Nakia Rubell

The vibe is good and the food is great! The Rasta Pasta is my favorite. I also ordered oxtail patties and they are great. Topped it off with a house Margarita! It is located downtown so parking is the only issue. Take an uber if you are in the downtown area, or order online for pickup!

Briar Tomeau

I highly recommend dining here. I ordered the Rasta Pasta with jerk shrimp along with the Trap House Juice, and both were absolutely delicious perfectly seasoned and full of flavor. The service was just as impressive. Leno took great care of my sister and me; he was patient, attentive, and genuinely engaging throughout our visit. His warm personality made the experience even better. Overall, it was an excellent meal with outstanding service.

Jelena Moore

The food at Traphouse Caribbean is absolutely delicious! I had lamb chops (limited time), oxtail, coconut rice, sweet potatoes, collard greens beef patty, and tried my friends curry chicken! It was too hard to decide! Leno was absolutely amazing as the host and kept checking on us! Everything he suggested we ordered and he was not lying about the quality of food, oh and the Trap Juice, omg! Top notch customer service, food, and vibes!!!! Thanks Leno and Traphouse Caribbean!

Steffany Overby

The music set the tone from the moment I stepped in the doors. I love the decor. I called ahead of time to make sure the full menu is available despite being brunch time and the gentleman was upbeat and informative. Terica was patient and kind when I was placing my order and made sure I got all the deliciousness. The brown stew chicken was phenomenal. The flavors were everything I was hoping for and more.

Merisa Lee

This was our first time trying this place after seeing them on TikTok and it was so worth the hype. We got the Red Snapper plate with collard greens and sweet potatoes and the Chicken Curry plate with Mac and cheese and tostones. Both were so good but the chicken curry was amazing it was perfectly tender and had the best buttery taste. While eating who we guessed was the owner came up and gave us a free cake! Which was so moist and airy! Overall this place was so cool! Definitely recommend! The music was a little loud but they had a good playlist so who cares.

Roddri Amos

Upon entering it has that Jamaican decor which was nice to see. There is counter ordering and the order taker was so knowledgeable with the menu and had plenty of personality. There were three of us and we ordered the Jerk Oxtails and Jerk Chicken that came with Jollof Rice, Sweet Potatoes and Greens, another order with Chicken and Jollof Rice, Greens and Sweet Potato also, an order of Rasta Pasta with Jerk Oxtails. Our food was served heat hot and packed with lots of Jamaican Flavor and oh so sendeand prepared with lots of love. The food was so darn good oh my goodness there needs to be more places like this one in Sacramento, CA. THERE WOULD BE LINES OUT THE DOOR. If you haven't been here you should. Hats off to the Chef.

+2

Diana Joseph

I really enjoyed my time here! I was craving some island food, and this spot did not disappoint. The jerk chicken tacos and oxtail fried rice were my favorites …full of flavor and perfectly seasoned. Leno provided excellent customer service and true island hospitality, which made the experience even better. Although it’s located downtown, parking was surprisingly easy to find. I definitely recommend visiting this location!

M. A. H.

First time visiting Traphouse Caribbean today while moving my little sister back into her dorm at UT Austin, and let me just say—what an experience! From the moment we walked in, Navi at the register welcomed us with a smile. She was polite, friendly, and super knowledgeable about the menu, which made ordering a breeze. We grabbed the 4-plate Groupon and went all in: three jerk chicken plates and one jerk shrimp. The shrimp? 🔥🔥🔥 Total standout dish! The jerk chicken was fall-off-the-bone delicious, seasoned just right, and the plates were packed—no skimping here. The collard greens, sweet potatoes, and that creamy Rasta pasta were all hits with my family. Let’s talk drinks—Trap Juice! 🍹 Sweet, refreshing, and the perfect pairing with the spice from the food. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we were blessed with mini cakes for dessert. Those little treats were the perfect sweet ending. The sauces also deserve a shoutout—the cilantro lime with butter was my personal favorite (I could’ve drank it straight 😅), while hubby devoured the spicy sauce with his jerk chicken. We’re from Houston, but now you’ve got new loyal customers. Anytime we’re in Austin, we’re coming back here. Thank you for the Southern hospitality, the added treats, and the amazing food. This small Black-owned gem is worth every visit. ✨Highly recommend: the jerk shrimp, jerk chicken, Trap Juice, collard greens, jollaf rice, coconut rice and peas, Rasta pasta and don’t skip the mini cakes🥰🤗❤️🙌🏽⭐️!!

