Scarlet Ibis

This place is closed. It is now mommas burgers

I went by there today and discovered that the restaurant has closed down! I’m not surprised though since the food was a hit and miss scenario! Sometimes it would be ok, and other times too salty. They weren’t good at all at cooking Caribbean (mainly Trini) food.
There was never really anybody in there when I would go there.
I see Mommies Burgers and Fries is now in it’s place, I wonder if it’s the same owner? Hmmmmmm!!!

This was the first time I’ve ever had caribbean food and it was a good first experience. The restaurant is pretty open and lit up. Most restaurants in Addison are unnecessarily dark and closed in. We were the only people in the restaurant on a Friday, right after work. The waiter was pretty attentive; very nice and appreciative. He was able to explain to me about some of the items on the menu. The boyfriend even asked him where exactly Caribbean food originates from and he pulled out a map to show us.
We ordered the fried plaintains, jerk chicken, and stewed oxtails. The fried plaintains were a little too greasy for my liking, but still tasty. The jerk chicken came out to be cubed/​strips of chicken breast that was cut up and marinated with the jerk seasonings. I would have liked a whole chicken breast or thigh instead of little cut up pieces. Especially it being a dinner entrée. The stewed oxtail was amazing. So tender are flavorful.
I will definitely come back.

They don’t currently have a liquor license and allow you to bring your own alcohol in, no corking fee. They also stayed open late until our group was finished and ready to go home.
I didn’t eat here this time, I had dinner prior to heading out so I cannot comment much on it but everyone’s dishes seemed to look really good. They sell small plates that seem like plenty of food but at a cheaper price.
The restaurant was cool, the staff friendly but décor was a little less than inviting. The tables and chairs were more appropriate for a deli or fast food restaurant.
I definitely will go back to try the food.

Food is good. Needs work on the atmosphere. Tends to get hot in the restaurant. They have fans but would generally expect a working air conditioner. I don’t enjoy sweating while I’m eating at a restaurant.

Food is great and very tasty, however service was very awkward. Not sure if it was because it was a Sunday night, but the waiter lacked social skills. Otherwise i would have given Scarlet Ibis a 5, because the food is just that good. We met the Chef Nick and we thanked him for a great meal.

Scarlet Ibis is great. The ox tails are some of the best in Dallas. I also love their plantains. They also have good sorrel. The only two things I would improve is the décor (a little generic) and more carribean options on the menu. I love this place and go there often. They also allow large groups to meet there and will set up a special buffet. I took a group of 60 and it worked out great.

Vegan Caribbean in Dallas at The Scarlet Ibis
See my profile for the location of the full review and more pics.
On our own in Dallas we set out to the Scarlet Ibis. It’s in Addison actually and as much of Addison is «modern» strip mall chain restaurants, it was nice to see an independent restaurant. Although not a Vegan place, when I called earlier and asked if the vegetarian items were vegan I was met with an unhesitating and assured, «Yes!»
The place is set back from Midway Road so took a second swing through the parking lots to find it’s well lit façade.
Now for the surprise. Laying in front of me is one of the most relaxing sights I can see in a non-​vegan restaurant. A totally vegan menu. I’m in culinary nirvana. I want to point out that this is nowhere to be found on the online menu. Surprise!
This is not some super slick $ 15 per entrée kind of place. I went order crazy and with tax my 2 apps and 2 entrees came to just
under $ 20 (plus tip).
Not a diner, not fine dining, just an honest eatery.
The place is owned by Dad and run by his two sons. One of them, I found out later, was our waiter. I have to say that above all this place is bathed in warmth from the staff. At one point, (I’m assuming it was Dad and Mom), a couple came over and offered us a glass of wine. I don’t know if it was family night or just a big group but there were about 10 people, (there’s a table you can’t see in the above pic), all having a great time. The waiter, (I do apologize for not getting your name), couldn’t have been more helpful and the people from the kitchen who came out with the food were very enthusiastic. This is a happy place.
There were little mistakes made but in the overall scheme of things were mere inconveniences. Silly things. All of my food came out first. This was amusing me but my bud started to get a little anxious. He takes his food very seriously. When it finally came his soup was was served in a cup not a bowl. There was no spoon with it and it took longer than it should have for him to get one. I’m not sure in this day of white whole wheat flour but I think my pasta was not whole wheat. It was a little undercooked, (not al dente), and a little stuck together. I was given 2 takeout containers for my 3 dishes. Like I said, silly stuff … but the desire to accommodate was very high. A bowl of soup was brought immediately and the cup was gratis. I like when errors are OVER-​corrected. Bringing another cup would have sufficed but this was done right. This is a place staffed with people who make you feel welcome.
Since I am no expert on any Caribbean food aside from the standard peppery veggie patties I get in NY, and come to think of it I never asked if the dough is vegan, ([sigh] head slap), my comments are about this particular food, not a comparison regarding what one would expect dining on Trinidad or Tobago.
Phoulorie — Small deep-​fried balls consisting of flour, corn starch and split peas served in a basket with a side of tamarind sauce.
The phoulories were like hushpuppies. I thought they were made from cornmeal but it’s chickepea flour. These have a very dense texture and although I found them edible I didn’t really enjoy their toughness. I did enjoy using them to consume the tamarind sauce which is one of my favorite flavors.
Doubles — A Trinidad & Tobago sandwich specialty comprising of two crispy pieces of small fried bread with a curry chick pea filling.
Since I’d never had doubles before I didn’t know what to expect. The bread was not crispy at all as described on the menu. I was thinking more like a Poori bread but it had a tough, microwaved consistency. I tried to cut it in half to share and I had to use the knife to sort of saw through it. That pushed all the filling out of the sides. Not very elegant. I liked the flavor of the curry chickpea filling. It had a little bite to it. Not heat but a different bite. I have no idea what it was but overall it was a sandwich if nothing else. It’s very one dimensional in terms of consistency but worth another try.
The salad garnish is a little weak but for 3 bucks, hey.
My first main dishe was the Vegan Roti. It was served with two dipping sauces, the first a wonderful scotch bonnet chili sauce and the second one I hadn’t tasted before, a mango kuchela. The flavor of the kuchela was totally foreign to me. It is pickled green unripened mango, spices, vinegar and sweet. I just ate it. Well, it sort of came out on the fork in one clump and what the hell, just put it in my mouth and chewed. Not hot. Just different. Pickle-​y-​ish.
I thought it was the leaves of the mango but everything I can find says green mango. This taken the next day in the hotel room.
The pasta was square so I thought it was made in house. I never did get an answer but don’t think it looked or tasted like whole wheat. To me that’s just wasted calories. It was also sort of clumpy and undercooked.
The…

