first impression | Jerk Soul got its start in the StL as a carryout window in Hyde Park in 2018 with a menu focused on crafting innovative comfort food that combines Caribbean flavors and soul food. Along with traditional items like oxtail and saltfish, the menu also contains fusion offerings like jerk chicken pizza and a new take on a Philly cheesesteak. It expanded with a storefront on Cherokee Street in 2020. While it’s new location has the space for a dining room, the restaurant remains carryout only, so call to order ahead.
wash it down
Bottled beverages are offered to-go. Along with water and tea, you can get Ting, a carbonated grapefruit beverage that is popular in the Caribbean.
must try
- Benjamin’s BBQ Turkey Tips, $11: Served on a bed of fries, this entree features smoked turkey tenderloin tips with barbecue sauce. The meat had a nice smoked flavor that wasn’t lost in the tang of the sauce. Since the fries end up smothered in the meat and sauce, you get a bit of a loaded fry experience with this, which is never a bad thing.
- Ruben’s Rasta Pasta, $10: One of Jerk Soul’s meatless options, the dish includes penne pasta and red peppers in a cream sauce. You also can get it with your choice of protein, either salmon or jerk chicken, for an upcharge. We opted for the jerk chicken, which was perfectly seasoned and complemented the cream sauce. It feels like a more complete dish with the protein, but the pasta on its own is certainly a good vegetarian option.
- Beef Patty, $4: Jamaican patties are a filled pastry dish, similar to an empanada or turnover. Offered as a side, this one is filled with seasoned beef, which was very flavorful. Despite spending time in transit, the pastry didn’t get soggy and stayed nice and flaky.
- Plantains, $5: When it came to sides, these were the MVP. Perfectly caramelized so they are crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside. They were sweet enough that they would make a good dessert option if you wanted something that isn’t a sugarbomb.
- Banana Pudding Cheesecake, $9: This was great. One member of our dining party is not a cheesecake fan, and even they enjoyed it. The cheesecake features layers of caramelized bananas, whipped cream, pudding and cheesecake. It’s simple but decadent. The serving is big enough to share, but no one would blame you if
you didn’t.
overall
Jerk Soul offers perfect comfort food with a delicious twist. Honestly, everything we tried was worth trying; it seems like you can’t go wrong with anything on this menu. The combination of traditional soul food and Caribbean flavors is a slam dunk. It’s definitely worth a stop on Cherokee Street to check it out.
3108 Cherokee St.
314.601.3871
facebook.com/jerksoulstl
Pictured at top: Judah’s Jerk Chicken served on a bed of rice with spicy cabbage and mac and cheese.
Photo: Bill Barrett