+1

Tamara

Everything, was delicious and the service was amazing. That, OXTAIL BOWL WAS THE BOMB….. My husband ordered the curry goat he enjoyed it but a little spicy.The cabbage was a little over cooked. But, it was still good. One, thing that needs to be changed is a sign for drinks. I stood in the line for like 15 mins to order drinks to found out it’s whole another line for drinks. But, the vibe was good the DJ was great!!!! Keep up the good work

Daviyion Johnson

This place was so delicious and such a vibe. We stopped in for lunch and they happen to have some different specials which we enjoyed, including money off tacos as well as their Jamaican patties. I tried the patties as well as tacos, along with one of their custom mix bowls, which comes with your choices, meat or vegetable and rice or another type of base. Everything I ate was really good and flavorful. I also tried their signature trap juice along with a different cocktail while there and it was very yummy. I highly recommend checking this place out if you’re in Austin. Also, we learned that at nights on the weekends they have another part that turns into more of a club scene which unfortunately, I was not able to make it to, but definitely would like to go back in the future for

Halcyon is such a cute little spot—part coffee shop, part cocktail bar, and all-around great vibes. I didn’t get a chance to try the food, but the atmosphere alone makes it worth the visit. Cozy, stylish, and perfect for hanging out, working, or just enjoying the scene. And the espresso martinis? Amazing. Smooth, balanced, and honestly some of the best I’ve had. Whether you’re in the mood for caffeine, cocktails, or just a chill place to unwind, Halcyon hits the mark.

Stumbled into Sunday drag brunch with only 2 singles!!! What a bummer! We'll be back to make it rain. Great crowd, femcee and performers. Oh yeah drinks--good ones.

So this place has been here for ever I feel & it looks it. The place could use a little polishing up. It round take much to make this place shine. Super chill vibe, they have done games you can play with like domino's battleship and cards. They have a full bar with some Cafe bites. I ordered their long Island coffee drink that has a limit of two. The first tasted pretty good and strong the second one I don't think the person knew how to make it. It tasted like regular Iced coffee. A $10 Iced coffee 😏 Hubby ordered an old fashioned with brandy he said it was pretty good. He also ordered a sandwich with a bag of potato chips. They have cute little smores kit if you want to have an interactive kind of experience. I've been to their newer location and have to say it's cozier here but a little less polished if you don't mind that than make sure to stop in

Delicious Coffee. I loved the Matcha Latte. We went early morning on a Saturday. There were not many customers at the time. Service was quick. Mid-century modern decor. We ordered avacado toast and breakfast tacos. It was good. They serve cocktails too.

Decided to stop by while waiting for a table at the nearby Roosevelt Room and had a very relaxing time. The vibe inside is definitely coffee shop first, bar second, and overall fairly chill. The seating space inside was large and accommodating, and drink service was very fast. I particularly liked the wall of liquors behind the bar, with a respectable selection regardless of where you go, and very respectable when considering the coffee shop environment. I'd recommend stopping by!

Outstanding prices for downtown, happy hour Sunday is the best prices for drinks I've seen in any area of Austin. Has outdoor seating. Bartenders could be a bit quicker. Maybe stop talking and focus on getting drinks out.. No line and having to stand and wait 11 min and 9min for a drink is not good.. Doesn't seem long when writing this but stand and watch someone talk about whatever for just a few mins will be frustrating, 10min seems like forever..

Halcyon is one of those downtown spots that works for almost anything—coffee in the afternoon, a casual meet-up, or cocktails later at night. The vibe is laid-back but still feels “downtown,” with plenty of seating and a solid patio for people-watching on 4th Street. Drinks are well-made, and it’s nice having food options too (the tabletop s’mores are a fun add-on if you’re hanging with friends). It can get busy on weekends, but overall it’s a dependable, easy choice when you want a relaxed bar-lounge feel without the club chaos.

Brendan Alvarado

Traphouse Caribbean is a fun downtown spot when you want bold, comforting Caribbean food with real spice and flavor. I ordered a plate and everything hit—tender, well-seasoned protein, filling sides, and that “home-style” feel you don’t get at most places downtown. The menu has solid variety (including a few lighter/veg options), and the staff kept things moving even when it got busy. Great choice for a flavorful dinner and a lively vibe.

Still one of my fun bars downtown—great vibe and always a good time. That said, it could use a little extra attention: the patio fan hasn’t worked in a while, the inside could use a DEEP clean paired with a much needed AC filter change. With a bit more upkeep, this place could really shine again.