I love Caribbean foods food. I am a sucker for a good Jerked Chicken or a deep, rich Curry Chicken with some rice and pigeon peas.
When I happened into the Scarlet Ibis, I was pumped to get a good meal that would sent my smoking brain to the palm trees and cool breezes off the ocean. I found myself trying to bail out a half sinking ship instead.
The place was empty, we were the only table in this thrown together space. The chairs were uncomfortable and they seemed too close together, so my legs were cramped.
It took FOREVER for the waiter to show up and offer drinks. When the ice teas got there we were ready to order, but he gave a one sec sign and disappeared in back.
15 Mins later he was back to ask how things were. «We have not ordered» we said and thus started a series of «Oh, I’m Sorry» from the «waiter».
We sat and sucked ice for so long I got up and tried to find the waiter or refill myself. I had to shout for him and he came up with lots of «Oh, I’m Sorry», «Oh, I’m Sorry».
We had to ask for everything twice (lemon, hot sauce, napkins), always followed up with «Oh, I’m Sorry», «Oh, I’m Sorry Man»
When the Curried Chicken arrived, I looked at it and asked if this was the child’s plate because it was SMALL! About 2 ounces of chicken I would guess and a ¼c of rice and peas. PITIFUL for $ 12.00!
The only reason we are sitting on a 3 Star here is the taste, it was AWESOME. I loved every bite and wished there was more of it.
So go for the food, the service is the worst in the area.
Will I go again? No, probably not «Oh, I’m Sorry»

Definitely will not be going here again. The service was absolutely horrible and the food was okay at best. We were the only 3 people in the entire restaurant and they still took forever to wait on us, no refills, and we had to ask for our check twice after politely waiting for 15 minutes only to see our waiter at the counter staring off into space at the TV! We were late back to work. We also all ordered the exact same thing (a sandwhich) and they brought out salads for all of us and told us it was pretty much the same thing but with vegetables instead of bread. They then offered to bring us a bun out of the kitchen so that we could make our own sandwhich. They forgot that the sandwhich came with a side of fries until I asked about it and then proceeded to go back to the kitchen and start cooking them after we had already waited a good 30 minutes just for a sandwhich! Well, salad I guess. By the time the fries came out, we were finished with our «salad». The food was okay — certainly nothing I will miss. I honestly don’t have an hour and a half to wait on one dish again and I have no desire to experience the service again — what if the next time there are actually people in the restaurant — then how long will it take?

Scarlet Ibis provided hors d’oeuvres at a film screening I attended, so I can only really review the sweet carrot pastry roll I tried — and it was really, really good! We plan to visit the restaurant VERY soon to try out their new vegan menu. I talked to the woman who had made the pastries and she told me to try the (totally vegan) black bean soup when I go. And I will, I will!

service sucks… this place showcases Trinidadian cuisine and they are never busy so i would figure they should think twice before ripping off a loyal customer– My husband was born in Trinidad and believe me 3 rotis without filling do not cost 13 dollars !!! thats a joke.

