Silverado Ranch neighborhood-favorite Big Jerk has come a long way from its food truck days, and months ago the spicy and soulful sensation pulled off the ultimate expansion just west of I-15 on Sahara. Taking over an expansive former Mexican eatery space, one of the Valley’s top Caribbean restaurants is now much more than a casual, comfortable spot for lunch, dinner or takeout. The new second location has more seating inside and out and stays open late, bringing in DJs and other entertainment after-hours and launching “Rhythm and Brunch” on Sundays at noon. The additional programming is somewhat reminiscent of local parties that used to take over the restaurants, bars and lounges on this stretch of Sahara in years past, fun and easy nightlife that’s been gone for a while.
And Big Jerk’s food is exactly the kind of indulgence you want to dig into after you’ve been catching up with friends over a few drinks—a jerk chicken wing plate ($17), curry shrimp ($20) and the signature Boogie Fries ($15), a platter of perfect potatoes topped with sauteed vegetables, pulled chicken and creamy cheese sauce. These flavors should upgrade the sliders and tenders you’ve been noshing on at your standard neighborhood bar.
Though the full menu hasn’t always been available at the Sahara spot since it opened earlier this year, it’s a bit bigger than the southeast original’s offerings, including seafood dishes added before the pandemic kicked in. If you can catch the whole fish or lobster tail specials, do so, and don’t be afraid to ask for that tail jerked and fried.
While it continues to serve the most-popular grilled jerk chicken and jerk fried chicken (both $20-$25 for different meal sizes and dark or white meat with one side), the new restaurant also offers regular fried chicken, crispy and juicy for those who don’t want the aromatics and flavors that come with the 24-hour brine in Big Jerk’s trademark seasoning. Combos and entree options also include saucy slow-cooked ribs ($31) rich oxtail ($34), grilled lamb chops ($37) and the spicy, creamy chicken pasta ($22) with Cajun notes.
And if you’re exploring the late-night fun, don’t forget the Jamaican patties ($6), yucca fries ($6) and sweet plantains ($5), all ideal for passing around the table. Just don’t knock over the Red Stripes.
BIG JERK CARIBBEAN 2800 W. Sahara Ave., 702-478-7229, bigjerkcaribbean.com. Monday-Tuesday, 5 p.m.-midnight; Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
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