Welcome to Hot Spot Jamaican American Cuisine
Hot Spot Jamaican American Cuisine celebrates the vibrant culinary heritage of Jamaica, harmoniously blending Caribbean flavors with American comfort food. Nestled in Albany, NY, this inviting eatery serves mouthwatering dishes like the iconic Ackee Saltfish, infused with the essence of Jamaica. The menu features hearty soups, from traditional Chicken Soup to the adventurous Mannish Water, appealing to both locals and newcomers. With a focus on community, Hot Spot offers catering, outdoor seating, and a comfortable atmosphere perfect for families and groups. Their dedication to authentic ingredients ensures each bite is a flavorful journey, making every visit a delightful experience.
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244 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12210 United States Hotline: (518) 426-2938
Welcome to the vibrant world of Hot Spot Jamaican American Cuisine, where the spirit of the Caribbean dances harmoniously with American comfort food. Nestled at 244 Washington Ave, Albany, NY, this culinary haven is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience that lets your taste buds explore the rich flavors of Jamaican culture.
From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that blends a classy elegance with a relaxed vibe, perfect for families, friends, and even business groups. With moderate noise levels and delightful outdoor seating, Hot Spot is the ideal place to unwind while enjoying a delightful meal.
- Reservations: Yes
- Catering: Available
- Happy Hour: Alcohol available
- Delivery & Takeout: Offers convenient options
- Wi-Fi: Free and accessible
The breakfast menu at Hot Spot is a treasure trove of Jamaican flavors. You can’t miss trying Ackee Saltfish, Jamaica's national dish, which presents a unique buttery taste created from ackee fruit and salted cod. It's a delightful introduction to the islands, priced at just $21.60. If you prefer something lighter, the Callaloo Saltfish, combining greens similar to spinach with salted fish, onions, and tomatoes at $16.80, is a refreshing option that will awaken your senses.
For those craving a heartwarming experience, the Chicken Soup is essential—a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for any time of day at just $7.50. Alternatively, indulge in the Mannish Water (Goat Soup) which offers a unique twist on traditional flavors, infused with bold spices at $7.80. Every spoonful embodies the warmth of Jamaican hospitality, making you feel right at home.
But that’s not all! The Island Quickie menu is a delightful showcase of quick bites. The freshly baked Beef Patty at $3.90 is the epitome of Jamaican fast food, each bite filled with spiced goodness. Or try the Fish Fry—light, flaky, and never greasy—served on a bun at just $6.60. And for chicken lovers, the crowd-pleasing 6pcs Chicken Wings at $7.20 will surely become a favorite.
With a menu rich in options and flavors, Hot Spot Jamaican American Cuisine offers a culinary journey that captivates and satisfies every palate. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely brunch with friends, a quick lunch break, or a hearty dinner, this restaurant promises authenticity, warmth, and a taste of Jamaica right in Albany.
In conclusion, it’s not just food; it’s a celebration of culture and community. So, grab your friends, make a reservation, and get ready to immerse yourself in the delightful world of Jamaican flavors. You can reach them at (518) 426-2938. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Visited Albany for work and to catch up with a relative. We decided to eat here for dinner and it was NICE!! We were the only one's there but several pick-up orders during our time. I had the spicy beef patty, jerk chicken combo(rice & peas and cabbage) and oxtail. Both were very good, will definitely eat here again on my next visit.
I was initially told to not eat here, but the reason was clearly personal so i ignored that person. I must admit Hot Spot Jamaican American Cuisine is by far the best Jamaican restaurant in the capital region! Best food I have had in years! Reviews are good when the reviews are based in fact and not malice! The food and service were absolutely delicious!
Great news to report to Upstate New York foodies! Let your search for the best Jerk Chicken in the Capital District Region end at the Hot Spot Jamaican Restaurant in Albany! The Hot Spot's Jerk Chicken is simply excellent. The spices used to achieve the "jerk" flavor were: intense; packed with flavor; authentically spicy but not scorching; perfectly balanced; and most satisfying in a way that is nostalgic of times spent (or hoping to spend) in the Caribbean but rather this superior jerk chicken is available now, locally in Albany. And as it should be, the restaurant's ambiance is relaxed and service is provided by kind, friendly and caring people. Stop by or order online to experience the best authentic Caribbean food from the Jamaican professionals at the Hot Spot in Albany! If jerk is not your thing, there are countless other exceptional dishes like flavorful roti, curry chicken, oxtail, and fish (snapper, salmon, salted fish/bacalao). Don't delay. See you at the Hot Spot!
Ok so I moved up here from NYC (and I'm Jamaican) and it goes without saying, that outside of Jamaica...NYC has the most and the BEST offerings of Jamaican food. When I moved I remember saying to myself out loud..."dang, I'm not gonna get any Jamaican food anymore"... so I was surprised when I found 2 places. The first place I tried was ATROCIOUS! And I gave up. THEN I found this place, and suffice of to say, I AM PLEASED! Now, it's not technically the BEST jamaican food I've ever had, BUT given the fact that the options are scarce in Albany and a lot of the food (all the cuisines) up here is lackluster in GENERAL.....THIS IS A GREAT OPTION! The Oxtail is a 8.7 (maybe a 9) The Rasta Pasta is a 8.9 (maybe 9.2) The Curry Chicken Patties are 8.2 (maybe 8.7) The Plantains are a 9.8 The Ackee & Saltfish is a 9.6-9.7 The Curry Chicken is a 9.2 (maybe 9.4) I haven't tried much of the menu, but I'm pleased with what I have tried. These ratings are fluctuating...everyone's tastes are different. And I am trying to be fair with my ratings. If I was being more critical I'd probably give them a bit of a lower rating, but simply because they are better than my previous experience at another restaurant, I give them pretty fairly higher ratings. Hope this review helps some people! PRAISE YAH!
I love all kinds of food and especially like supporting black owned businesses. I love beef patties and was buying frozen store bought. This restaurant is my go to for Jamaican food with very good beef patties. Also they're very hard working very nice people.
First time eating there in years, just moved back to the area; beef Pattie's were excellent just enough spice. Next time will be Ox tail. Lady behind the counter was nice.
Food was good but customer service did lack. FYI menu prices are different than the new prices so keep that in mind.
We ordered a jerk chicken for take out and got to meet the owner, Vincent Douglas. Vince has a good sense of humor and gave us a tour of the kitchen. The kitchen was clean and well maintained. The sauce on the jerk chicken was delicious and had the right amount of spiciness to it. I would give it a 5 star for friendly staff, good food but took a star off so they could work on the ambience. The place is pretty large but not well laid out. The place could look more like an elegant restaurant than a takeout place. The restaurant doest make full utilization of its location and potential. Finding parking near the restaurant could be hard.
When you're stuck in downtown Albany and you're feeling a little adventurous, why not try a little Jamaican food? This was my first time trying Jamaican food, and Hot Spot was right on target. Since it's billed as the National dish of Jamaica, naturally I had to try the Ackee & Saltfish! This seemed to me comfort food at its finest - big chunks of fish and ackee mixed together with spices and served on a heaping bed of rice, with a side of cooked onions and carrots. Every spoonful was stuffed with flavor, and I was so full I couldn't finish the whole thing. Definitely try Hot Spot Jamaican when you're in downtown Albany!