Tru Jamaica Restaurant, located at 937 Taylor St, Waco, TX, is captivating food enthusiasts with its authentic Jamaican flavors. Numerous reviews highlight the restaurant's signature dishes, such as the oxtails and jerk chicken, which are praised for their rich flavors and high-quality preparation. Customers like Trina Nguyen are thrilled by the fast service and friendly atmosphere, noting that the food is made with care and love.
Rick B. enthusiastically describes the jerk shrimp as not just a meal but an experience. The dish showcases bold, smoky jerk seasoning that is both spicy and perfectly balanced. Accompaniments like rice and peas, plantains, and coleslaw create a well-rounded, comforting meal. For an ultimate indulgence, Marvin A. Stark recommends their delicious **rum cake**, solidifying their reputation for dessert as well.
Even in a challenging period, following a fire that impacted the restaurant, Tru Jamaica continues to offer superior meals via their food truck. As Yusnukis noted, the owner’s genuine hospitality resonates with guests, ensuring that every visit feels special. The consensus? Tru Jamaica is a must-visit for food lovers seeking delicious, heartfelt Jamaican cuisine. Whether you're near Waco or planning a road trip, this establishment promises flavors worth savoring!
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as Black-owned
Identifies as Latino-owned
Identifies as veteran-owned
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Has drive-through
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Serves organic dishes
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Amenities
No toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Photos
Reviews For Tru Jamaica Restaurant
Trina Nguyen
Jun 22,2025
Decided to come here for authentic Jamaican food and this place did not disappoint. We ordered the oxtails and jerk chicken plates—both were absolutely delicious. Packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The service was fast and super friendly, and you can really tell they put a lot of love into their cooking. I’ll definitely be coming back if I’m ever in the area again!
Marvin A. Stark
Jun 10,2025
Yo! This place is delicious! My daughter said she ate here before. I have my own jerk spice recipe, so I wanted to see how theirs stand up to mine. It was delicious! I will return! 1000%! Rum cake!
Rick B.
Jun 1,2025
A TRU Taste of the Islands. The Dish: Jerk Shrimp (Spicy Edition) From the first bite, it’s clear this isn’t just shrimp—it’s an experience. The jerk seasoning is bold, smoky, and perfectly balanced between heat and flavor. Every shrimp is cooked to order, plump, and packed with that signature island spice that lingers in the best way possible. The Sides: A Plate Done Right • Rice and Peas – Fluffy, seasoned to perfection, and the ideal companion to the heat of the shrimp. It’s not just a side—it’s an essential part of the meal. • Plantains – Sweet, caramelized just right, and the perfect contrast to the spice. A must-have. • Coleslaw – Crisp, refreshing, and cooling—exactly what you need to balance out the spice. The Drink: Pineapple Cream Soda – A TRU Island Escape A sip of this and suddenly, you’re in the Caribbean. The pineapple flavor is bright and tropical, with a creamy finish that makes it dangerously easy to drink. The Vibe: Food Truck Resilience & Warm Hospitality TRU Jamaica isn’t just serving food—it’s serving heart. Despite their restaurant being under repair after a fire, they’re still out here, delivering top-tier meals from the food truck. The owner (whose name might be forgotten but whose kindness isn’t) makes you feel like family. Final Verdict: Spicy but balanced Shrimp cooked to perfection Sides as strong as the main Drink is the ultimate pairing Service and story make the experience even better Five stars—no doubt. Would recommend, would return, and would order the exact same thing all over again. TRU excellence.
Emily Long
May 10,2025
I am with an organization cycling to Alaska for cancer research, and Aniceto graciously donated jerk chicken and oxtail to our team. It tasted amazing, and I will gladly return to this restaurant if I am ever in Waco. Thank you Tru Jamaica!
A Yusnukis
Apr 17,2025
Came to just grab a quick beef patty. Learned how to eat it like a local. Left knowing we’ll be back to try more. The Owner is amazing. The food is fresh and exactly what we were hoping for as far as the Jamaican flavor. The service is spot on. We live an hour and a half away and will definitely make a roadtrip just to hit up this place. We love food spots that put love into what they do. Come show them some love as they recover from a fire . Currently working from their food truck so order big and bring it to a picnic or your family. You’re gonna get hooked. *Ordered the beef and curry chicken patties. Scored a hibiscus and ginger fresh juice and a piping hot coco bread. Loved all 4
Andrew Liu (Venthri)
Apr 7,2025
Amazing vibe and food! Place is under rebuild, so they are operating out of a good truck now. Still amazing and i think definitely worth a visit if you pass by Waco.
Annushka HS
Apr 4,2025
This place is a gem in downtown Waco! Service was extraordinary, food was fantastic, and their new location which is inside of a historic movie theater is beautiful and romantic. I ordered jerk chicken breast with veggies and my friend ordered jerk shrimp with pasta. Never knew veggies could taste this good! We both stuffed ourselves, cause the food was way too good to stop The place was very clean, smelled beautiful, dishes were shiny and well washed, and the owner who happened to be the one to take care of us was super nice. I highly recommend this restaurant! It looks from the past reviews that they take their professionalism and authenticity everywhere they go and at any location. 100% will go back
creativeminds (HKATX)
Mar 18,2025
Food is excellent! Drinks and desserts are great! Currently they are serving from their food truck. The restaurant will reopen soon! We shall return.
Reviews For Tru Jamaica Restaurant