I’ve been meaning to write a review about this place.
I think its a great place to try Caribbean food. Very affordable prices, and the interior is very classy. I’ve been here twice now, and its very consistent in what i’ve gotten anyways. :)
Always seems to rain right after I step outside too. dunno whats up with that.
I got the beef pattie meal, which is basically this square orange colored flour pattie with minced beef inside and some nice thick tender and crisp fries. delicious, and tender, and I got a jamaican ginger beer to go with it. ran me about 6 $.
I’ll definately be going back to try other stuff on their menu. but I like what i’ve tried so far.
They have alot of different non-​alcholic drinks to try. like the mauby which is some root drink, never tasted anything like it before. not sure how to describe it atm. its been awhile.

I’ve been curious to try more Caribbean foods but I was disappointed by my first visit at Scarlet Ibis. I thought the hibiscus tea was refreshing and the Doubles were good. I ordered the stewed chicken with mashed potatoes and mixed veggies but the waiter brought out stewed beef instead. A friend of mine tried the jerk chicken with curried potatoes and the chicken was so dry. Both of the entrees were really salty and the sides were kind of bland. Mashed potatoes tasted like the instant stuff. No me gusta.
I like the atmosphere and service was good except for the mix-​up. If I go again, I wouldn’t try the same things.

I came to Scarlet Ibis because
a)
had fantastic coupons
b) My raised in the Caribbean roomates were dying to take us here.
It was great! I highly recommend getting the roti, which is a soft and flavorful floury flatbread (thick flatbread, not thin or crispy), filled with the meat of your choice and a flavourful sauce that was spiced with all sorts of things that reminded me of India. It was delicious.
We tried the appetizers as well — we liked the phoulories and the doubles — the phoulories were the most unique thing I tried, I think. We had the Ting soda, which is a fresh lime soda, and my Caribbean roomate ordered some drink that is made from a root and starts with an «m». He warned us that it is very strong, and it was — a very strange combination of bitter and very sweet. Love trying new things that are unlike anything I’ve ever had before!
All in all, we really enjoyed our meal and the service was perfect. We were some of the only people in the restaurant, so I’m really hoping this place gets more business. It’s a gem!

Since living in Texas for 8 months, I have not had an opportunity to eat good Caribbean food unless I make it myself. So being a native son of the Caribbean I was dying to enjoy food I eat on a daily basis prepared by others to be enjoyed. When I saw the reviews for «Scarlet Ibis» I became so excited I called the restaurant and asked if it was owned by Caribbean individuals and the guy answering the phone said «Trinidad». So off I went with my gf to enjoy some good island food and that is where the excitement ended.
It’s a Sunday and we arrived about 2ish and the parking lot was completely empty. I didn’t let this bother me but my gf asked if I wanted to stay seeing as nobody else was there. I was too eager to eat my native food I didn’t care if a war was going on in the parking lot. We went in, got seated and ordered our meal. I requested some «Vita-​Malt» to drink… One of my favourite Caribben beverages, but you have to acquire a taste for it. My gf didn’t like it, but that’s ok. To eat, I ordered Ox Tail w/​Rice and Peas and Fried Plantain. My gf ordered Stew Beef and Mashed Potatoes w/​Veggies.
Our food arrived, the anticipation was over and let the joy begin. NOT! Folks, without the benefit of showing you the disappointed look on my face I will have to allow words to convey the sentiments I experienced as the fork left my mouth the second and third time… As if to question my tasted buds as it had been so long… but that was not the case. The experience was truly disappointing and here is why:
Food was not freshly cooked
Plantain were too young
Rice lacked typical Caribbean seasoning
Not hot off the stove (explains microwave beeping we heard)
The oxtail was flavourful but it was not off the stove. I guess with an empty restaurant they had to heat it up but parts of it was cold as it had be refrigerated. The rice and peas was very bland,. No salt, thyme or other seasonings used to spice up the flavour of typical Caribbean Rice and Peas. Luckily for the gravy from the oxtail I wouldn’t have eaten it at all.
As for the Fried Plantains,… Folks THEY MUST BE RIPE… NO EXCEPTIONS if not over-​ripe or they run the risk of being too hard and not sweet, which was the case with my fried plantains I had.
For the record, I am a native son, born in the Caribbean and have lived there for more than 25 years frequently visiting home prior to moving to Texas. The food may be good to those never experiencing the flavours typical of Caribbean food but to a native son, it was very disappointing and that really killed what I needed so badly. I really wanted to find a place I could frequent at least once a week, bring friends and enjoy my native food, but this restaurant won’t be that place.
I told my gf I will give them the benefit of the doubt and return during the week when they are busy and see if there is a difference. But for now I have to give this rating only 1 Star because the Vita Malt was good and the oxtail did have a good flavour, just reheated. Sad!
I won’t knock what others have experienced while visiting «Scarlet Ibis», but knowledge of what certain dishes should taste like when advertised is not by chance. There are variations to many things but the basic taste is always the same.

