Ena’s Caribbean Kitchen
2444 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH, 43211
Ena’s Caribbean Kitchen Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Columbus for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Columbus for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
2444 Cleveland Ave
Columbus, OH, 43211 - Phone (614) 262-0988
- Website https://www.enascaribbean.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Julie P.
I just tried something new at Ena's - Sorrel Drink. My only experience with Sorrel is the lemony tasting spring veggie, but this drink is made with the flowers of a different type of Sorrel that more closely resembles hibiscus. Anyway, botany aside, this is a really unique treat. The drink is a deep red wine color, very tart, almost like currant juice, and has a myriad of secret spices, and a healthy dose of spicy ginger. You can drink it straight, or, as it was so helpfully recommended to me, add a little rum. Happy Summer! Also to update: the inside of Ena's has gotten a serious makeover. It was very cute inside, with bright yellow paint and newer looking booths and tables. I take it back, I would totally eat-in at Ena's now!
(5)Paul F.
I'm not sure what held me up but I finally got around to going down here for dinner. So I got in line (and were they busy!) and placed my order at the counter. When my name was called I retrieved my order and promptly spilled it all over the floor and the little freezer. Geez, was I embarassed!!. But the girls on duty didn't think anything of it. One told me immediately that they'd make me another plate and the other went about cleaning my mess up. So anyway... I ordered the pepper steak with cabbage and plantains and it was all so good!! I ate in, btw. I can't wait to go back down there and try another dish. And btw, I put $5 in the tip jar for spilling my dinner.
(5)Samir N.
goat curry . . . that is all you need to know you are welcome . . .
(5)Sabrina L.
I visited Ena's along with several other Yelpers and I really wasn't quite sure what to expect. I don't go to Linden often (or ever) and it was dark, so I wasn't sure if it'd be easy to find. The good news: It was! I spotted it right away and the parking in back was very convenient. The crabcakes were good, plenty of crab, and they came with a curry gravy that suited the food well. But after eating it, for the rest of the night I had a weird case of the hiccups that wouldn't let me stop tasting the crabcakes over and over and that was just disturbing. Also, somehow I missed the plantains on the menu and so only got to try them off somebody else's plate. They were very good, much better than the rice I got to accompany my dinner. The mac and cheese was comforting but a little on the bland side. I guess I'm getting spoiled and like mine to have a sharper cheese taste or crumbs on top or something. So while I'm not over the top in love with Ena's, I do think I'd go back to try the plantains and the jerk chicken.
(3)Christina C.
I guess when it really comes down to it all you really have to ask yourself is was the food good, right? In my case it was... good. The jerk chicken came highly recommended, so that's what I got. Add in a side of creamy, home-style mac-n-cheese and perfectly fried plantains... and you have yourself a nice little dinner - in a styrofoam box. The portions were pretty hearty too! A heavy meal for a hungry me in this case. There are a few booths available for dining in but it seems to be primarily order-n-eat-or-go 'round these parts. I don't think I've ever really tried Caribbean food, so I really can't comment on the authenticity, but I do know what I had was tasty, filling, hearty and worthy of a return trip. So, was the food good? Sure thing. Go check it out.
(3)Susan H.
Loved the oxtails and mac n cheese.The greens and cabbage were a pleasant surprise. Not like my grandma's but that said i would definitely eat here again. The young man at the cash register was very helpful and a charmer.Huge quantities for small bucks. I can't wait to try the curry goat and jerk chicken.
(4)Dick S.
I found a very clean, very bright, very Spartan dining room. The young man taking orders was patient and pleasant. I ordered curry chicken, rice and peas, found out cornbread was called a side, and ordered a cup of fish soup. The wait was a bit long and seemed longer sitting in the sparse room. The cost seemed somewhat high for a simple plate lunch in such a no frills place. Since it was an almost hot day I took my dinner to an outdoor table in the condo complex. The soup was a poor introduction to Enas Kitchen. It had big pasty hard dumpling, lots of carrot slices, some unidentified vegetable that looked like sliced kohlrabi, pieces of overcooked fish and a dash of curry powder. I did not finish it. I opened the styrofoam container to find a large portion of rice and peas, a large piece of corn bread, and several small chicken thighs covered by a yellow sauce. I can sum the dinner up by saying good enough. The rice and peas was very good. The rice was done perfectly. Not pasty or not so dry it was hard. The cornbread was well baked. I prefer a less sweet bread but sure most of the customers order this version repeatedly. The curry was under spiced and under seasoned. But a restaurant is better off under doing than over doing the seasoning. I think the curry could have used some green onions and some potatoes as others I have had, but it was good enough. I will most likely return but order something different next time for my main course.
