A Popular Cedar Rapids Eatery Opens a Downtown Location Today

Today is the day! Caribbean Kitchen is officially opening a new location in Downtown Cedar Rapids on January 2nd!

Caribbean Kitchen is a locally-owned eatery that you may have seen inside NewBo City Market, but it's also a popular food truck in the area. Owner Patrick Rashed, aka "Jamaican Pat," announced in late 2023 that he was going to be expanding to a new location in 2024, but this time in the Downtown Cedar Rapids area. It's the newest addition to the Armstrong Centre Food Court at 210 3rd Ave SE.

Jamaican Pat's website says that the menu at Caribbean Kitchen is inspired by his "upbringing in Kingston, Jamaica as well as his love for New Orleans culture and cuisine." Popular menu items include jerk chicken, mango chicken, the Cubano sandwich, fried chicken, fried ribs, and curry burritos & rice bowls. A November article from the Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that the menu at the Armstrong Building location will be similar to the NewBo City Market shop, but will also include some breakfast items that they typically serve during farmers markets.

Caribbean Kitchen's Armstrong Centre location is having their grand opening today (January 2, 2024) and will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The NewBo City Market location is open Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Armstrong Centre Food Court is also home to Coffee Republic, Gringo's Cafe & Catering, and The KETO Kitchen.