Irie Jamaican Kitchen Finds its Groove in Euclid

Omar McKay displays a fresh jerk chicken bowl at Irie Jamaican Kitchen.

No matter the weather outside, stepping into Irie Jamaican Kitchen at 621 E. 185th Street is like taking a quick trip to the islands.

Large windows flood the space with natural sunlight.  Colorful decorations, Bob Marley portraits and soft reggae music make for a fresh and relaxed atmosphere. 

Omar McKay, a Euclid resident, moved his Jamaican style restaurant to the corner of Monterey Avenue and E. 185th Street in Euclid about six weeks ago from the Richmond Town Square food quart.  

The new location still attracts longtime customers and has quickly become a favorite of local residents and business owners.  

"It's awesome.  I love it." remarks Joe Zawatski of North Coast Auto, another business along the up-and-coming E. 185th Street corridor. 

At Irie, Omar serves traditional Jamaican cuisine "with a little spin".  All items are made from scratch, including the sauces and marinades.  Carry-out and dine-in options are available.   

Omar came to America from Jamaica when he was 15 years old. He perfected his cooking talents at Cuyahoga Community College's culinary school.  

According to Omar, Irie means "happy" in Jamaica.  "It's how I want people to feel when they come here."

Omar certainly is succeeding in making customers happy - just like a trip to the Caribbean, but for a fraction of the price.  

Irie Jamaican Kitchen is open Monday through Thursday from 11am to 8pm, and from 11am until 9pm on Friday and Saturday.   

  

Jonathan Holody

Jonathan Holody is Director of Planning and Development for the City of Euclid.

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Volume 8, Issue 4, Posted 5:16 PM, 04.11.2017