First off let me start by saying the food was delicious, but the bartender Ivana was VERY DRY & does not let you know the new prices which is misleading as a customer who is frequent with supporting up & coming businesses. I ordered the curry chicken which says $23 on the menu & my other half ordered the seafood combo which says $28/30 it does not say nothing about a $5 upcharge for salmon. Then as we spoke to the owner about the issues first thing he said was she should’ve told us food prices went up & he can’t reprint menus cause it costs him $2K but part of being in business is being prepared for things like this the customer shouldn’t have to be surprised when the bill comes. Then they point out “THE MENU PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE” but that is clearly located on the happy hour part of the menu. If you go just be sure to be prepared to pay a higher bill then advertised.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
John Holly
1st time stopping in.
Hostess/ person who took my food order (to go), was top notch. She was nice, professional, and had a good personality. I sat at the bar while my order was being prepared. The bartender was also very pleasant. The food was good. I was happy with the price, quality, and quantity. The beer on the other hand is a little over priced. Over all, a very nice place, but I won't be ordering any more alcohol.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Selena Archibald
The food is made with love. The fried whiting fish is awesome (I love it). Portion size and all. The drinks are made with perfection and not watered down. The atmosphere is nice, food portion and price is good, happy hour pricing is the best, the staff is friendly and professional. My only concern is the wait time. Other than that this is my go to spot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Danielle \u0026 Anthony
I noticed it’s very difficult to find authentic Jamaican food in the DMV / Maryland outside of my home. I’ve heard so many transplants with the same feedback.
I decided to try this restaurant and honestly What a disappointment.
I ordered 2 entrees, extra sides and an appetizer.
Our waitress, Ivie F brought 12 pieces of wings when we ordered when we only ordered 6 as per the menu. Once we brought it to her attention she said sternly “well I heard 12” and walked away. What kind of service is this?
I ordered the following menu items:
Oxtails- 1out of 5 very watered down, sauce extremely dark and flavorless Jerk wings- 2 out of 5 Callaloo- 4 out of 5 very hard to find vegetable here in the US. This was very well prepared String beans -3 out of 5 Fish- 3 out of 5 nice presentation but overcooked/ dry Festival- 2 out of 5 Lemon drop- 3 out of 5
The food didn’t taste authentic nor traditional. The flavors felt watered down, too much sauce or just plain salty. My husband (originally from Jamaica) who owns a Jamaican restaurant in another state figured he would help a fellow Jamaican out by giving some tips. The manager explained that the people in Maryland like it this way but he wouldn’t cook it like this at home! Lol I’ve never heard such a response as a Caribbean restaurant you should take pride in authenticity always.
I highly doubt with this experience I will be back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Jordan P. B.
Ngl, ordered oxtails for $33 and got 4.5 pieces. I got more broth than cow.
Not worth it. Imo (but they aren’t the first to portion oxtails bad)
They need to improve their packaging tremendously. The soupy meat just spills through. And it’s too many trays for a standard order.
It wasn’t bad tasting but it also wasn’t any better than a Caribbean spot you know you can count on.
Tread lightly with this one. It just wasn’t presented/plated well. And the fact that i could place an order for two and spend $70+ it just isn’t worth it for how it is packaged and portioned.
They also do a lil different a seasoning than what is traditional… not bad but not innovative. It doesn’t make it worth it over another place
Not worth it until they improve in ensuring quality, quantity, and packaging.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 3
Savon T
The curry wings are really good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Queen Storey
We were served by one of the owners who was pleasant and welcoming. Great food, strong drinks , great atmosphere
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Tim McLaughlin
Ordered from DoorDash. The Jerk Pork for two was 6-7 shoulder bone joints with little to no meat on the bones. The rice was hard (undercooked). The curry seasoning was great - plenty of gravy. In the end, we ordered a pizza to augment the meal. The total cost plus tip for the driver was $75 for basic dog scraps. Don't waste your money at this place.
Food: 1
Joy
The food was very good. The rib was amazing. My friend was able to cut the beef rib with a butter knife. I highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Nichole
Excellent curry chicken and shrimp combo! I really like the cabbage and the rice & peas. What I did not like, was that the price quoted in the menu ($23) was not what I was charged on my bill. It was $5 more on the final bill ($28) and there wasn’t a reasonable explanation on why the price was increased. Although the server was pleasant, she received a smaller tip because of this price gauging.
