Nestled in the heart of Locke Street, Joey Turk’s Island Grill is an absolute gem that brings the vibrant flavours of the Caribbean right to Hamilton. A collaboration between the Happy Belly Food Group and celebrated Caribbean chef Tony Bradshaw, this place delivers an island experience unlike any other.
From the moment you walk in, you’re transported – the atmosphere is warm, inviting, and full of the energy you'd expect from a true Caribbean eatery. But the real magic? The food.
I had the jerk chicken sandwich, and let me tell you, this was jerk perfection. Every bite was an explosion of flavor – the jerk spice had just the right balance of heat and smokiness, lingering in the best way possible. The creamy coleslaw, Caribbean aioli, and BBQ sauce tied everything together beautifully, complementing the spice without overpowering it. Served on a fresh bun, it was hands down one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in a long time. Even after finishing it, I could still feel the spices working their magic – a truly satisfying experience.
What makes Joey Turk’s stand out isn’t just the incredible food, but also the authenticity behind it. Chef Tony Bradshaw, born and raised in Barbados, brings a lifetime of culinary expertise to the table, crafting flavors that pay homage to the islands while offering something fresh and exciting.
With its unbeatable flavor, warm ambiance, and a team that clearly cares about their craft, Joey Turk’s is a must-visit for anyone looking for real Caribbean cuisine in Hamilton. Whether you’re a longtime fan of jerk or trying it for the first time, you’ll leave happy – and craving your next visit.
⭐ 5/5 – Can’t wait to go back! ⭐
Phil Huynh
Got the curried chicken with rice and veg and it was good but I wish there was a little more flavour to it. Overall it was just ever so slightly bland. The service was amazing and the guy helping was really guiding us through the differences in options. The jerk chicken patty was good and flavourful but the pastry was quite dry and overdone.
Definitely give this place a try when in Locke street!
The jerk chicken bowl + Mac n cheese combo was to dieeeee for! Really enjoyed the options they had for chicken based bowls , my favourite was by far the jerk especially with the Caribbean aïoli on top of all my selections !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ash
Currently having their walk in special for lunch! - jerk chicken sandwich with a drink, great price, decent sized sandwich that was filling! also quick service which is great when you’re on a lunch break :) also had their mac & cheese and beef patties before and they were great as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Barbadian Mac N Cheese, Jamaican Beef Patty
John Hills
I tried the jerk chicken sammich Wow!! Delish Coleslaw and other sauce goes so well with the spicy chicken I loved it.....great price as well
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
zach SHANAHAN
Unbelievably good rice, jerk chicken, and the aioli is a must have. Will be back, prices amazing too. Costs as much as a McDonald’s combo. Huge portions. Keep doing what y’all are doing ??
J
Best food ever ! So far I’ve had the jerk the curry chicken that macaroni pie is made from an angel sent down to earth the coconut cookie is sooooooooo delicious ? god bless the hands that are preparing this delicious food ?????? thank you so much ?????
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shamiram Gorgis
I love their sandwiches. Flavourful, great value for a great price. Well seasoned and fresh!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken, BBQ Chicken
Will
Got the walk-in special jerk chicken sandwich. It was just the bun, coleslaw and chicken but damn that was good. Great deal, not crazy filling but definitely a good portion for the cost.
Nice person behind the counter making the sandwiches for us! Good experience overall :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stephen Mcfadden
Love it, local Roti spot and the jerk chicken roti is always fantastic. Great staff too.
Great food and super friendly staff!! I will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sequoia Moss
I purchased a pattie from this place and I chose the lightest one in the case. The one I chose was still burnt through the layers when I took a bite into it. It was so hard that I could barely chew it. I took it back to the store and the clerk at the time has the most disgusting attitude. I told her the state of the patty, brought it back and asked her for my money back. She said they are supposed to be like that but I let her know it wasn’t enjoyable, clearly overcooked based on appearance and taste and that I would take an exchange if the rest weren’t more burnt than the one I chose. She told me the manager wasn’t back for a week so that was that.
I am saving this pattie for the week until the manager comes back to get my refund. Some may consider me petty but it’s about the principle. You don’t serve more attitude than food and expect people to return as a paying customer.
On the brighter side, I returned and tried some curry chicken, white rice and coleslaw. Something I make at home often because it’s such a comforting dish.
The curry was yummy, and the soft parboiled rice compliments the tender chicken thighs. I got a side of coleslaw and it has a vinegary taste that I am personally not used to for coleslaw but I actually enjoyed the contrast in the plate.
I also had the Mac and cheese that was sprinkled with a little breadcrumbs giving it a crunchy finish. I’m not sure if this is traditional for Caribbean food but I wasn’t against it. I personally would have preferred for it to be more flavoured with herbs and spices but it was salty enough, creamy, cheesy and had the perfect texture. The food is a solid Caribbean Canadian fusion. I wouldn’t consider it authentic but still yummy.
Even more lovely than the food was meeting Sara, who manages the Joey Turks Locke location and spends most of her time in the kitchen adding love to the dishes. She was very apologetic for the experience I had and was determined to make sure I left in good spirits; she succeeded. Thank you Sara.
