Ian's cooking is authentic if you want a taste of true Jamaica culture you must give it a try and don't forget Ian's rum punch
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Curried Goat
Rene from PA
This place definitely caters to the locals. If you are not a local, I would not recommend it. Slow service for us, while I witnessed speedy service to others.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
Vincent
I visited Branches Grill and Cafe with my wife as part of an anniversary weekend we were spending in Chatham, MA. I made the reservation because I wanted to try something new and Caribbean cuisine sounded interesting, but I didn't really know what to expect. When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the host, who seemed to be expecting us and sat us without delay. The restaurant was nearly full and full of energy with a welcoming atmosphere. The menu was full of interesting dishes and it was difficult to decide. The Mannish Water and and Beef Soup were excellent. My wife settled on the Oxtail, which she'd never had, and found to be delicious. I ordered a special BBQ Pork dish, which was equally amazing. Not only was the food perfect, the staff was equally friendly and inviting. Perhaps the best part was that somehow the waitress could tell that we were celebrating something and began asking us about it, and we were more than happy to share. When it came time for dessert the whole restaurant erupted in applause and congratulations for us as the wait staff brought out a slice of cake with "Happy 20th Anniversary" written in chocolate sauce. It was such a kind gesture and brought tears to our eyes, and it made the whole night that much more special. We'll definitely be visiting Branches Grill and Cafe again the next time we are in Chatham.
MicheleC
Chef Ian serves the most flavorful food in Chatham. His mastery of Jamaican dishes is expected. It's his skill with classic American (and Italian pasta) dishes that's so delightful. All in a friendly, charming, colorful atmosphere that proves great food and non-fussy vibes go together just fine. For starters, don't miss the beef-pumpkin soup or the house nachos. If you're a salmon fan, do not miss the daily special, however it's seasonally prepared. The house pesto is also a family fave. Finally, the drink menu has evolved into a first-class celebration of taste - and the Rum Punch transported us back to a cherished Negril vacation.
Mark
Superb Jamaican flavors, artfully curated in both the drinks and dishes, served up by engaging staff at extremely reasonable prices in a charming, relaxed venue. I enjoyed the Mannish Water (goat head soup) and the Curried Goat which were both taste sensations.
Jon
I had curry goat and partner had jerk chicken, both excellent. However the conch fritter app was overcooked and too crusty. Unfortunately, there was an office party of 8 that was very loud. It's not the restaurants fault and I understand celebrations, but parties should be cognizant that there are others in the room who are not interested in their revelry.
Itamar Heim
Long wait time, incorrect items, inconsistent level of food with some bad items.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Ori Tamuz
Amazing food and service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken Combo Meal, Fish
Lauren
We stumbled upon this place last minute and were pleasantly surprised with how great the experience was. Attentive service and delicious food! We loved all the new flavors as they were a nice change from the same old boring meals. We started with the lobster Mac and cheese and then had the snapper filet escovitch and the jerk chicken. They even provided a small soup as an additional starter. Would definitely recommend!
Libbie
Cozy atmosphere, fantastic, friendly service and oh my goodness the FOOD! The beef and pumpkin soup was so delicious I wanted to lick the cup! The lump crab cake had a nice spice to it. The jerk pork and chicken were charred on the outside and tender on the inside, just delicious! Good cocktails, but a limited wine list. They also have an impressive list of desserts but we were too full to try them! Definitely go to Branches in Chatham!
Had an excellent dinner experience at The Branches Grill and Cafe. Service was friendly and timely, and food was excellent. The bruschetta was the best I've had in a very long time!
Simon W
Had a nice time eating here with our kids and grandkids. A lot of good food choices and friendly staff. Easy parking and also convenient to the bike trail.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Damage
I don't want this review to reflect poorly on our specific server, but we had a reservation for 7pm for 8 people. We were the third table seated in the restaurant. We ordered drinks and conch fritters fairly quickly, and it took about 30 minutes to get them - they did keep us full of water until then. The conch fritters came out in about 15 minutes and were essentially hush puppies. In all of two full orders, one person found one piece of conch. Okay, not a great start. We were all quite hungry and ordered as soon as she came back with our drinks (about 7:30). From the time we ordered, it was more than an hour and a half until our food came (after 9pm!). The food, once we got it, was quite good. We had a good variety of things and everyone was happy with what they chose. But while waiting, starting about 45 minutes after we ordered, our server kept telling us "it's coming right up" and "they're plating it now", none of which could possible have been true. They did give us free dessert, but to keep people waiting for 90+ minutes for dinner is just inexcusable. We would have preferred the truth - someone didn't show up, we have to kill the chickens and the goat, SOMETHING to explain what was going on. I would only recommend if you are not in a hurry, because the food is great.
luigi
Our waitress was awesome. we didn't have to wait for anything and she was just so positive. She was joyful. She recommended some dishes, which were great, and brought us samples of two soups. we will definitely be returning to try more dishes!!!
Excellent experience and atmosphere. The food and drinks were delicious and a large variety of menu of items to choose. Service was top notch and staff went above and beyond as I celebrated my birthday there. Would definitely recommend and would return!
