Who says you can’t enjoy authentic Caribbean food while in the south? With a large West Indian community, southern states have their faire share of restaurants serving up delicious Caribbean dishes like roti, jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish and more.

From North Carolina to Florida, these are the 13 Caribbean restaurants you should hit up when visiting down south. 

If you’re in Florida and craving oxtail and jerk chicken, head to Tropical Rhythm for amazing food. Not to mention, the portions are very generous!

//www.instagram.com/embed.js
//www.instagram.com/embed.js

From ackee and saltfish to jerk chicken with peas and rice, The Island Spot is definitely the place to be when in Dallas and looking for Jamaican food. 

For delicious Haitian food with $5 lunch specials, head to this takeout spot. You can choose from a hearty stew or keep it light with conch, either way, the food is delicious. 

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

This Houston spot has absolutely delicious jerk chicken, cocoa bread and plantains. 

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

This upscale Caribbean restaurant offers incredible Oxtail Pasta and Jerk Chicken ’n Waffles. 

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

With a chef from St. Lucia, this restaurant serves up a mix of Caribbean and Creole cuisine. Conch Croquettes are a must try when dining here. 

The Haitian chef who was born in the Bahamas creates authentic dishes, true to Caribbean cuisine. Try the stewed conch and oxtail for an explosion of taste. 

Don’t sleep on Alabama for Caribbean food, this spot serves up delicious Caribbean dishes such as Pasta Pasta, stew chicken and curry chicken. 

This Gulfport staple has delicious curry goat, rice and peas, oxtails and more!

View this post on Instagram

Oxtails , Rice & Peas 🤤! #food #foodphotography #foodie

A post shared by Caribbean Hut (@therealcaribbeanhut) on

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

The owners are a husband and wife team from Jamaica who serve up incredible jerk chicken, curry tofu and curry shrimp roti. 

When dining at this Columbia gem you have to try the oxtail plate!

The jerk chicken is definitely a highlight when dining at this Jamaican spot

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

If you’re in Nashville and craving Caribbean food, head to Island Vibes. The jerk pork, escovitch and roti are absolutely delicious.