ANN ARBOR, MI — Inside a cozy spot across from Hill Auditorium near the University of Michigan, there is flavorful Jamaican cuisine you won’t find anywhere else in Ann Arbor.
The Jamaican Jerk Pit, 314 S. Thayer St., has been a favorite Caribbean food spot for more than a decade.
Each entrée is made to order, meaning the spice level can be can customized to a person’s preference, from mild to hot. Jamaican jerk style seasoning is best known for its use with meat that is dry-rubbed or wet-marinated in a spicy mixture to create the famous smoky flavor.
Among the most popular items on the menu is the jerk chicken or pork, with plantains, rice and beans, tropical salad with pineapple and mango chardonnay dressing.
“Anybody who calls me for the first time, that’s what I would recommend. I call it the classic,” said Robert Campbell, the restaurant’s owner and chef. “Some people who aren’t sure what they want, I ask ‘What are your favorite proteins?’ and that makes it easy for them.”
Campbell doesn’t give away all of his secrets, but says the one ingredient customers will find in each dish is the love he and his staff add to every plate.
“You have to be consistent, no matter what,” Campbell said. “We try to stick with the basic seasonings: onion, garlic, thyme, ginger to keep the flavor, but the cooking process is a bit different back back home where we cook with the open fire and where I’m at it’s difficult to do but we try and maintain the flavor.”
Campbell, who grew up in Jamaica, has owned and operated the restaurant for more than 10 years. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Campbell currently lives in Belleville and said he is thankful to the area for keeping his restaurant afloat during the pandemic.
“They do support me a lot. They do whatever they can,” Campbell said. “They’ll come in and buy gift certificates and use it for a later date while still using their cash or credit card when they come in.”
Those stepping inside Jamaican Jerk Pit for the first time will have plenty to study. Inside the establishment, you will see dozens of flags and ornaments representing different nations and cultures from around the Caribbean Islands. The palm trees, Bob Marley portrait, as well as the traditional Jamaican art that is mounted on the green, red and yellow walls, add to the experience.
There is a small seating area on the first floor, but during normal circumstances customers can find a few more tables downstairs in the basement. As a result of the pandemic, Jamaican Jerk Pit is currently only offering take-out.
With many students electing to study from home during the fall semester, the effects of the pandemic have been noticeable, Campbell said, adding that he credits his loyal customer base for allowing him to stay open since March.
“I’m there every day and when you’re honest with your customers, they’ll do anything for you,” Campbell said. “If you take good care of them, they appreciate that and they tell their friends. Their friends will come and then it just becomes word-of-mouth.”
Jamaican Jerk Pit is open from from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and is closed Sunday. Customers can call the restaurant at (734) 585-5278, to place an order for pickup. More information is available on the website.
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December 12, 2020 at 07:30PM
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Local Eats: Jamaican Jerk Pit serves a taste of the Caribbean in downtown Ann Arbor - MLive.com
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