(3)Alicia S.
Excellent! Time after time the food is outstanding. First time i tried the oxtails. On our next visit we tried the jerk chicken. It was super spicy and delicious. Only disappointment was arriving too late for plantains. Surprisingly the mac and cheese is better than any I've ever had. Would not have expected that in a Caribbean restaurant. We will be back.
(5)Kelley B.
My fiancée and I have our honeymoon planned to Antigua in November and I wanted to try some Caribbean food before heading down there. What a GEM this place is!!!!! We both got the medium size of BBQ jerk chicken and the Mac n cheese, I had plantains, he had cornbread. I have NEVER had BBQ chicken that was so moist and tender that even the bones were completely clean of meat as I pulled it apart with my plastic (yes plastic) fork.. The Mac n cheese was the absolute cheesiest I have ever had and it was a large portion. The fried plantains were perfectly caramelized and not at all mushy. All the food was beyond piping hot. My fiancées cornbread was at least 4 inches thick and was hot, moist, and did not need any butter. It had a nice hint of sweetness. Though, I have always preferred sweet cornbread. And how do they get the chicken falling off the bones?!?!??? WOW!!! The girl working the counter was very friendly and very polite. Ena's has a new super fan. I admit the location was a bit daunting, but once we stepped inside I completely forgot where I was. The other customers were friendly and the chef even asked how our food was. If you are looking for some great food, please visit Ena's. I can't wait to take a big group of people from work to here in the very near future. The place was super clean, no food remnants on any table, and a very easy to get to location. I wish I could give more than 5 stars as Ena's definitely deserves it!!!!!
(5)Chris B.
God bless Ena's for making it possible to enjoy the meat patties again. I was first introduced to them at Coney Island back a few years. I just can't get enough of the great spicy taste of them. I am a fan of spicy food. For the many years that I couldn't find the patties,it was rough. Now Ena's has really come through for me and I plan to be back often to get those tasty patties and to enjoy other fine foods from thier cuisine.Ena's is a true awesome place. Very worth the visit !!
(5)Jenny L.
I absolutely agree with the previous review saying restaurants like this are why Yelp is so great. We never wander into this part of town but after reading the reviews (with a solid craving for some Caribbean cuisine) we decided to make the quick drive over. and oh boy, it SO worth it! We were fabulously, abundantly satisfied! We got ours To-Go (the dine-in experience or "ambience" as someone mentioned, is clean and all but not what I would call "warm" or cozy per se). The food is just so, so, so good. A really great local authentic gem! I recommend 100%. Hands down. :)
(5)Keith M.
Yet another Linden gem that is off the radar; Ena's serves up hearty, filling Caribbean food. I went with the special soup of the day which was red pea soup and a side of coco bread and ate inside the tidy dining area. The soup was rich and filled with a lot more than red peas. There were dumplings, goat meat, a yellow kind of yam, I forget what else. The coco bread is what I'd guess is a Caribbean brand of bread that is like a large, soft dinner roll and what great for sopping up the thick broth, which was bordering stew territory. A surprisingly filling meal for $5 and the other items, like the beef patties, looked tasty too.
(5)Vannessa S.
A lil over priced for their portions, especially their red snapper!
(3)Rick B.
I found the main dishes to be wonderful but the sides were for the most part just average. I tried the jerk chicken and some of the oxtail stew and found both of them flavorful and with just the right amount of spice. The fried plantains were by far the best of the sides I had tried, did not find anything special to write about the potato salad, corn bread, and the mac and cheese. They were good but tasted no different than sides you can buy elsewhere. The jerk chicken is some of the best I have tasted so will definately be back for more.
(3)Stephanie S.
You cannot get better Caribbean food in Columbus. The portions are hefty and easily split making it a cheap meal. The jerk will make you sweat but the cocoa bread and a Jamaican soda can take care of that. Ena works the register and is as fiery as her food.
(5)Cat F.
I love Ena's! I first started going there when I started working at the library which used to be right across the side street. I'd walk there a couple times a week for the great food. My fave is Jerk Chicken and peas and rice, with extra gravy. Her cornbread is fantastic. It's 7 years later and I still try to get there as often as I can, even trying to figure out how to work it into my Weight Watcher's plan. Ena and her family run a great business and make EXCELLENT food. I think it's the best food in Linden, and from the business I see them doing, the Best Caribbean in the midwest! She also offers gift certificates, which make great Christmas presents!
