Tropical Joe's

Located inside Woodside Square’s food court, this spot is one of the best places to enjoy a warm, flavorful jerk chicken poutine. The gravy is rich and delicious, the cheese is perfectly melted and shredded, and the fries always give a satisfying mix of crispy and soggy that come together beautifully. As for the price, a small portion costs $5, while a large is only $9. Though there was a line when I visited, it was absolutely worth the wait. Typically, there’s no line so it’s great to see that the business is booming! Overall, if you’re looking for food that’s worth both your time and money, this is the place to go. Rating: 10/10 - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

December 1, 2024 on Google

Tried the jerk chicken poutine, completely garbage. Zero taste Zero quality Chicken is also not fresh. Please never buy the food from here 🙏🏻 Staff is very unprofessional too.

October 17, 2024 on Google

This is hands down the best value for jerk chicken here in Scarborough. I’ve been going to this spot for the last 10 years and I’m happy to say nothing has changed, because it’s already perfect. The open kitchen is extremely clean and always maintained to look presentable. The food is great. I always get the jerk chicken poutine and it’s never let me down. 2 small poutines and 2 can drinks will cost you $12. Where else can you get that kind of deal? There is usually a line up during lunch rush, so get there early. But wait the line, it’s well worth it. I’ll be back here for lunch again very soon! Thank you for an amazing lunch everytime.

August 20, 2024 on Google

One of the best value places in Toronto. Their jerk chicken poutine is what they are known for and it is affordable and delicious. I also enjoy getting the curry goat meals which are well portioned. This place is a Scarborough institution!

May 3, 2024 on Google

Ordered a large poutine after seeing it plenty of times on my social media feed. Food definitely looks better than it tastes. The chicken and gravy are passable, while the fries are flavourless and low quality. Wasn't terrible but definitely not something i'd order again.

February 25, 2024 on Google

I tried several poutines around Toronto and none of them were as good as this. The fries were not hard and stalky. The flavors of the gravy, cheese and jerk chicken were amazing. I got the small poutine for just $5. The Oxtails shocked me!!! The best I have ate so far and a good portion for a medium. The oxtail has the sweet flavor and falls off the bone. I live in the USA and would drive the 8 hours just to have their food again.

December 18, 2023 on Google

Tried this place out because it's been so highly talked about, especially for their jerk chicken poutine. Got a large spicy poutine; the flavour of the gravy is good and the fries are crispy, but everything else is lacking a bit. I will say the prices are decent but you do not get a good amount or quality of meat. As well, the cheese is not the hoped for cheese curds. Overall: 3/5

October 8, 2023 on Google

Having read and heard word of mouth reviews of this place I went to check it out. First impression was that pricing is less than most stand alone shops offering Jamaican inspired food. I ordered three dishes: their jerk chicken poutine, oxtail on rice and peas, jerk chicken on rice and peas. First thoughts when trying all three was that the food is more an "American" take on Jamaican food. The sauce/gravy used in the meals is more akin to American beef gravy vs. Oxtail or stew chicken gravy used in more traditional shops in Scarborough. All dishes were a bit heavy on the gravy. I would certainly ask for half the amount they put. The rice is more of a sweet soy sauce rice with kidney beans. It doesn't have the coconut, thyme or pepper flavour of "rice and peas". The poutine that most raved about was not my favourite. It was an abundant amount, but it lacked the depth of flavour that one would expect in something labeled "jerk". I think the popular reviews of the poutine come from those that grew up eating this at lunch or after school and to them it brings a sort of nostalgia of their younger years. Its cheap and filling enough that students on a budget can buy and share. I would pass if you're looking for the best jerk chicken poutine in Scarborough. The jerk chicken meal was also missing that depth of flavour of authentic jerk. It did not come with any side; coleslaw, pickled veggies or salad that helps balance this type of meal. But like the poutine there is value for money in that it is a lot of food at a price you pay. The better of the three is the oxtail. Although it was also a bit heavy on the gravy, the rich, tender flavour of the oxtail meat makes this dish. At $13.99 for a medium which is as big as a large oxtail in most places, this is a bargain. Most places charge at least $18 for oxtail meal of this size. While it's not the best oxtail meal I've tried, it certainly hits the spot without hitting your wallet. Overall staff was very friendly. I would come back to order the oxtail if I was craving it and was on a budget. It's a place to get full on a budget. The line of students ordering from this place reinforces this thought.

September 12, 2023 on Google