Vegan
Take-out
Caribbean
Jamaican
Its 1st location. Provides Rastafarian-influenced vegan food. Uses tofu and tempeh in many dishes. Mostly gluten-free. Confirmed closed, Mar 2018.
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248 Sisson Ave, Hartford, Connecticut, USA, 06105
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Last update on 17 Aug 2018 by GarfieldHaylett
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Added by erixxx vegan on 06 Feb 2010
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27 Reviews
First Review by veganomics
lisakw
Points +1239
Great vegan Jamaican buffet - Edit
Great variety of Jamaican food with gluten free, soy free, and nut free foods clearly marked. A five entree dinner gives you two proteins (beans, tofu, seitan, tempeh) and three other items. The restaurant has a fun colorful vibe and of course reggae music is playing. The owner is quite nice and it was fun to watch him explain the entrees to the initiated.
Read morePros: lots of vegan options, allergens clearly labeled
Cons: women's bathroom has seen better days
Guest
vegankev
Points +16
Great Place for Lunch - Edit
I am fortunate enough to work within a mile of Fire and Spice and eat here at least once a week.
Read morePros: Healthy food, Fresh , Friendly service
Cons: Can be a bit pricey, Slow service when busy, Options are limited
Guest
nikiharvs
Points +20
LOVE IT! - Edit
Food is great, people are very friendly and helpful! Nice quiet place to get some good vegan food :) Also their house-made cucumber ginger juice is phenomenal! Worth the trip for sure!
Read moreGuest
HerbGreen
Points +22
A unique place - Edit
All Vegan Jamaican cuisine.
Read moreI loved the food, wish I could go back.
Pros: Delicious and nutritious , Fast , Good Value
Cons: Staff was extremely rude 2 out of 3 visits, Bad Vibes, Im scared to go back because I feel unwelcomed
Guest
mark m braunstein
Points +474
phone ahead - Edit
My 2010 first impression: The online menu was merely a figment of the chef’s imagination. In reality, what was actually offered was similar to that of a homey restaurant in Kingston, Jamaica. I speak from experience. When I ate in Kingston where the Rastas of Kingston eat, there were only 3 dishes from which to choose. So here in Hartford we had only 4 from which to choose, and we ordered all 4, all which were fine examples of Jamaican cooking, in generous portions, and inexpensive at that. So the food was good, just not much variety.
Read moreMy 2017 second impression: No misleading online menu, because nothing online, so no false impressions from their website. But some cautioning first impressions. While the neighborhood is out of the way (read, ethnically black) from where most out-of-town (read, ethnically white) visitors to Hartford would venture, it is safe. It is the scant, street parking that is dangerous. Exiting on your driver’s side, you risk you and your door being clipped by cars speeding down this narrow street. Stepping onto their walkway leading to their front door puts you in further peril, as the steep cement walkway is caving under. Step past their front door, beware the missing floor tiles in the vestibule that might trip you up. Fortunately, if you persist past these sad signs of urban decay, once inside you will find a clean and welcoming interior.
Food is served cafeteria-style, so not surprisingly the dining area, though small, is much like a dining hall. So don’t come here with a hot date. Do come here for a hot meal. The food is wholesome and all vegan, the choices are now plentiful, and the servings are large and inexpensive. This Jamaican-based cuisine has been Americanized, which for us honkies is a good thing. Spices are mild. The vegetables are familiar, nothing more exotic than okra. Several tofu dishes here for you, if you like tofu. The tempeh and tahini dish is especially good, and I prefer tempeh over tofu. From among the 3, 5, and 8 combo platters, choose the 8 combo platter, which costs only $13, and will surely fill you. If you pay by charge card, be sure to bring some cash with which to tip the very gracious server, as their charge card receipts do not enable adding tipping.
As of this 2017 update, their website has been permanently down for over 6 months, and their Facebook page had not been updated for 18 months. So best to check on them via phone at 860-899-1389, which indeed is a working number.