(5)George J.
Having lived in the West Indies, I read Nat's review of Ena's and had to check it out while I was visiting Colmbus, OH, especially since I was going thru W.I. food withdrawal . . . it's amazing how there are no good Caribbean restaurants in San Francisco, CA . . . must be the distance from the West Indies. I ended up getting the goat special, and ackee and saltfish, with sides of rice and peas, plantains, steamed veggies and cornbread, and an extra side of a hot Jamaican beef patty. Mmmmmmmm, delicious. Also got a VitaMalt and gingerbeer to go with the food. The store is clean although the size of the store makes it seem empty. The location seems a little iffy but I definitely recommend Ena's for the food.
(5)Matt S.
Ordered the curry goat, was suprise by how large the portions were. This is some good soul food. Delicious, heavy, greasy, and good. The "itis" was instant and heavenly. I felt so relaxed afterwards. I def recommend this place if you aren't too white and know what good soul food is.
(5)Dell P.
Oh my. Today I had the curry goat and the oxtail. I ordered each meal with white rice and fried plantain. I also had a side of cornbread. The curry goat was moist and tender. The chunks of meat were large and practically melted in your mouth. The oxtail was succulent and falling off the bone. The rice was perfect, not too moist or too dry. The plantain was lightly sweet. tender and slightly crispy from being fried. Delectable. I washed it down with a ginger beer and Jamaican Champagne Kola. Simply amazing.
(5)Seth D.
Wow! Some of the best chicken ever is their BBQ jerk chicken. Come here to go on a food adventure. Just a few tables, mostly carry out. But if you want some authentic Caribbean food, this is the place. It was recommended to me by one of my customers who is from Jamaica. They are unapologetically all about the food. No service, no fancy tables, no smiling, customer oriented cashier at the register. Get in, go on an adventure, and get out, or switch the last 2, it's what most people do.
(4)Antonio C.
I go here every chance I get I usually get the curry goat to die for or the brown stew fish if you get a chance check it out!!!
(5)Doug G.
If you live in Columbus and haven't had Enas your missing out on some of the best food the city has to offer. Jamaican cuisine with a dash of southern cooking, everything is fresh and tasty. I love the jerk chicken w/ fried plantains and collard greens, but with so many options I hardly ever have the same dish. They offer daily specials for those who could eat here everyday, like me. Eat in or carryout, it's very clean w/ a few tables. To top it off the owners/staff are very nice, so what are you waiting for?
(5)Aklilu A.
While in search of something spicy and good to share with friends, I was sent here. The parking is limited so that was probably the only issue, the place isn't big but hey, the food was why I came here. We ordered a large order of Caribbean jerk chicken, since that's what Ena's was known for. I can honestly say everyone that took a bite of the jerk chicken with some rice absolutely loved it. But the only caveat is that it is spicy, really spicy. I enjoy spicy foods so it was up my alley, for some it was a bit much. My advice, if you want spicy, then stop by!
(5)Ophelia W.
We had the Oxtail and the Curry Goat and they were both delicious. There is a good selection of side dishes, and the Jamaican patties are delicious. The staff is friendly, the restaurant clean, and the amount of food they give you for the price is generous. We will definitely be back.
(4)Novica O.
As soon as I stepped into this place I knew I was going to have some good food. The place had people everywhere waiting tof their orders (to me that's a good sign). I ordered the oxtail with beans and rice and plantains. It was like a party in my mouth! So flavorful a little spicy and the oxtail was tender. My husband and daughter ordered the tilapia...why? I mean you can get fried fish anywhere why get it at a carribean kitchen when you can have jerk chicken, curry chicken or HELLO Oxtail! They didn't have the heavenly experience I did. Infact they where quite dissappointed. So what's the moral of this review? If you go to Enas get her oxtail or some other carribean delicacy...but not fried fish.
(3)Van S.
I'm a big fan of Enas. This is probably my 4th or 5th visit, and it's been consistently 4-5 stars. The place is clean, the folks are super nice, but most importantly their food is delicious. Today for lunch I went with the curry goat, rice & beans, and collard greens. The rice and beans were cooked appropriately and are great with the curry. The curry stew is full of "goatiness" to the point where there's little to no actual curry taste. I love how how rustic the goat is cut; left on the bone with fatty pieces here and there. I realize that's not for everyone, but it's what you should expect with this dish. My only knock for this visit was on the collard greens. They were over-seasoned for my liking. I thought they were too salty and too sweet. I'm guessing they were cooked with the BBQ beef ribs as there was a sweet BBQ sauce flavor to the greens. During past visits I've had the jerk chicken and the oxtail which are both very good. Next up for me is to try one of the several fish items offered.
