The patty couldn’t even fit on the bread bc the bread was so tiny. Then they overcharge for everything! Lastly, they have poor customer service. The woman helping at the front gave attitude and snatched the cocoa bread and walked away when I told her I didn’t want to pay for an additional half slice. Such a shame but I’ll find another Jamaican restaurant.

Service: 1

Mintos Jamaican Juice Bar on 15th is just a great spot. The people are super kind, it has a relaxed, welcoming vibe, and the vegetarian patties are honestly some of the best I’ve had — flavorful, fresh, and just really satisfying. Their juices are also great — the one with sea moss and pineapple is my go-to, especially when my stomach’s off. Everything feels clean and easy to digest, which isn’t always easy to find. And all the times that I’ve gone in there, the customers have been unbelievably friendly and the staff and I found myself engaged in these really pleasant lovely conversations and that’s hard to find in addition to the exceptionally yummy food. I really would recommend checking this place out.

[Original Review – Juice Bar]
I left a review about the MINTOS juice bar a while ago, because it’s one of my favorite places in the neighborhood—amazing juices, great people, and a really welcoming vibe.

[Update – Restaurant Side]
I wanted to add a separate note about the restaurant side of MINTOS, which honestly deserves its own spotlight.
MINTOS isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a true cornerstone of community in downtown Oakland. It’s one of those rare places where you feel instantly at ease, surrounded by people who are kind, respectful, and just there to enjoy good company and good food. The vibe is never about flash or ego—it’s about connection. Families gather, neighbors stop by, and there’s this easy, unspoken sense that everyone belongs.

The owner, who also DJs, brings real energy and care into the space—not just through music or meals, but through action. I’ve seen him working with other local businesses to fix up grills for community use, creating outdoor areas where people can gather and celebrate. Places like this don’t just feed us—they strengthen the fabric of the neighborhood.

Oh—and yes, the vegetarian patties are incredible.

Supporting MINTOS means uplifting a place that uplifts everyone around it. This is what embodied community feels like. 💛

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Extremely rude, they don't even care you are standing there. I waited for 15 mins just to order, that lady has such a bad customer service. How can you even be in service business with that kinda attitude. No wonder has 4 star review.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Food is good as hell here, love the oxtail dishes! Service can be a little spotty, sure, but the food and music make up for it. Rum cake was fresh.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 3

SO YUMMMY AND NICE

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great Jamaican food. We really enjoyed the plantains, curry goat and oxtail.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken Plate

Only thing I don’t like is they lie they say you get a drink with your combo now they’re telling me you don’t. Smh 🤔

Very slow, you have to wait 30 min at least for your food

Food is mostly okay, but nothing spectacular. Does the job if you’re craving Caribbean. The service, however, has consistently been pretty poor.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 2

One of my favorite places. Music is always good, the people are lovely, and the food is outstanding.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

best jerk chicken I've ever had . Even my wife enjoyed it and she's a vegetarian lol.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Rice \u0026 Peas, Jerk Chicken Special

Service so bad and over priced 🤦‍♂️👎

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Coming from Jamaica it’s hard to find good homestyle food in the Bay Area. Came here and there was excellent food and very kind staff. Big up Minto’s, I’ll be back again 100% !

Recommended dishes: Rice \u0026 Peas