Tropicana Eatery

I used to live in this area, and for the last 10 years I haven’t found anybody within three hours of my new home who makes or sell goat soup. After a full decade of disappointment, I finally decided to make the 3.5-hour pilgrimage back here for their Tuesday goat soup. And let me tell you… I’m glad I did.

First things first: the place is exactly how I remember it. The bathroom situation? Classic. You need a key attached to a five-pound bar, but the bathroom is CLEAN, so I’m not complaining. The cashier? All business with no small talk or smiles. To be fair, they were never the warm-and-fuzzy type, so I’m not docking any points off. Not personable, but efficient. Our order was correct, the wait wasn’t long, and he included a sufficient supply of napkins and silverware (which ended up being crucial to my survival).

Because listen… Ithanks to a few reviews I was fully prepared to just open that cup and drink it straight. The reviews had me thinking I’d be lucky to find one lonely piece of meat floating around (see photos). Total opposite. THANK GOODNESS he gave me utensils because I would’ve choked. This soup was packed. Full of meats, potatoes, and carrots. And the broth? Warm, peppery, loose, savory—pretty close to perfect.

Now the only con: this pot was SALTY. So salty the mutton flavor didn’t just get overshadowed—it got evicted. The ancestors definitely went home mid-seasoning. But you know what? I’m not deducting a single point. Somebody clearly lost their life flavoring this pot, and I’m going to be grateful. When I warm it up, I’ll just drop a couple ice cubes in there—cool it down and stretch the salt out at the same time.

Inside the restaurant is simple, clean, with a small dine-in area and a Bob Marley mural that fits the vibe perfectly. After reading the mixed reviews, I was hesitant, but I’m glad I trusted my cravings instead of the internet.

Will I make this 3.5-hour trip again this winter?
Absolutely. For a cup of their goat soup, I’ll fill up the tank every Tuesday.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Food great but they never answer the phone

Terrible experience with their jerk chicken 😕. Tasted super stale and just plain awful. Won't be back 🙅.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 4

This location has the best Curry Goat in the Area‼️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This spot is very good and good portion size hidden gem all the negative comments aren't true I been here multiple times and no one is rude nor is the food bland coming from an NYC native this spot is actually pretty good also the jerk chicken is spicy it gives more of baked jerk vibe which is cool they probably don't have a grill overall experience 10 /10 people be lying

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Its 2025 In this economy nobody wants to deal with the rude attitude with as much as the food cost the older lady with the short blonde hair is rude and has no manners the older gentleman was nice then she calls your orders out & expect you to hear her over the loud music

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

I cannot understand how this place has such high reviews. The food was horribly bland. Its cheap and huge portions but no flavor. Oxtails just dry no sauce or natural stew. Curry chicken bland like plain chicken that they spooned sauce on top of. Sad! Worst Caribbean food I have ever had! Ever!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 3

Didn't taste like stew chicken, oxtail was tough and had no flavor..got sorrel poured it right down the drain not strained properly. I am only leaving this review because I spent $35 dollars and I am pissed!!

I really wanted oxtail for lunch and boy was I disappointed! I got a small oxtail for $15.50 and it had absolutely NO FLAVOR! Although the oxtail was tender it taste like nothing but meat. I will not be going back nor do I recommend this place for authentic Jamaican food. Up your seasoning game Tropicana!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 2

Bad customer service

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

Walked in and there was a man at the counter, I asked if I could have 2 beef patties but instead of taking my order he yelled for a girl in the back to come take my order, which I thought was pretty strange considering he was standing right next to the patties and the register.

Ordered 2 beef patties, which were 3.50 each which is pretty expensive but understandable considering the economy these days. I was in there for less than 5 minutes so it was a quick interaction which is why I give them 1 star.

The strangest thing during my whole time in the store was that neither the man or woman acknowledged me, or said anything to me. The only words spoken we're from me when I walked in, said hello, could I have 2 beef patties. No hello, how are you, what can I get you, thank you for coming, literally nothing. Just took my order and money. I thought was really strange and very rude. I'm not sure what their issues were but I'll be avoiding this place in the future. Patties were ok, nothing special.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

I ordered a small jerk chicken with rice and peas, a large oxtail with rice and peas and 1 festival. The jerk chicken was more sweet and spicy than jerk chicken. The oxtail was missing gravy. Like I was given boiled oxtail with no gravy. Picture below. The festival was the only good thing from my order. This was the first and will be the last time I go to this restaurant.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

The owner, she is very rude.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Patties, Curried Goat

Always good never disappointed

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Not a fan. I thought the reviews would give me a different experience but I was unimpressed. Otherwise service and portion sizes were good.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4