(4)Aspidistra D.
Absolute best Caribbean food in the city! Also quite a bargain in terms of price, and friendly service. Why don't more people know about this place?
(5)Mark K.
I had hoped to try Boujhetto's, but it was empty. They have moved, or just folded. Sad. I was looking forward to all the good stuff everyone wrote about. Harumph. Then I realized Ena's was practically next door. I think I went here years ago, pre-Yelp. Maybe not, but it seems familiar. It's small, nothing fancy. Place your order and wait- it seems like most people call ahead, which I will do next time. Still, it was only 10 or 15 minutes, and the staff is super friendly. I had the BBQ jerk chicken with fried cabbage and rice and beans. The chicken was great- tender, moist, with a sauce that was as advertised: BBQ, with a jerk kick. The cabbage was among the best I've ever had. The rice was a decent accompaniment. Wanting to try more, I got a Jamaican beef patty to go. Sort of a turnover, with pureed ground beef and seasoning inside. It held up well till later that evening, and made a nice snack. I got mild, and should have gotten the spicy, but it was still tasty.
(3)April W.
Enas is the perfect spot for down home and authentic Caribbean cooking. Located in the Linden area, parking can be tricky during peak hours as a church is across the street and towing is enforced. Weekends are usually packed so be prepared for a 15-20 minute wait. Ordering over the phone has been a horrible experience for me in the past since each time I have done so I always end up waiting (LAME). If you like spicy, the jerk chicken will have you salivating. The cabbage is on point and I always recommend adding some her sauce to your rice and beans for some added zest. If spicy is not your thing, the curry chicken will still blow your mind. Ox tales are in high demand and do not usually last long so be prepared for an alternate menu selection. The fish is not filet, so be prepared to sort through the bones (authentic means real fish....bones and all!). Snapper is a popular fish item. The sides are delish....they have a nice variety too: mac and cheese, cabbage, rice and beans, white rice, potato salad, fries, sweet plantains, collard greens, corn bread. Facility is kept pretty clean and staff friendly for the most part. Last time I was in and ordered 2 sides of mac and cheese and 10 minutes into my wait they tell me they are out and I can only have one max and cheese .I asked for a little compensation such as a side trade-in and a piece of corn bread (10 minutes to tell me that? Cmon) and they quickly said "no we will just get you the second side of mac and cheese"...leaving me saying in my head "then why ask?!". Left me with a bad taste in my mouth showing me greed is more important than service. The food is great but their customer service needs improved. Perhaps not eating your food in front of customers while you are taking orders and chewing with your mouth open would be a start. ..how about you sit it down and eat at a table during your break? Last few times I have been in there I've been rubbed the wrong way. When enas first opened the service was great but now....it's gone down. Food 5 stars, service 2. Perhaps Ena can figure out a way to improve that!
(3)Rod G.
The food and service was fantastic. The collards and cabbage was prepared exactly the way I like it. I ordered oxtails, shrimp (extra spicy-10) to go and my granddaughter had perch with mac-n-cheese with cornbread. I'm glad my buddy recommended Ena's establishment.
(5)Will Y.
I loveeee this place. I love the collard greens, the jerk chicken, the BBQ chicken, and the curry chicken. This place is DA bomb. People are really nice too esp mama ena. Will be back as often as I can. Keep in mind, this place isn't in a great neighborhood. What a hidden gem.
(5)Clinton R.
I am not a resort dweller by any means. So when I go somewhere I get out and try the local cuisine. In the Caribbean and especially Jamaica there is this stuff called jerk chicken, it's fabulous. Slow cooked and marinated to perfection, really hard to make it suck. This place makes it as close as those other countries have been making for years. Delicious, tender and mouthwatering jerk chicken that you will find hard to resist the second time you come to think of this place. Oh yeah, did I mention the collards, outstanding- get them, nuff said.
(5)Matt W.
Nena's was as good as the Jamaican food I had sitting on the beach in Negril. Their jerk chicken was perfect. It lit me up because they know how to make it. The red beans and rice was also awesome. We went during lunch on a weekday and got enough food to feed my wife and son (although he couldn't handle the spice because he is three). This will definitely become a regular when I move back to Columbus.
(5)Andrea C.