Wow! This place ROCKS! We got two appetizers to start. The phoulories were yummy and a little sweet. And the doubles were really good although the bread was a little chewy the flavor was spot on. And they gave us two little cups of sauce, one was like a hot sauce (didnt try it) and the other was pickeled and peppered mango. Oh my I could eat that on everything. It was truly a little party in my mouth.
And since Im ballin on a budget I just tried their caribbean pattie lunch special. I got the chiken curry and was not disappointed. For $ 3.50 you get fries and a little side salad with it! Thats a seriously good deal. My vegetarian sister got the vegetable pattie and said it was good. It looked like it had some greens, carrots and maybe mushrooms? Not sure but it looked pretty good.
The place was clean and playing caribbean music. Peter our waiter was friendly and attended to all our needs. It seems pretty authentic to what I had during my summer internship in the caribbean a few years ago. (although i never got a chance to go to trinidad and tobago.)
If you work in the area this place is a great lunch spot, everything was quick (but not too quick!) and delicious and me and my sister pigged out for $ 15.12. Good food at that price is not easy to find. I really hope more people give this place a shot. We were the only people in there and thats a shame!

Unilocalers must have the eyes of an eagle, or in this case, a scarlet ibis because Unilocalers somehow find the most hidden places (note to self: eat more carrots). Scarlet Ibis is definitely not the easiest place to find. Even though I work in the area, I had to turn around once to find the restaurant. My best advice is to look for a store called Manhattan — Scarlet Ibis is located in a strip mall behind it.
So I’m apparently making a new habit of trailing Jennifer R. around like some lovesick schoolboy. She’s first to find them and I’m second to try them. So I too was on a quest for goat and went straight for the goat curry. The curry sauce is really unique. It almost tasted like there was some pureed potatoes mixed into the curry sauce. Goat was very tender. I didn’t mind the bones because in my mind it enhances the flavor of the sauce. The plantains rock. Slightly caramelized outside, while soft and semisweet inside. Peter, the server, hooked us up with samples of a spicy Jerk chicken soup, which tasted like a chicken gumbo with a blast of island jerk spice. A giant can of coconut water was just the perfect ingredient to douse the fire. Speaking of fire, ask for their hot sauce. Both are made with the island Scotch Bonnett peppers, some of the spiciest peppers known to mankind. I had to cut down on the intake so I didn’t sweat through my dress shirt on my lunch hour, but they add a lot of kick to your dish — just go easy on the yellow one.
The restaurant is clean and simply decorated. A great destination for lunch or even a casual dinner. Service was warm and friendly. I’m looking forward to trying their jerk chicken next time. Ayrie!

I’m on a quest for good goat, and my search lead me to the Scarlet Ibis. I was NOT disappointed!
The Scarlet Ibis showcases the cuisine of Trinidad. While they have some items on the menu that are familiar, like jerk chicken, many others I’d never heard of. This culinary adventurer was intrigued!
I started out my meal with soup. There was a choice of jerk chicken soup or baked potato ($ 1.99 for a cup). I opted for the familiar baked potato. It was very different than American style potato soup due to the interesting spices. It was quite good!
I had phoulories ($ 1.99) for course #2. A phoulourie is a food sold by street vendors in Trinidad. They look like large hushpuppies, but have the consistency of beignets. They are made of split pea flour, but taste sweet and kind of like sweet potato (although that is not an ingredient). They are served with a tamarind sauce. YUMO! There were 8 or so of them in the basket… way too much for one person, so I took most of them home. This appetizer should be split by 2 or 3 people. It is huge!
Curried goat, black beans and rice, and fried plantains were my entrée ($ 12). The goat was mostly boneless (there were about 3 little bones) and very tender. The curry sauce was flavorful and different from anything I’ve ever tasted before. The meal was a nice size, and I couldn’t finish all of it after a soup and appetizer.
The restaurant can be tricky to find, but it is a hidden GEM and is worth your time to explore. It is located behind Best Thai next to the Silver Fox. The restaurant is very clean, and sports a red and black décor. The service is typical for a small, ethnic type restaurant… very laid back.
A family from Trinidad owns and operates this place. Peter was my server, and he is also a wealth of information about Trinidad and the food. His brother, Paul, is the cook. This family previously had another restaurant, the Caribbean Pan, at a different location.
Why the weird name? Apparently the Scarlet Ibis is the national bird of Trinidad. Mystery solved!
Check this place out! It is really good and won’t break the bank! To accommodate for the recession, they just LOWERED their prices on the menu! AWESOME!