Ian's cooking is authentic if you want a taste of true Jamaica culture you must give it a try and don't forget Ian's rum punch
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Curried Goat
This place definitely caters to the locals. If you are not a local, I would not recommend it. Slow service for us, while I witnessed speedy service to others.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
I visited Branches Grill and Cafe with my wife as part of an anniversary weekend we were spending in Chatham, MA. I made the reservation because I wanted to try something new and Caribbean cuisine sounded interesting, but I didn't really know what to expect. When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the host, who seemed to be expecting us and sat us without delay. The restaurant was nearly full and full of energy with a welcoming atmosphere. The menu was full of interesting dishes and it was difficult to decide. The Mannish Water and and Beef Soup were excellent. My wife settled on the Oxtail, which she'd never had, and found to be delicious. I ordered a special BBQ Pork dish, which was equally amazing. Not only was the food perfect, the staff was equally friendly and inviting. Perhaps the best part was that somehow the waitress could tell that we were celebrating something and began asking us about it, and we were more than happy to share. When it came time for dessert the whole restaurant erupted in applause and congratulations for us as the wait staff brought out a slice of cake with "Happy 20th Anniversary" written in chocolate sauce. It was such a kind gesture and brought tears to our eyes, and it made the whole night that much more special. We'll definitely be visiting Branches Grill and Cafe again the next time we are in Chatham.
Chef Ian serves the most flavorful food in Chatham. His mastery of Jamaican dishes is expected. It's his skill with classic American (and Italian pasta) dishes that's so delightful. All in a friendly, charming, colorful atmosphere that proves great food and non-fussy vibes go together just fine. For starters, don't miss the beef-pumpkin soup or the house nachos. If you're a salmon fan, do not miss the daily special, however it's seasonally prepared. The house pesto is also a family fave. Finally, the drink menu has evolved into a first-class celebration of taste - and the Rum Punch transported us back to a cherished Negril vacation.
Superb Jamaican flavors, artfully curated in both the drinks and dishes, served up by engaging staff at extremely reasonable prices in a charming, relaxed venue. I enjoyed the Mannish Water (goat head soup) and the Curried Goat which were both taste sensations.
I had curry goat and partner had jerk chicken, both excellent. However the conch fritter app was overcooked and too crusty. Unfortunately, there was an office party of 8 that was very loud. It's not the restaurants fault and I understand celebrations, but parties should be cognizant that there are others in the room who are not interested in their revelry.
Long wait time, incorrect items, inconsistent level of food with some bad items.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Amazing food and service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken Combo Meal, Fish
We stumbled upon this place last minute and were pleasantly surprised with how great the experience was. Attentive service and delicious food! We loved all the new flavors as they were a nice change from the same old boring meals. We started with the lobster Mac and cheese and then had the snapper filet escovitch and the jerk chicken. They even provided a small soup as an additional starter. Would definitely recommend!
Cozy atmosphere, fantastic, friendly service and oh my goodness the FOOD! The beef and pumpkin soup was so delicious I wanted to lick the cup! The lump crab cake had a nice spice to it. The jerk pork and chicken were charred on the outside and tender on the inside, just delicious! Good cocktails, but a limited wine list. They also have an impressive list of desserts but we were too full to try them! Definitely go to Branches in Chatham!
Restaurantji Recommends
Had an excellent dinner experience at The Branches Grill and Cafe. Service was friendly and timely, and food was excellent. The bruschetta was the best I've had in a very long time!
Had a nice time eating here with our kids and grandkids. A lot of good food choices and friendly staff. Easy parking and also convenient to the bike trail.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I don't want this review to reflect poorly on our specific server, but we had a reservation for 7pm for 8 people. We were the third table seated in the restaurant. We ordered drinks and conch fritters fairly quickly, and it took about 30 minutes to get them - they did keep us full of water until then. The conch fritters came out in about 15 minutes and were essentially hush puppies. In all of two full orders, one person found one piece of conch. Okay, not a great start. We were all quite hungry and ordered as soon as she came back with our drinks (about 7:30). From the time we ordered, it was more than an hour and a half until our food came (after 9pm!). The food, once we got it, was quite good. We had a good variety of things and everyone was happy with what they chose. But while waiting, starting about 45 minutes after we ordered, our server kept telling us "it's coming right up" and "they're plating it now", none of which could possible have been true. They did give us free dessert, but to keep people waiting for 90+ minutes for dinner is just inexcusable. We would have preferred the truth - someone didn't show up, we have to kill the chickens and the goat, SOMETHING to explain what was going on. I would only recommend if you are not in a hurry, because the food is great.
Our waitress was awesome. we didn't have to wait for anything and she was just so positive. She was joyful. She recommended some dishes, which were great, and brought us samples of two soups. we will definitely be returning to try more dishes!!!
Excellent experience and atmosphere. The food and drinks were delicious and a large variety of menu of items to choose. Service was top notch and staff went above and beyond as I celebrated my birthday there. Would definitely recommend and would return!
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