My advice to Mrs. Ena. Consistency is the key. For example.... a couple months ago I ordered oxtails, they were so delicious. Today I ordered oxtails, I was very dissatisfied...too salty, and the seasoning wasn't the same. Consistency is the key. Get it right, and keep it right.
(1)Jessica T.
Ena's is a GEM. I drive 20 minutes one way for the BBQ jerk chicken. One of my Top 10 favorite places to grab a quick lunch or dinner in the city.
(5)John M.
1st time here and they let me sample the ox tail & jerk chicken before ordering, it was delicious. I had the Jerk Chicken, it was spicy but I loved that and the chicken was very juicy. The cabbage was perfectly done. I actually just went to Island Vibes about a week ago before trying out Ena's. Both are really good & both have they're pros & cons.
(5)Rhonda P.
The food is great....the service needs work. Somehow they need to get 2 people to work the front. I ordered 2 Jamaican patties...that are already pre cooked. I ended up waiting 20 min while the lady took orders, grabbed other peoples orders, etc. I finally was able ti grab another worker and just ask them to grab my patties. It shouldnt take all of that. 95 percent of th e staff cant be in the back.
(3)Jeffrey Z.
Best Caribbean spot in Columbus, the Jerk chicken is amazing, and so is the curry goat!!!
(5)Branham P.
Remember I have spent a lot of time in the islands and nyc. if you cant make a great beef patty then the rest isn't worth it. the beef patty is below average. the curry chicken dosnt have deep curry flavor. you can tell its place in a pot and over simmered because the chicken is dry in spots. I give all restaurants a pass on fish in ohio because its hard for them to get fresh fish mainly snapper. parking is horrible for OHIO. location can be scary but I knew the area so I was ok. ITS NOT A SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT. its more of an island food spot. plantains are the best. The owners son is extremely friendly. however he has to manage family and it seem to overwhelm him. I would return but I would only take certain people for there first time and I would pay for it incase they didn't like it.
(3)Ashli S.
Ena's food is decent. I had the Brown Stew Chicken and being Jamaican it's different from what I've had. Rice and beans was good but the plantain were dry. Go to South Florida if you really want to have a taste of authentic Caribbean food.
(3)John M.
Who would've thought Columbus has legit Jamaican? This place is a hole in the wall but don't be fooled, this place is worth the trip. The staff was incredibly helpful, as she allowed us to taste as many items on the menu as we wanted before we ordered. Where else will you find that? We had the Jerk Chicken, Curry Chicken, beans and rice, plantains, cornbread and mac and cheese. By the way, the oxtail was also very good. Both chickens were very good and all the sides were on point with the exception of the mac and cheese which was kinda plain. Lastly, you better come hungry as they feed you, they are not stingy with their portion sizes. I think each dinner cost about $10 and we each got 2 meals from each dinner. I give this place 5 stars without ANY reservation.
(5)Shea H.
I love Ena's food. Absolutely love it. I've had it numerous times both before developing my mostly vegan preferences and after. I'm sad to say that there are no vegetarian entree options but all the side options are vegetarian and a few sound like they could pass for vegan. Don't expect to see a menu with a little green leaf next to plant-based food options...you'll just have to figure it out and hope for the best. There is very limited parking in the back of the restaurant. Do NOT, I repeat: DO NOT park in the church across the street. Not only are there threats of towing but the woman in the restaurant will continually pester you about it. Please-- let's just all avoid it so she can give her vocal cords a rest. Not much seating in the restaurant. Be ready to grab and go or sit in one of their incomplete booths (one side of the table is a booth seat and the other are random chairs). If you dine in, don't expect waiter service. And bring your own beverage. Also, I was hoping for the free treat that someone mentioned on yelp for dining in...didn't happen :(. So don't get your hopes up. You have to show your ID to use the credit card. I would suggest just bringing cash. Entrees come with two sides. Meals seem to run from $10 to $13 (an excellent price for the amount the food you get, if you ask me). It's not the most welcoming restaurant and it's in an impoverished neighborhood, which can be scary to some. But if you're down for an adventure, go get you some Ena's, you won't regret it. Oh--- maybe avoid the red beans and rice. It is the only thing on the menu that I did not enjoy.
(4)Michael W.
We love Ena! Amazing experience this past weekend! Exactly the same as all of my other experiences there. Had the Jerk Chicken with rice&beans and plantains. Oh boy! I love the spice balance and value the most. Perfect spot to grab carry out or eat at one of the tables. I love Ena! Everyone loved everything they had. My girl commented that it was better than she remembered and she is the vegetarian among us. She loves Ena too! Tasted the BBQ jerk chicken and WOW! I had fish the time before that and it was amazing! You can't go wrong. If you are vegetarian you will love the Callaloo and many of the sides. The cabbage is great.
