Jamaican Jerk Hut

When I went the Jamaican Jerk Hut, it was for a very specific purpose. We had two vegetarians, wanted to BYOB, and wanted a place that isn't too expensive.

The Jerk Hut is cheap for a reason. Service includes you ordering at a counter, and waiting around for one of the two employees to take the order. It's not that they were being lazy, the phone was ringing off the hook, even on a Monday. Inside, there is a few seats. They were working on a large outdoor patio in the back, which I can only imagine is perfect on summer nights.

Besides reagge playing, there isn't much of an ambiance. We saw three ants crawling on the counter when we were paying. So why go to a place with basic service and little atmosphere?

It's the food. I had the jerk chicken, and it was the most amazingly flavored piece of meat I've had in recent memory. My friends also seemed to enjoy their dishes. The side of plantains I ordered perfectly complimented my meal. Honestly, I would recommend this place for takeout, especially if you can't eat outside. The good tastes good enough to overcome what the restaurant lacks otherwise.

Essentials:

1436 South St

Phone: (215) 545-8644

Avg Ent: 8-13

Cash only: No

Reservations: No

BYOB: Yes

Sabrina's Cafe

I went to brunch with my girlfriend, Lana, on Sunday. Neither of us had been to the S. Philly Sabrina's, so we headed down there, ready for a wait. This cafe has a surprisingly long wait on Saturday and Sunday, be we arrived around 10:10, and were seated by 10:40. If you arrived between 10:30 and 11:30, however, you're likely to stand around an hour before you're ordering.

Looking at the menu, I was kind of baffled that there was this kind of wait. I go out to brunch often, and I couldn't understand why so many people keep showing up here. Because it was so busy, the service wasn't the best, but it was more than acceptable.

Lana custom made an omelet, and I ordered the barking chihuahua burrito. The coffee kept flowing while we waited for our food, and once it was delivered I knew why this spot was so popular. The food looked great, and between the two of us we had enough to feed a small family. Most of the dishes come with Sabrina's homefries, which are not to be missed. The food, overall, was excellent, and was definitely worth the wait. The menu at Sabrina's allows you to stick with what you know and love, or go all out and get something that is truly a one of a kind creation.

At Sabrina's, you'll leave full, happy, and probably with some left overs for later.

Essentials:
Sabrina's Cafe
910 Christian St
Phone: (215) 574-1599
Avg Brunch: 7-13

Pod

I've been on a Steven Starr kick recently, so when my Mom came into town, wanting to take me out, I decided to pick A restaurant that has easy enough parking, was expensive, but not too expensive, and a place that I've never been to. Pod, here we come.

Upon entering, I was instantly impressed with the decor. All of the Starr restaurants that I've been to have a cool feeling, with Pod opting for neon lights, smooth flowing curves on all surfaces (chairs and ceiling included). Anime was playing on a screen in the background.

There were three crowds: preppy college studs enjoying happy hour, small parties sitting around the long table with a built in conveyor belt on which small sushi dishes circulate, and small parties at tables.

The service wasn't great, but I'm convinced that had mostly to do with our particular server, and was not representative of the restaurant as a whole. The menu has a not so varied far of Japanese, Chinese, and Thia dishes, sort of all combined. They use wasibi often and liberally, steer clear if you don't like it. I had the shrimp and scallop stiryfry. I liked my dish bestout of the rest at our table (Wasibi crusted filet mingnon, seseme crusted tuna, and veggie pad thia).

Dessert was the best part, the sweet 18, which had 9 different bite sized desserts; coconut macaroon, chocolate covered banana, candied apricot, tofu donut, brownie bite, ect. Two of each, and perfect for a party of four.

In the end, dinner was good, the place was kind of cool, but I just can't recommend it. If you're going to spend that kind of money, they're are many other places.

The Essentials:
Pod
3636 Sansom St.
215-387-1803
Avg Ent: 15-23
3/5

*Please comment. I'm trying this out. Let me know if it's too long, I don't focus on the right things, criticism, ect.*