Bespoke Taste & See Caribbean Restaurant

A hidden gem. I was thrown off to where it was located. We got the oxtail with Mac and cheese and fried dough. The jerk chicken with plantains and rice and peas. It wasn’t dry and the seasonings were perfect. We will definitely be back

- Monica Scott -

'I am Ms. Afrika, and ain' no one goin' away hungry.' She was not kidding, we just ate in a fashion to make kings envious. I have had oxtail and jerk chicken from Puerto Rico to Manhattan, and no one does it like Ms. Afrika. I think her mama started simmering the oxtail when Ms. Afrika was born and passed it down in her will. The meat melted off of the bone, loaded with flavor and subtle spices. The sides; beans and rice, and Mac and cheese were delicious, with a delicate coconut flavor on the rice. My wife had jerk chicken and we split an order of garlic shrimp. The chicken was excellent, nicely darkened, just this side of blackened, loaded with up front jerk seasonings. The shrimp, however, was otherworldly. It was positively one of the best shrimp dishes I have had the pleasure to eat. There was nothing we ate even close to average, everything was excellent. Oh, the hot sauces, the sweet and mild is a 2 on my 'Tabasco as a 5' scale of heat, sweet and smooth. The Trinidad hot sauce was a 6 on the scale, fruity and flavorful, and decidedly potent. Ms. Afrika and her family serve up one hell of an authentic Jamaican meal. If you are anywhere in the area, definitely make a detour for her cooking. Yes, the restaurant is in the Celtic association building. Just walk in. Call ahead on Friday and Sunday evenings to avoid the Bingo rush. Omg, I am so stuffed, I feel like gluttony personified. I blame the delicious cooking of Bespoke Taste and See Caribbean restaurant. I will be back. Of note, the images are deceptive, the fork is big enough to second as a serving implement, so the portions appear WAY smaller than they are. This is definitely an 'I would travel out of my way to eat here' establishment. Thank you Bespoke!

- Kenny V -

I have never ever had shrimp so flavourful in my life. They are simmered in oil impregnated with garlic and herbs, and they are AMAZING! The chicken jerk is delicious; moist and well seasoned. My favourite were the tostones. The rice & beans are very good, infused with coconut milk (I think). Last, but not least, my child loved the mac & cheese. The ox tails are out of this world, but I will not be reviewing them because my husband wants the opportunity to do so. (Shhhhh… Between you and me, they are the absolute best!)

- Sharon D. Kenny -

Wish we took more pictures but we ate that food too fast. We just found out about this place but we will be returning often. It's pretty hidden- inside of the Celtic Center on New Karner Road but you'll be happy to find it. The Jamaican food is authentic... especially the rice and peas and sweet plantain- whew *chef's kiss*. Garlic shrimp was tasty the brown stew chicken was so good. My husband had the oxtail and loved it. The owners were so very nice and welcoming.

- Dana Brown -

Absolutely delicious!!! I was in the area for a business trip. This location was highly recommended. Hands down the service was fantastic! You can taste the love in the food! My takeout order was so good. I had Coconut Curry Shrimp! I went back for a second time during my trip! I had the Brown Stew Chicken. Omgoodness! The staff was extremely pleasant and professional! I have a favorite place!! Don't walk... run to Bespoke Taste & See Caribbean Restaurant.

- Ms. Lady P -

I absolutely love the food will not get it anywhere else . I love spicy food and have never been able to find anything that hit the spot but the jerk chicken Rasta pasta is amazing it’s spicy enough and the portions are huge for the price it takes me days to finish. She is so nice and always talks to us when we wait and the food is always worth the wait I’ve never walked away disappointed and drive 25 minutes just to get it

- Victoria Vautrin -

I traveled here after reading several glowing reviews. I'm glad I read the reviews first because this restaurant is located inside of a Celtic community center. I enjoyed the bagpipe practice in the parking lot. Inside I found the staff friendly and laid back. I had to wait about 20 minutes but boy, was it worth the wait!! I ordered chicken rasta pasta, oxtail and rice and peas with plantain. Everything was perfectly seasoned, made fresh and generous portion sizes for the cost. My critiques are about the ratio between the oxtail and rice and peas; imo there should be more oxtail. The plantains were perfection! The chicken rasta pasta was creamy and not too spicy, exactly as I requested. The only critique here is I think it should have more veggies ( peppers, onions) to balance the richness of the sauce. Overall, a great meal for a decent price. I'll definitely be going back!

- Trinaka Jamison -

After passing by the Celtic Hall at first, not knowing this was the location of Bespoke, we made it to eating some of the best food I've had in Albany. I had the jerk chicken with cabbage, and my brother and I each split our second sides; mac and cheese and plantains. He had mango jerk chicken as his main. It was all excellent. I should have taken some of it home it was so much food but I couldn't help finishing it all.

- Luke Evans -