(5)Howard S.
Wow. We where very spectacle of the neighborhood The decor is fresh and clean. The menu is basic Jamaican delicacies. I had the jerk chicken which had a kick. There was so much food I could have shared it. The cabbage was so flavorful. The rice and beans have a nice finish with the jerk gravy. The owner is friendly an the staff follows suit. If you miss this place you are missing a yelp gem.
(5)William D.
Great food! Location is tricky! Sped by a longtime before invited to stop in. Go whenever I can now! Recommend the Peppered Shrimp if you like it hot and spicy! It is fiery hot but the shrimp are luscious. A single order is enough for two but I don't share!
(5)Vishal S.
This location is in a run down part of the town. So if you feel like you are driving in the getto you are correct in feeling that way because you are in the hood! I ordered the ox tail and a side of the jerk chicken with a bottle water. I must say I have had better ox tail, the jerk chicken ended up being my favorite of the 2 items which was surprising since I was looking forward to having the ox tail as my main dish. Get this the bottle water I ordered looked fine except for when I opened it the seal was broken, I thought I'll give it a try anyways..... Maybe it was broken accidentally ; not so the water tasted tainted like this was probably one of the workers bottle that they refil from the tap!!! That totally grossed me out. The star is for the awesome jerk chicken only, and I would recommend going here before dark.
(1)John I.
Food just as good as what you would get in the Carribeans. Wow wow. Very good. Get the fried plantains and jerk chicken!
(5)Errienna M.
Perfect! My go-to's are the Brown Stew Chicken with rice&peas and plantains or the BBQ Jerk Chicken. Don't forget the plantains! You'll regret it.
(5)Hans C.
I really want to give Ena's zero stars because I hate their guts for having to be exactly 293 miles from where I'm sitting right now typing this, but I'll be an honorable reviewer and throw them the love they're due. Ena's is by far the best island food I've had in the States. I decided to stop here for lunch while visiting Columbus from Chicago over the weekend. I've now found my new favorite C-Bus restaurant. The service is no-nonsense, fast, and friendly. The food is low-priced compared to the usual Jamaican restaurants I go to and good as hell. The jerk chicken and rice and peas are perfect. I don't even like mac and cheese that doesn't come from a box (I'm funny like that), but Enas' is amazing. I'll be back in town again in two weeks, and I'm definitely stopping by to get me another fix.
(5)Evalyn C.
First, let me say try the fried sweet plantains. You won't regret it. They are the perfect compliment to any of their meals but also make for an amazing snack all on their own. Second, yes, this may be in a slightly "rough" part of town and it may look like nothing more than a hole in the wall from outside, but this place is GREAT! Amazingly good food that meets all my Caribbean food craving needs. Friendly owner and workers make for the icing on the cake.
(4)Craig J.
Restaurants like this are why Yelp is so great. It's in a part of town we probably never would have passed through as tourists, and without Yelp we never would have found it. It was great food. We got the curry goat and the jerk chicken, both with rice and peas and plantains. It was one of those meals that are just super satisfying. Wonderful flavors, and just the right amount of food. It made me feel like I was on a beach in the Caribbean instead of in a residential neighborhood of Columbus.
(5)Gerry J.
Although the establishment left little (or nothing) to desire, and probably there's an urge to run away from the parking lot and to look for more decent place to sit in and eat, brave your heart, muster your courage and just open the door. I ordered the jerk chicken and must I say that I'll be coming back for this (take out for sure). Generous portion, come with 2 choice of sides (I opted for plantain but they were out so settle for mac n cheese and white rice). My friend ordered the curry goat which was pretty good too. Observing several people after me ordering the same thing, so these two must be their most popular. Recommended (but for take out - sorry, have to say this :) )
(4)Leslie A. B.
I ADORE this place. I moved from Columbus and that was the hardest separation! I make it a point to stop there when I am there. I love everything on the menu and they have COCO BREAD!! Great customer service EXCELLENT food!!
(5)Cherie R.
I am now a fan. Literally. When I was younger my parents and I went to the Grand Cayman. There was a person making jerk chicken out on the beach - we had some, and it was the best chicken I had ever had. Ever since then, I've been looking for something similar. My husband and I got the bbq jerk chicken and the regular jerk chicken - the large size, because I ordered first with the intention of getting some leftovers, and my husband decided he couldn't be upstaged by his wife. The chicken was tender, fell off the bone, and was the closest I've ever gotten to that chicken we had in the Grand Cayman. And the large portion had enough for two meals for me. I think we both preferred the regular jerk over the bbq. Plantains, cornbread, and rice and peas all were excellent. This place is SO worth the trip - we will be back for sure.