Jay

First, the positives: the service at the ordering counter was quite good. The process of ordering at the register was smooth, and the menu offered a wide variety of options. Now the negatives: we waited nearly 45 minutes for our food to arrive. Slow service isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker for us, but lack of acknowledgment from the restaurant staff on the long wait was a major disappointment. The food itself was decent, but not extraordinary. We ordered the jerk chicken and oxtail, both of which were lacking in flavor. The best part of the experience was the plantains and greens which were both cooked well and flavorful. Overall, this spot was underwhelming especially given the rave reviews we saw before deciding to go in. But I think this place has a lot of potential if they work on their service and execution a little bit. The ambiance and atmosphere is really lively. We loved the music. Overall rating: 3.2/5 First, the positives: the service at the ordering counter was quite good. The process of ordering at the register was smooth, and the menu offered a wide variety of options. Now, the negatives: we waited nearly 45 minutes for our food to arrive. While slow service isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker for us, the lack of acknowledgment from the restaurant staff about the long wait was a major disappointment. The food itself was decent but not extraordinary. We ordered the jerk chicken and oxtail, both of which lacked flavor. The highlight of the meal was the plantains and greens, which were both well-cooked and flavorful. Overall, this spot was underwhelming, especially given the rave reviews we saw before deciding to go. However, I believe this place has a lot of potential if they improve their service and execution. The ambiance and atmosphere are really lively, and we loved the music. Overall rating: 3.2/5

Shaee J

I want to be fair and transparent in this review. I spent $81 and ordered multiple items: a side of curry chicken, jerk shrimp and grits, coconut rice and peas, peach cobbler cheesecake, hibiscus tea, and a side of oxtail. I’ll start by saying the food itself was very good overall. The standout items for me — the stars of the show — were the jerk shrimp and grits, the peach cobbler cheesecake, and the hibiscus tea. However, my concern is specifically with the oxtail portion and the overall handling of the situation. The website lists a side of oxtail as one pound, which is why I ordered it for $18. When I initially received my order, I was given one single piece of oxtail. I questioned it and was told it had already been weighed. I was first offered $10 off my next meal, but I explained that I’m not from the area — I drove about an hour and happened to stop by — so that wasn’t a realistic solution. I was then asked to come back for more oxtail. After returning, I received additional pieces. When I weighed all the oxtail together at home, the total came out to approximately 0.16 lb (about 2.5 oz). I’ve included a photo of the scale and a screenshot of the website listing that specifies one pound. I understand cooking loss and bone weight, but even accounting for that, the portion provided was far below what would be expected from a one-pound serving. I also want to note some of the interactions during pickup. I ordered online and received a text stating my food was ready about 5–7 minutes before I arrived. When I got there, there was confusion about whether my order was for next door, and my food — which had been placed on a tray — had to be bagged in the back. Although it was said to already be ready, it took several additional minutes before I was able to leave. When I returned later to receive the additional oxtail, staff appeared confused despite a phone call that had just taken place with the owner, and there was no apology or explanation offered after the issue was addressed. I’m sharing this experience so others can make an informed decision. The food was good, but clarity, consistency, and transparency around portion sizes — especially when weight is listed — are important, particularly at this price point.

Zelestial Design

I didn't complain the first time this happened, because I really enjoy trying out new restaurants that help bring more flavor to Austin. However, I don't appreciate being charged for something & not receiving it. I asked for green sauce on the side for my tacos, & there was none on the side, nor on the tacos. I also asked for jerk sauce with the fries, there was none on the fries nor in any of the bags. Only packs of ketchup I didn't appreciate the young lady I spoke with over the phone today placing the blame on Uber for a reimbursement. I know each restaurant is supposed to pack everything in bags (maybe not always the drinks). I know bags are tide or stapled together with the customer's name on it for each driver. I know each driver is not supposed to reopen bags that have already been closed or taped to give to each customer. There was silence after explaining this to the lady, yet no apology. I was only given an email for the owner after requesting to speak to the manager & told (he/they) would reach out to me. The food is tasty, however, it would be more appreciated if workers would pay closer attention to detail when packing orders, & not placing the blame on a third party company. It's almost tasteless without the proper sauce. I am not always able to come in person to retrieve my food & check the order, so it would be much appreciated if this is done before closing out each order. Thank you.

I H

Why did everything taste like bbq chicken??? Got a chicken patty... it was more like a gyro meets empanada... and bbq chunk chicken. Chicken taco... also tasted the same. The staff are super nice... not sure why there are two transactions if you want booze.

Honestly, ordered the avocado toast, got guac (like actual mashed guac with pico de gallo & jalapeño bits) on soggy white toast and it took 20 mins to come out. $14 insane! Nothing is made fresh, the barista was unenthused and said everything is prepped night before so even though they have an egg burrito on the menu they can’t make eggs as a side.