I look forward to returning and trying different items!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Aleena Campbell
I went 2 weeks ago, I ordered the Jerk Chicken with rice and peas and it was absolutely delicious. The service was amazing, I had a great conversation with Talia (I believe that's her name) she made my experience 10x better. Can't to visit again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rita
I had a service issue prior, and the manager today was absolutely lovely. The food was delicious, service was great thanks to the manager and I would definitely try again! Thank you for your hospitality
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: BBQ Chicken
oluomachi jerry
Save your money, it doesn’t taste like jerk chicken, just overly spiced, flavourless chicken
Nestled in the heart of Locke Street, Joey Turk’s Island Grill is an absolute gem that brings the vibrant flavours of the Caribbean right to Hamilton. A collaboration between the Happy Belly Food Group and celebrated Caribbean chef Tony Bradshaw, this place delivers an island experience unlike any other. From the moment you walk in, you’re transported – the atmosphere is warm, inviting, and full of the energy you'd expect from a true Caribbean eatery. But the real magic? The food. I had the jerk chicken sandwich, and let me tell you, this was jerk perfection. Every bite was an explosion of flavor – the jerk spice had just the right balance of heat and smokiness, lingering in the best way possible. The creamy coleslaw, Caribbean aioli, and BBQ sauce tied everything together beautifully, complementing the spice without overpowering it. Served on a fresh bun, it was hands down one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in a long time. Even after finishing it, I could still feel the spices working their magic – a truly satisfying experience. What makes Joey Turk’s stand out isn’t just the incredible food, but also the authenticity behind it. Chef Tony Bradshaw, born and raised in Barbados, brings a lifetime of culinary expertise to the table, crafting flavors that pay homage to the islands while offering something fresh and exciting. With its unbeatable flavor, warm ambiance, and a team that clearly cares about their craft, Joey Turk’s is a must-visit for anyone looking for real Caribbean cuisine in Hamilton. Whether you’re a longtime fan of jerk or trying it for the first time, you’ll leave happy – and craving your next visit. ⭐ 5/5 – Can’t wait to go back! ⭐
Got the curried chicken with rice and veg and it was good but I wish there was a little more flavour to it. Overall it was just ever so slightly bland. The service was amazing and the guy helping was really guiding us through the differences in options. The jerk chicken patty was good and flavourful but the pastry was quite dry and overdone.
Definitely give this place a try when in Locke street!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken Patty, Curry Chicken Bowl
The jerk chicken bowl + Mac n cheese combo was to dieeeee for! Really enjoyed the options they had for chicken based bowls , my favourite was by far the jerk especially with the Caribbean aïoli on top of all my selections !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Currently having their walk in special for lunch! - jerk chicken sandwich with a drink, great price, decent sized sandwich that was filling! also quick service which is great when you’re on a lunch break :) also had their mac & cheese and beef patties before and they were great as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Barbadian Mac N Cheese, Jamaican Beef Patty
I tried the jerk chicken sammich
Wow!! Delish
Coleslaw and other sauce goes so well with the spicy chicken
I loved it.....great price as well
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Unbelievably good rice, jerk chicken, and the aioli is a must have. Will be back, prices amazing too. Costs as much as a McDonald’s combo. Huge portions. Keep doing what y’all are doing ??
Best food ever ! So far I’ve had the jerk the curry chicken that macaroni pie is made from an angel sent down to earth the coconut cookie is sooooooooo delicious ? god bless the hands that are preparing this delicious food ?????? thank you so much ?????
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love their sandwiches. Flavourful, great value for a great price. Well seasoned and fresh!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken, BBQ Chicken
Got the walk-in special jerk chicken sandwich. It was just the bun, coleslaw and chicken but damn that was good. Great deal, not crazy filling but definitely a good portion for the cost.
Nice person behind the counter making the sandwiches for us! Good experience overall :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love it, local Roti spot and the jerk chicken roti is always fantastic. Great staff too.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Curry Chicken, Jerk Chicken Bowl
Restaurantji Recommends
Great food and super friendly staff!! I will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I purchased a pattie from this place and I chose the lightest one in the case. The one I chose was still burnt through the layers when I took a bite into it. It was so hard that I could barely chew it. I took it back to the store and the clerk at the time has the most disgusting attitude. I told her the state of the patty, brought it back and asked her for my money back. She said they are supposed to be like that but I let her know it wasn’t enjoyable, clearly overcooked based on appearance and taste and that I would take an exchange if the rest weren’t more burnt than the one I chose. She told me the manager wasn’t back for a week so that was that.
I am saving this pattie for the week until the manager comes back to get my refund. Some may consider me petty but it’s about the principle. You don’t serve more attitude than food and expect people to return as a paying customer.
On the brighter side, I returned and tried some curry chicken, white rice and coleslaw. Something I make at home often because it’s such a comforting dish.
The curry was yummy, and the soft parboiled rice compliments the tender chicken thighs. I got a side of coleslaw and it has a vinegary taste that I am personally not used to for coleslaw but I actually enjoyed the contrast in the plate.
I also had the Mac and cheese that was sprinkled with a little breadcrumbs giving it a crunchy finish. I’m not sure if this is traditional for Caribbean food but I wasn’t against it. I personally would have preferred for it to be more flavoured with herbs and spices but it was salty enough, creamy, cheesy and had the perfect texture. The food is a solid Caribbean Canadian fusion. I wouldn’t consider it authentic but still yummy.
Even more lovely than the food was meeting Sara, who manages the Joey Turks Locke location and spends most of her time in the kitchen adding love to the dishes. She was very apologetic for the experience I had and was determined to make sure I left in good spirits; she succeeded. Thank you Sara.
I look forward to returning and trying different items!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
I went 2 weeks ago, I ordered the Jerk Chicken with rice and peas and it was absolutely delicious. The service was amazing, I had a great conversation with Talia (I believe that's her name) she made my experience 10x better. Can't to visit again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had a service issue prior, and the manager today was absolutely lovely. The food was delicious, service was great thanks to the manager and I would definitely try again! Thank you for your hospitality
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: BBQ Chicken
Save your money, it doesn’t taste like jerk chicken, just overly spiced, flavourless chicken
Loading...