(4)Daric K.
I go to Ena's all the time and every time its consistent. Ox tails, Mac and cheese ,greens and a side of cornbread. simply the bomb. Also the curry goat is on point as well. Do yourself a favor and try this place out. I would give this place 5 stars but I can't. NO place is perfect every trip.
(4)Huston M.
Worst oxtail ever! Now, I have been to Jamaica and numerous caribbean eateries Midwest/East coast because I get paid to travel. Slowest service I've ever experienced in this kind of restaurant. I mean how hard is it to scoop simmered meat and precooked cabbage with rice into a box!? The service we received was rude to the point 2 of my party of 5 didn't even want to order anything. I wish I hadn't. Hot and dirty. Dirtier than the place down the road. Gross, no flavor, oily and dry bland cornbread.
(2)Varsey G.
I'm Bahamian-American, so a but of a tough judge when it comes to Caribbean food. It's always been a go to for me. But tidal I had soup for the first time and it was amazing! It was a chicken dumpling soup, but it changes every day and I very well may be back every day to check them all out.
(5)Peter N.
Went with some coworkers today for Friday mystery place lunch. Ena's got pretty busy after we got there. They took our order and called us up to the counter when it was ready. Our group tried the jerk chicken, curry shrimp, fish sandwich, and grilled goat. Everything was cooked fresh to order and tasted great. I had the jerk chicken and for ~10 dollars you get a ton of food, the chicken was tender, delicious and had a very good jerk kick to it.
(5)Rochelle W.
Place was closed. Came to Columbus for a family getaway and drove there to get some food and it was not open, I guess due to thanksgiving.
(1)Alicia H.
The food here is always good and makes you crave more. My favorite is the Brown Stew Chicken with Collard Greens and Mac and Cheese. The portions are large for the value. There is usually a wait for your food, but it is all made from fresh ingredients so no complaining here.
(5)Jeevan R.
Delicious Caribbean restraunt
(4)Damon J.
Awesome authentic Caribbean food! We will definitely be going back! I've never been to this part of Columbus due to the location but honestly it's not bad at all...at least during the day. I ordered the jerk chicken, mac and cheese, and rice and peas (beans). My coworker got the BBQ chicken with cornbread. Everything was great from the food to the service.
(5)Brian A.
Not only was the food excellent, the staff is awesome. The guy taking orders was super funny and informative. Will definitely be eating here again!
(4)Michael H.
Kingfish Dinner. Made to order. Kingfish steak, bone-in served in styrafoam container with broth, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. All rather lacking any distinct flavor. Mac-and-Cheese was delicious, at least two different types of cheese. NOT greasy at all. Beans-and-Rice just fine. My bottled drink was over its "best if by" date. On the positive: The staff is very friendly and efficient and the restaurant is clean and well kept inside.
(2)Jason S.
For the love of crab cakes. In the midst of Christina's thread soliciting ideas for island-themed restaurants in Columbus, a few members noted Ena's as a spot for tasty Caribbean grub. Luke T. upped the ante by noting the restaurant's "crack" cakes as one of the dishes to which he is addicted. Pause. This is Columbus, OH. Good seafood can be had in the area, but it's not near the top of my list when dining out locally. Ena's flies in the face of my logic by offering not only the crab cakes, but numerous types of fish along with such standbys as jerk chicken and curry goat. (Yes, goat. Bleat bleat delicious.) The gauntlet was thrown down, and I had no choice but to answer the Ena's crack cake challenge. Unfortunately it would take me three trips to finally get my fix. The first, with fellow Yelpers, was a near no-go, as I arrived ten minutes before their adjusted winter closing time of 8pm with the door already locked. Once allowed entry, I defaulted to the curry goat, temporarily forgetting the unadvertised crab cakes (which had sold out by that time anyway). The goat was a delicate affair, with copious bone pieces mixed in with the very flavorful meat. Next try, the following Sunday...and no crab cakes to be had. The peppered steak was a tasty subsitute, the tender chunks augmented by mixed peppers, onions and potatoes in a flavorful gravy. My companion's BBQ jerk was good but drowned in the dense, sweet sauce. The plantains were solid and simply prepared, but I'll still refer to Starliner as my favorite in the area. The third time was the clichéd charm. After putting in my order, the kitchen pulled their beef patties out of the oven. This isn't a literal patty as you might be thinking; imagine instead a Hot Pocket, except edible. At $1.75 and available in mild or spicy, the creamy meat and flaky crust made the patty a cheap date that actually left me satisfied. As for the crab cakes, crack is an apt description. They're not exactly Maryland style, but they have a fair quantity of crab meat without an excess of filler as you might find at lesser establishments. And only $12 for two, with curry or jerk seasoning? Oh boy. My name is Jason and I might be developing a problem. The main courses all have their strengths, but the sides are hit and miss. The plantains are a solid bet, as are the mac & cheese and the rice & peas (kidney beans). The last melds well with almost any sauce Ena's serves with their proteins. Others range from decent (cornbread) to just there (cabbage). Don't worry much about the locale. We survived. You will too. And I'm sure I will the next time I visit.
