Ava’s Caribbean Restaurant

I was a loyal fan of Ava’s and I ate there at least once or twice a week. However, I went there this evening and ordered a jerk chicken plate. Tonight the chicken didn’t have any jerk seasoning, it tasted «grilled» there was no spice to the chicken at all. I called to ask if they have indeed forgot to put seasoning on my chicken, she exclaimed that it was but I know better because I’ve ate there on numerous occasions. Instead of offering me another meal that was correctly prepared she only apologized. I’ve noticed in the last couple of weeks the jerk sauce was thick and watery but, the chicken was so good it really didn’t bother me until today. Long story I will not be going back and they lost a very loyal customer.

Food was ok. Not bad but unfortunately, I didnt find anything that makes me fascinate about caribbean food. I may be not a big fan of caribbean food. But the owner was very nice and the restaurant is clean. Most of customers seem like to take the food to go I guess.

I ordered the small jerk chicken and it was ok. Nothing great. Most of the chicken was bone so I was disappointed. The lady at the front was uninviting and looked bothered. Will not be returning. Hire someone with more enthusiasm geez!

I’ve been to this restaurant two days in a row and it is simply amazing. I had only been to one other Carribean restaurant in the area and I wasn’t that impressed but my taste buds are rejoicing now! Best jerk chicken I’ve had in a long time. Every piece of oxtail had meat on it. I was skeptical about trying the gumbo but once again Ava’s has come all the way through! Their service is expedient and any time I place a carry out order the food is always still warm when I get it. Small place with big flavor!

This is the best Caribbean food in town (except for patties. really dry) but service is extremely slow. Don’t recommend going for lunch unless you don’t have to get back to work.

Absolutely love Ava’s although I only order the brown stew chicken their cabbage is THE BEST peas and rice just so so.

I remember when Ava’s was the only authentic island (carribean, Jamaican) restaurant in Killeen in like 2008 – 2010 when I was stationed here went to Germany came back (2010) to visit and the food consistency was bad so I said oh no never again! Right?!? So ended up getting stationed here again why me?!? Lol so I tried it again and it wasnt the best so I found out Ava wasn’t there anymore so I said go figure and since then I haven’t eaten there every since 2013.

I had there oxtail on a Sunday which tends to be slow for restaurants. Which also means the cooks are board and lazy due to the lack of business and attention to detail is lost. Well this was not the case for my experience here. I took my food to go and when I got home it was still hot and everything was seasoned properly and the oxtail was cooked perfect. The restaurant looked clean and i loved the smoke smell coming off the curry chicken.

Yum! This place is within walking distance of my house and I’m so glad! We tried their jerk chicken and curry chicken with yellow rice and were so pleased. So much flavor, tender chicken, fresh, and great price. They were very quick and efficient.
Yes the restaurant is quaint but I don’t mind, the smell when you walk in the door is divine.
We will be back for any week night meal to go!

The décor, sitting arrangement, and music was fair. The meal presentation was good and all could use some makeovers. It was just the service and food quality that made this experience a two star. I posted a picture of the meal; I had the lamb curry and oxtail with rice, plantain, and cabbage. The lamb curry was so salty and overall food taste flavorless. The cashier seemed uninvolved and locking enthusiasm. If I go to this place again I’ll try their jerk chicken or brown chicken stew but, more likely I’ll try the other caribbean places.

Food is not that bad. Today I had the brown stew chicken. But I’ve lived in Killeen for 3 years now and I can tell you that the flavor of the food dropped off. I thought at one time this location was one of the best in the area but competition has been fierce. I’ve tried every dish since living in Killeen.
The sizes of meals (portions) are mediocre and does not fit the local area serving Caribbean style foods or dishes. Their large is like a medium in most places.
I had to give them 3 stars only cause I continue to come stop by and show support but it may become a full moon affair stopping here. It’s just not the same.
So, 3 stars due to my past feelings of the place and in hope that they return to glory days of serving the best food around.
Their friendliness has dropped off too. I miss the old staff and the girl who takes the orders is not inviting. She acts like she hates her jobs and customers thoughts and feeling is not a priority. Smh. 1 Star for her…
They are open on Sunday’s now but I’m sure it’s cause they don’t make as much money as they used to.

It was a little bland. When I think of Caribbean food I think of spicy. I don’t know… maybe that’s just me. The food was cooked to perfection and the jerk and curry chicken are fall-​off-​the-​bone tender… just wish they would have had more kick

Food is usually good… but these last to visits have been disappointing… ughhhh 1^st there didn’t have any Jerk chicken or oxtail wth… then only enough plantain for 1 order and it came out so greasy and mushy i was just out done… my food was blan carribean food is most known for there seasonings… i asked for plain salt just to give my food a little flavor they didn’t have any type of salt no garlicsalt no seasoning salt nothing only pepper no hot sauce bottle was empty you would think they would have back up but no they didnt… I’m very disappointed after spending $ 11.00 for a meal that was just half ass ughhh

Great tasting popular Jamaican dishes that are served fast with a beautiful presentation. When you walk in you can smell the grill and all of the other curries and spices.

I was very excited as soon as I seen the Ava’s sign. I had to stop and try some of that good Jamaican food.
My wife and I ordered the oxtail curry and jerk chicken with some Jamaican cabbage and red beans and rice for our sdes. We also bought a couple of Johnny cakes (almost like a beef empanadas with more kick to it).
Overall, it was average with the oxtail and jerk chicken. It needed more spice and more flavor. The cabbage, rice and Johnny cakes were pretty good.
I know it is not fair to compair this place to Uncle Joes in Chicago because there food is always COMPETITION ready. I really missed it.
Ava’s is pretty new and they are up and coming. I will still come back when I am back in town and hopefully they have iron out the bugs.

I had jerk chicken and I wanted to love it but it just wasn’t that good. The chicken was dry and the flavor was just off.