Shantoo Happiness Restaurant in Bowie absolutely delivers if you appreciate bold, authentic Caribbean flavor done right.
I ordered the jerk shrimp, extra spicy, with cabbage, white rice, and brown rice — and it was outstanding. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, tender, and coated in a rich, smoky jerk seasoning that had real depth. When they say “extra spicy,” they mean it — but it’s not just heat for the sake of heat. The spice builds beautifully and enhances the flavor rather than overpowering it.
The cabbage was fresh and well-seasoned, providing the perfect balance to the spice. The rice — both white and brown — was fluffy, well-prepared, and ideal for soaking up that incredible jerk sauce.
The flavors were authentic, and everything tasted freshly made. If you enjoy Caribbean cuisine with real character and proper spice, this is the place.
I’ll definitely be back with family and friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelle Thigpen
Food and drinks was so delicious I'm going back love that place 😋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andre Adams
Great food and a good vibes. Wednesday Happy Hour is the move.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
KA Lewis
Shantoo is not an authentic Jamaican restaurant, so if you are familiar with the authentic flavors and food of Jamaica, you will be disappointed. The best tasting of everything ordered was the Rum punch. We codfish fritters, jerk chicken with plantain and rice and peas, brown stew snapper rice steam cabbage, and rum punch. If you are looking for a place to eat some food, Shantoo is just OK. Shantoo watered down Authentic Jamaican food to please the customer demographic. There is nothing that I recommend advertised as such Jamaican inspired to manage expectations of true Jamaican or those that are truly familiar with the food. Decor, for a restaurant that opened recently, I expected the decor to be more inviting and appealing. It feels like an old diner. The wait staff gave their best effort. We had a reservation and were told we had 2 hrs wait. It was Jamaican food, and most of everything on the menu was precooked, so it didn't make sense for such a long wait when all the tables were not occupied.
There is a lot of room for improvement. The owners can turn this around or take to the next level, look at those around that arw doing it well, and mirror them. It just requires them to stay firm in who they are and what they provide and master it. Reduce the menu master time and taste.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Bland Rice and Peas, Fried Plantain
Rashad Wilson
Curried goat + jerk chicken combo
Goat: alot of bones. Good flavor. Could've use more goat
First off let me start by saying the food was delicious, but the bartender Ivana was VERY DRY & does not let you know the new prices which is misleading as a customer who is frequent with supporting up & coming businesses. I ordered the curry chicken which says $23 on the menu & my other half ordered the seafood combo which says $28/30 it does not say nothing about a $5 upcharge for salmon. Then as we spoke to the owner about the issues first thing he said was she should’ve told us food prices went up & he can’t reprint menus cause it costs him $2K but part of being in business is being prepared for things like this the customer shouldn’t have to be surprised when the bill comes. Then they point out “THE MENU PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE” but that is clearly located on the happy hour part of the menu. If you go just be sure to be prepared to pay a higher bill then advertised.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
1st time stopping in.
Hostess/ person who took my food order (to go), was top notch. She was nice, professional, and had a good personality.
I sat at the bar while my order was being prepared.
The bartender was also very pleasant.
The food was good. I was happy with the price, quality, and quantity.
The beer on the other hand is a little over priced.
Over all, a very nice place, but I won't be ordering any more alcohol.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
The food is made with love. The fried whiting fish is awesome (I love it). Portion size and all. The drinks are made with perfection and not watered down. The atmosphere is nice, food portion and price is good, happy hour pricing is the best, the staff is friendly and professional. My only concern is the wait time. Other than that this is my go to spot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
I noticed it’s very difficult to find authentic Jamaican food in the DMV / Maryland outside of my home. I’ve heard so many transplants with the same feedback.
I decided to try this restaurant and honestly What a disappointment.
I ordered 2 entrees, extra sides and an appetizer.
Our waitress, Ivie F brought 12 pieces of wings when we ordered when we only ordered 6 as per the menu. Once we brought it to her attention she said sternly “well I heard 12” and walked away. What kind of service is this?
I ordered the following menu items:
Oxtails- 1out of 5 very watered down, sauce extremely dark and flavorless
Jerk wings- 2 out of 5
Callaloo- 4 out of 5 very hard to find vegetable here in the US. This was very well prepared
String beans -3 out of 5
Fish- 3 out of 5 nice presentation but overcooked/ dry
Festival- 2 out of 5
Lemon drop- 3 out of 5
The food didn’t taste authentic nor traditional. The flavors felt watered down, too much sauce or just plain salty. My husband (originally from Jamaica) who owns a Jamaican restaurant in another state figured he would help a fellow Jamaican out by giving some tips.