(4)Antonio T.
I just moved to Columbus and was pleasantly surprised to find out about this Caribbean spot. Up until today my favorite Caribbean places had been various spots in NYC and the Scotch Bonnet Cafe in Atlanta. This is definitely my choice so far for Caribbean in the Buckeye State! The ambience is almost non-existent and it doesn't even matter. I had the BBQ Jerk chicken, rice & peas, cabbage and a meat patty. Delicious! The only drawback was I went on a hot day in July and the AC wasn't working and they have no ice machine, just drinks in the cooler. Other than that, a definite find!
(4)Emanuel S.
Mrs Enas is the main cook along with a few other staff members. They have Chicken Curry, Oxtail, Plantain, Beans and Rice, Cabbage, Cornbread, Fried Fish, Beef Patty, Fruit Cake and a few more items. Overall this is a really great local authentic gem. The food is flavorful, and oh so good.
(5)Luke T.
Like Michael H., I had the kingfish dinner, but couldn't disagree more about the dish. The flavors were quite distinct, and I walked out of there ready to explode. I spent about 14 dollars, ordered the whole steak (half is an option for a few bucks less), with plantains and rice as my sides, with a side of cornbread and a drink as well. The plantains were amazing, probably the standout for me, as was the cornbread. The kingfish was good, but there are so many different types of fish on the menu, I'll probably try something else next time around. They actually have some rotating fish at market price, like red snapper and the like. The menu is rather extensive, but they could stand to give some better descriptions. The restaurant is clean, but that's probably due to an extreme lack of seating and a largely carryout-based business. The staff is very friendly and helpful, so I suppose that makes up for a not-so-helpful menu. Linden is sketchy, but you only have to hit Hudson and Cleveland to get here, both major streets, so chances are you have nothing to worry about. Then again, I did hear gunshots right on Cleveland, watch kids scampering in their yards, and see a car pull a fast U-turn right in the middle of the road before speeding off....all about five blocks from the police station. So...use your best judgment. That was South Linden, for what it's worth. Ena's is in North Linden.
(4)Mike S.
Jamaica Jamaica!! First off on a scale from 1 to 10 the ambience is a 4 but, the food is a 20! Best jerk chicken in Columbus hands-down!! I'll be back.
(5)Kayre H.
Like others have said, the food at Ena's is pretty good, and the neighborhood is a little bit sketch. There is parking in the back, but not a whole lot. Like a lot of Jamaican restaurants, it's simple and unassuming. Most often I come in and get some patties, and some Jamaican juices. The one thing I don't like about it is it is too Americanized for my taste. Don't get me wrong - the people who run it and cook there are in fact Jamaican. So it is "authentic" in that sense. But serving Jamaican food with cornbread and collard greens? Jerk chicken loaded with gravy? I've been to some Jamaican restaurants and felt like I could've easily gotten the food straight from home. This is not one of those restaurants. I like it, but just sayin...
(4)Kent B.
Very good curry chicken and great sides too. Cabbage & Macarroni & Cheese is very good too. The decor is lacking but the down home caribbean food makes up for it. Oxtails and Salt fish is the bomb. The food makes you wanna take a trip to the carribean.
(4)Andrews K.
This was my first time eating Caribbean type food. My first dish was Jerk Chicken, Cabbage and Rice with beef patty. OMG the taste was awesome , really worth of eating.
(4)Michelle S.
They buy their ingredients from my parents' store at Bangkok. I wanna know what the recipe is because omg their Jamaican Jerk chicken is amazing!!! I never had anything else though, but their chicken is to die for.
(4)