Everyone In Miami, Florida Knows This Is Where You Go For The Best Jerk Chicken
I went looking for the best jerk chicken in Miami, Florida, and somehow ended up in Little Haiti with a grin I couldn’t hide. Clive’s Cafe had the kind of energy that makes you feel welcome before you even sit down.
The plate they brought out wasn’t fancy, just honest and loaded with flavor that hit right away. The smoke, the spice, and the easy rhythm of the neighborhood around 5890 NW 2nd Ave all just worked.
If you’re in Miami and hungry for something real, trust me, this is the place you’ll remember.
First Stop, Fire-Grilled Glory
Clive’s jerk chicken hits the sweet spot between smoky and spicy, with char that crackles and juices that keep you chasing the next bite. The rub leans allspice and thyme, then the grill seals in the magic. It’s the plate that started my obsession.
Order the jerk by the pound if you’re sharing, or if you claim you are. The rice and peas mellow the heat without muting flavor. Plantains add a caramel edge that feels like applause.
Pro tip, ask for extra jerk sauce on the side. It’s liquid courage for flavor seekers, not heat daredevils.
Where And When To Go
Find Clive’s Cafe at 5890 NW 2nd Ave, Suite A, in the heart of Little Haiti. It’s easy to reach from Wynwood and Midtown, with parking on nearby streets. The location makes it a perfect pre-art stroll or post-errand feast.
They open from 8 AM to 9 PM most days, closed on Sunday. Early lunch means shorter lines and maximum grill action. Dinner rush can be lively, but service stays steady.
Call for takeout, or peek at on their web page for the menu. Timing is everything when hunger calls.
What To Order With The Jerk
The jerk chicken anchors the meal, but sides make it sing. Rice and peas bring coconut bounce and earthy grace. Toss in cabbage for crunch and plantains for sweet relief.
If you want extra comfort, the potato salad is a local favorite. It cools the tongue while the jerk turns up the dial. Portion sizes hit that happy place between generous and manageable.
Budget wise, expect about $10 to $20 per person. Value feels fair when flavor carries the day. Save room for leftovers if you over-order, which you will.
Local Love And Real Talk
Clive’s carries a 4.4-star rating across more than 1,700 reviews, a solid mark for a longtime neighborhood spot. Regulars praise the jerk, curry goat, and oxtail, with staff remembered by name. Consistency on crowd favorites keeps word-of-mouth strong.
Not every plate lands for everyone, and that’s honest. Some reviewers wanted bolder spice or fuller portions on non-jerk items. Stick with the specialties when you’re new.
One reviewer wrote, “Clive’s is the best affordable Jamaican restaurant in Miami,” which lines up with my tab. That kind of trust shows up in repeat visits.
The Menu Beyond Jerk
Curious eaters will find curry goat, brown stew chicken, and oxtail as steady favorites. Each dish leans home cooking rather than flashy plating. It’s the kind of food that settles you in your chair.
The jerk chicken pasta pops up in happy reports for a saucy twist. Seafood shows up depending on the day, so ask what’s fresh. Portions aim to satisfy, not stunt doubles for a buffet.
Prices stay friendly for Miami. If you’re split between two dishes, share and compare. That’s how I learned the pasta plays nice with extra jerk sauce.
Timing, Lines, And Takeout Flow
Breakfast through dinner service means you can sync a stop with nearly any schedule. Midday is brisk yet efficient, while early evening brings neighborhood energy. Closed on Sunday, so plan weekday or Saturday cravings wisely.
Takeout is popular and smart for busy days. Call ahead and ask for jerk sauce on the side to keep everything crisp. Check your order before leaving to avoid the classic sauce mix-up.
One guest shared, “Nothing like the flavors from Clive’s! Must try if you in Miami.” That enthusiasm mirrors the vibe when the grill’s in full swing.
Neighborhood Stroll In Little Haiti
Make it a mini-adventure by pairing lunch with a walk through Little Haiti. Colorful storefronts and art spaces are close enough to wander. The area rewards curiosity without needing a full itinerary.
Wynwood Walls and Midtown shops sit a short drive away if you’re stacking stops. Grab jerk, then seek murals, music, and local markets. It’s an easy way to turn a meal into a memory.
Bring cash for small vendors and comfy shoes for exploring. Street parking is manageable with patience. Keep your Clive’s leftovers cool and you’ll thank yourself later.
Insider Tips For A Winning Visit
Ask for dark meat jerk if you want max juiciness, or mix white and dark for balance. Request extra char for that smoky snap. Sauce on the side keeps texture lively until the last bite.
Pair with plantains and potato salad for a flavor trio that never argues. If you love heat, nudge the kitchen for a spicier pour. Hydrate, then reset with a sweet treat nearby.
Double-check hours before you go, since Sunday is a no-go. Share plates if you’re curious, because the menu rewards explorers. Friendly staff make questions easy and orders smoother.