The manager explained that the people in Maryland like it this way but he wouldn’t cook it like this at home! Lol I’ve never heard such a response as a Caribbean restaurant you should take pride in authenticity always.
I highly doubt with this experience I will be back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Ngl, ordered oxtails for $33 and got 4.5 pieces. I got more broth than cow.
Not worth it. Imo (but they aren’t the first to portion oxtails bad)
They need to improve their packaging tremendously. The soupy meat just spills through. And it’s too many trays for a standard order.
It wasn’t bad tasting but it also wasn’t any better than a Caribbean spot you know you can count on.
Tread lightly with this one. It just wasn’t presented/plated well. And the fact that i could place an order for two and spend $70+ it just isn’t worth it for how it is packaged and portioned.
They also do a lil different a seasoning than what is traditional… not bad but not innovative. It doesn’t make it worth it over another place
Not worth it until they improve in ensuring quality, quantity, and packaging.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 3
The curry wings are really good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
We were served by one of the owners who was pleasant and welcoming. Great food, strong drinks , great atmosphere
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Ordered from DoorDash. The Jerk Pork for two was 6-7 shoulder bone joints with little to no meat on the bones. The rice was hard (undercooked). The curry seasoning was great - plenty of gravy. In the end, we ordered a pizza to augment the meal. The total cost plus tip for the driver was $75 for basic dog scraps. Don't waste your money at this place.
Food: 1
The food was very good. The rib was amazing. My friend was able to cut the beef rib with a butter knife. I highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Excellent curry chicken and shrimp combo! I really like the cabbage and the rice & peas. What I did not like, was that the price quoted in the menu ($23) was not what I was charged on my bill. It was $5 more on the final bill ($28) and there wasn’t a reasonable explanation on why the price was increased. Although the server was pleasant, she received a smaller tip because of this price gauging.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
Shantoo Happiness Restaurant in Bowie absolutely delivers if you appreciate bold, authentic Caribbean flavor done right.
I ordered the jerk shrimp, extra spicy, with cabbage, white rice, and brown rice — and it was outstanding. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, tender, and coated in a rich, smoky jerk seasoning that had real depth. When they say “extra spicy,” they mean it — but it’s not just heat for the sake of heat. The spice builds beautifully and enhances the flavor rather than overpowering it.
The cabbage was fresh and well-seasoned, providing the perfect balance to the spice. The rice — both white and brown — was fluffy, well-prepared, and ideal for soaking up that incredible jerk sauce.
The flavors were authentic, and everything tasted freshly made. If you enjoy Caribbean cuisine with real character and proper spice, this is the place.
I’ll definitely be back with family and friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food and drinks was so delicious I'm going back love that place 😋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food and a good vibes. Wednesday Happy Hour is the move.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shantoo is not an authentic Jamaican restaurant, so if you are familiar with the authentic flavors and food of Jamaica, you will be disappointed. The best tasting of everything ordered was the Rum punch. We codfish fritters, jerk chicken with plantain and rice and peas, brown stew snapper rice steam cabbage, and rum punch. If you are looking for a place to eat some food, Shantoo is just OK. Shantoo watered down Authentic Jamaican food to please the customer demographic. There is nothing that I recommend advertised as such Jamaican inspired to manage expectations of true Jamaican or those that are truly familiar with the food. Decor, for a restaurant that opened recently, I expected the decor to be more inviting and appealing. It feels like an old diner. The wait staff gave their best effort. We had a reservation and were told we had 2 hrs wait. It was Jamaican food, and most of everything on the menu was precooked, so it didn't make sense for such a long wait when all the tables were not occupied.
There is a lot of room for improvement. The owners can turn this around or take to the next level, look at those around that arw doing it well, and mirror them. It just requires them to stay firm in who they are and what they provide and master it. Reduce the menu master time and taste.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Bland Rice and Peas, Fried Plantain
Curried goat + jerk chicken combo
Goat: alot of bones. Good flavor. Could've use more goat
Chicken. A lil sweet, but tender and tasty
Cabbage was 💣💣
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Loading...