Lauren Elizabeth Lightfoot

They are rather expensive considering what I’m about to say especially. I have ordered from this place in person and delivery, both, multiple times. Every single time I’ve ordered plantains or coconut fried shrimp, it has come out burnt. Even when I have an ordered from this place in person, specifically mentioning this to the cashier while ordering and specifically asking her to make sure they came out normal and not burnt. I paid for parking and dealt with the parking issues just to order this in person, hoping it will come out differently. Every single time I’ve ordered plantains or coconut fried shrimp, it has come out burnt delivery or not. Even when I went in person and asked them to make sure it wasn’t burnt, it was burnt. This explains why there are “no refund policy signs” inside the store. It seems like multiple people ask for a refund because of how they cook their food. Which is really sad because other than their oil being too hot or too old or whatever it is making the fried food burnt; the food is generally pretty good. The Joloff Rice was excellent. However, I do not recommend anything fried from here. No matter how you order it, or when you order it, no matter if you ask them to pay attention and not burn it; no matter what time of day despite what their excuse was to me, nor what time of week— it comes out burnt. When I mentioned this in person ordering it with the cashier in person, she blamed it on the fact that when I ordered it, it was probably (which she had no clue when I actually ordered the 3 times before) during a busy weekend and that was the reason it was burnt. So I let it slide (stupidly). She also looked at me weird when I asked, “what does “”trap”” mean”? She said, well… what questions do you have…?? Snarly.. (Her not knowing I knew the menu decently enough that I was back for the 4th time giving this a chance in person vs. delivery). She did not want to take the time to explain to me what this meant, even though I was the only customer in the store for the entire time I ordered and waited for my orders to be complete. However, I still mentioned to her “please make sure it’s not burnt since I’ve ordered three before and it has come home burnt despite what time of day or week it was”. I was the only person in there the entire time I was ordering and it still was burnt as I opened it at home…. Now, for the 4th time… She didn’t make sure it wasn’t burnt despite my request. They don’t really care if it comes to burn or not sadly. They really don’t care how the food comes out. Emperor how expensive this is I would expect much better. Much more quality. Much more care in the preparation and delivery of the specific African cuisine. This is not your normal burger and fries place. This is a specialty cuisine. It’s very unfortunate. I was hella pissed and sad all at the same time. I am not African, however I love African food and African flavors. And this is the one place I thought I could turn to for such in which I was extremely disappointed to say the least. More than once. In more than one way……..

Mercedes Ramsey

Went there and was extremely disappointed!! Everything we ordered was sweet and saucy the greens were almost like a stew kinda like a gravy the jerk shrimp was so sweet like BBQ sauce and the rice was so bland no taste at all also had the jerk chicken and it was almost as if it was baked bbq chicken definitely shouldn’t have expected real Jamaican food in Austin …the staff was extremely nice great vibes

Israel Ranero Jr

I read the reviews and couldn’t wait to try, as a Caribbean, I was thoroughly disappointed. Spent $25 on the lunch special bowl and a beef “patty”. With a name like “beef “phatty”, I for sure thought it was going to be a substantial size; it was smaller than my palm. The flavor was very good but the patty’s size was laughable. For my bowl, I ordered the rice and peas with shrimp and paid for bone in chicken on the side. The rice had 3 peas throughout the entire dish, shrimp was underwhelming and the chicken was served in a BBQ sauce which was never mentioned on the menu. I blame myself for eating Caribbean food in the downtown area hoping it would will be authentic; Twin Isle will remain my go-to for Caribbean food in Austin. Edit: addressing the owner’s response. This is exactly why your restaurant was empty when I was there. You have an attitude because someone giving their honest opinion of your terrible food. As the owner, if you saw someone come back in and complain you should’ve addressed the problem yourself, doesn’t matter if you were “in a meeting”. You were sitting by yourself talking to nobody when I came in. The gentleman who took my order was very nice and professional but you lack professionalism yourself. Yes, I did order the lunch portion but the bowl was tiny and the food was SEVERELY lacking flavor and cold for over $25. Do better

The real bad experience one could have just by seeing the outer appearance, I am sure would never come back here, just got betrayed by the name as was looking for coffee. The wait was real long for just coffees, secondly as waiting for the coffees went to the washroom the washroom which is not clean could have the worst and the upbeat kitchen ever. Just wonder their food how would it look after seeing the pictures uploaded. Their coffee was just a a regular one didn’t even taste well. Would never come back again.

I have never been to a place with more rude employees than this one. I live nearby and wanted to like it. Just walked in there this morning and had the guy at the front just grumble at me "I'm busy. Not taking your order" without even looking up. This is the third time I've gotten some weird attitude after daring to step foot inside. Never again.

I’ve been coming to this coffee shop for since I moved to Austin, and it used to feel like my little safe space. The atmosphere was always warm and welcoming, thanks to the familiar faces behind the counter who made every visit feel personal. Unfortunately, it doesn’t feel the same anymore. With the old employees gone, the energy has shifted, and the aura that made this place so special is missing.