The Original Blue Cantina

- 174 W 1st St, Mt Vernon, NY 10552

For New Yorkers who appreciate the rich and flavorful world of Caribbean cuisine, The Original Blue Cantina is a name that commands attention. Located in the heart of Mt. Vernon, this restaurant has become a beloved fixture in the community, celebrated for its authentic Jamaican dishes and no-frills approach to great food. Despite being classified as a fast-food restaurant, it offers a dining experience far beyond the typical quick-service joint. The menu is a vibrant tapestry of classic Jamaican flavors, prepared with a focus on tradition and quality. It’s a place where you can find everything from hearty breakfast plates to a wide variety of stews, grilled meats, and fresh seafood, all designed to transport your taste buds to the islands. The casual and trendy atmosphere makes it a comfortable spot for anyone, from locals looking for a reliable meal to tourists seeking an authentic culinary experience. The restaurant is popular throughout the day, drawing crowds for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which often means a small wait—a true testament to the quality and popularity of the food.

The Original Blue Cantina stands as a testament to the power of authentic cuisine served with a focus on flavor and tradition. Its wide-ranging menu ensures there's something to satisfy every craving, whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a full, comforting meal. From the signature Jerk Chicken to a selection of freshly prepared soups and seafood dishes, the restaurant is dedicated to providing a high-quality dining experience. While some customer feedback has pointed to occasional inconsistencies, the overwhelming sentiment is one of satisfaction and loyalty, with many patrons returning regularly for their favorite dishes. This consistent popularity is a clear indicator that The Original Blue Cantina is doing something right, creating a sense of trust and reliability with its customer base. The restaurant's dedication to its craft, combined with its convenient services, makes it a true gem in the Mt. Vernon food scene.

Location and Accessibility

The Original Blue Cantina is conveniently located at 174 W 1st St, Mt Vernon, NY 10552, USA. This central position makes it a prime spot for residents and visitors alike. The restaurant is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that it is a welcoming place for all customers. For those arriving by car, there are multiple parking options available, including a free parking lot, free street parking, and paid street parking, which helps to accommodate a consistent flow of customers throughout the day. The restaurant's easy-to-find location and focus on convenience make it a stress-free option for grabbing a delicious meal, whether you're dining on the go or planning to pick up a larger order for a family gathering.

Services Offered

The restaurant has streamlined its services to provide maximum convenience for its customers, focusing on quick and easy access to their delicious food.

• Delivery: For ultimate convenience, The Original Blue Cantina offers delivery services, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite dishes without leaving their home or office.
• Takeout: Patrons can place an order and pick it up at their convenience, perfect for a quick lunch break or a planned dinner at home.
• Counter Service: The restaurant operates with efficient counter service, ensuring a quick transaction and minimal wait time for those who are in a hurry.
• Flexible Payments: The establishment accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making the checkout process smooth and easy.

Features / Highlights

The Original Blue Cantina is celebrated for a few key features that highlight its commitment to authentic Jamaican cuisine and customer satisfaction.

• Extensive Menu: The menu is a highlight in itself, offering a wide array of options for every meal. From traditional breakfast items like Ackee & Codfish and Porridge of the Day to a variety of lunch and dinner choices, there’s always something new to try.
• Seafood Specialties: A standout feature is the selection of fresh seafood dishes. The menu includes options like Garlic Shrimp, Escovitch Red Snapper, and Curried Conch, showcasing a commitment to providing high-quality and diverse protein choices.
• Classic Jamaican Meats: For meat lovers, the restaurant serves a full range of classic Jamaican stews and grilled meats, including the highly-praised Oxtail, Curried Goat, and Jerk Chicken.
• Authentic Soups: The soup menu is a crowd favorite, offering traditional Jamaican soups such as Goat Head Soup, Red Peas Soup, and Chicken Foot Soup, which are known for their rich, hearty flavors.
• Healthy Options: The menu also includes healthier choices like Steamed Vegetables and salads, providing a balanced meal for those who prefer lighter fare.

Contact Information

For any inquiries or to place an order, you can contact the restaurant directly at the following details:

• Address: 174 W 1st St, Mt Vernon, NY 10552, USA
• Phone: (914) 667-1969

What is worth choosing

Choosing The Original Blue Cantina is about more than just grabbing a quick meal; it’s about experiencing a piece of genuine Jamaican culinary tradition. The restaurant's strength lies in its commitment to providing high-quality, flavorful food across a diverse menu. As customer reviews suggest, the food is often described as "amazing" and "delicious." One customer praised the ample portions of their small and medium orders, and another highlighted the authenticity of the food, noting that it "tastes like the food the matriarchs in my Jamaican family would make." The menu is a significant reason to choose this place, offering not just a few dishes, but a comprehensive selection of meats, seafood, soups, and vegetarian options. While some reviews mention inconsistencies in quality, such as burnt rice or overly salted soup, these appear to be isolated incidents rather than a widespread issue. The popularity of the restaurant, which often leads to a wait, is a strong indicator of its overall quality and reputation. The convenient services, including delivery and a variety of parking options, make it an accessible choice for a wide range of customers. The opportunity to enjoy authentic, home-style Jamaican food, whether it’s a quick lunch or a full dinner, makes The Original Blue Cantina a truly worthwhile choice for anyone in the New York region looking for a taste of the Caribbean.

The Original Blue Cantina

174 W 1st St, Mt Vernon, NY 10552, USA