Pros: great food, very inexpensive , ample choices
Cons: scant street parking, out of the way location
Guest
Frank311
Points +28
killer food - Edit
These guys know what's good
Read moreGuest
Meashia
Points +13
Wow! Amazing experience! Tasty Vegan Food! - Edit
From the moment I walked in I was greeted with a smile. I was then asked was this my first time at their establishment, I answered yes, and was introduced to every food they had available today.
Read moreNow I'm eating this delicious goodness filled with herbs I smelled before they entered my mouth. The look, smell and taste of the food is everything! Great service and fresh vegan food.
Pros: Great Options, lots of variety, Drink Options (They have Spirulina Moss), The food taste sooooooo good!
Cons: Need more locations (Middletown), Need a delivery service
Guest
CharlesColyott
Points +18
Excellent! - Edit
Great (and spicy!) food, good prices, awesome atmosphere, and friendly staff. Highly recommended.
Read moreGuest
Dadoofish
Points +32
Flavorful Vegan - Edit
Found this place after arriving in town for a business trip. Happy to find everything is vegan. I didn't have to ask about every dish to make sure it was vegan. Full of flavor and spice. The jerk tofu was particularly excellent along with the caramel fudge ice cream. Highly recommended.
Read moreGuest
GreekMexican
Points +64
First time eating in and trying food first - Edit
There was five parking spots in front of Fire and Spice but chose to park in rear.
Read moreThe tall truly naturally beautiful women portioning my plate described each dish and explained all ingredients, very nice people I'm happy to give this establishment my money to help encourage these ideals.
Wonderful okra in tomato sauce, kale with garlic, Jamaican jerk tofu, my favorite was tempe dish and cabbage with vinaigrette I very much enjoined the cucumber ginger drink as well.
Pros: Best vegan food I've eaten at a restaurant , Great cucumber ginger drink, Super friendly people working there
Cons: not in Illinois where I live
Guest
KatieMarsan
Points +37
Great food! - Edit
Great food,
Read moreGreat people.
I was really happy with this place.
Guest
temporaryhero
Points +104
A strong option in Hartford - Edit
Had the opportunity to stop at Fire and Spice yesterday for lunch. As has been stated already here, it's a low-key place off a main drag in Hartford. Food is pre-made and not to order, but is a solid option for the area, and has the advantage of being all-vegan, so those of our tribe may order without fear of surprise ingredients. The jerked tofu was excellent, and I really loved the 'Papaya Don't Preach' smoothie. Staff was accommodating.
Read morePros: All-vegan!
Cons: Street parking might be tough sometimes
Guest
gardeningone
Points +306
Jamaican take out. - Edit
A bit out of the way in somewhat residential neighborhood, they serve take out food from steam table. Vegan but not necessarily healthy food had been sitting there all day. The Jamaican patty was tough, dried out with a tiny amount of filling. The BBQ and other dishes were very tasty, comfort food (sugared, white rice). Server was slow, but friendly and accommodating when she got around to it.
Read morePros: all vegan, full flavors
Cons: steam table, not fresh, not very healthy
Guest
Jeopardy
Points +127
Delicious & affordable! - Edit
Ate here for the first time and loved it. Returned the following day for dinner & ordered catering portions to serve at Easter dinner. Jerk Tofu, Red Lentil Dahl & Kale were especially yummy.
Read morePros: affordable , good portion sizes, friendly staff
Cons: parking can be rough
Guest
veronicajones
Points +333
to go to die for! - Edit
I always get 5 choices to go -- I love their greens, stewed cabbage, jerk tempeh, tofu scramble, and pumpkin rice, but everything is fresh, full of flavor, and delicious. They also have their own kombucha, vegan cupcakes, and hibiscus drink. Great food, great place!
Read moreGuest
quinner9
Points +49
Any hungry person's dream - Edit
Even if you're a fast food fanatic, you'll be shocked at how delicious this vegetarian Jamaican food is! The food is always prepared, so it's just as quick as fast food, only 100 times healthier. The people on here who complain about long waits are probably ordering extra meals that aren't on the daily menu. The owners, Chris and Jamelia, and chef, Andrew, are the friendliest people in town!
Read morePros: health, taste, people
Guest
Bunhugger
Points +20
Awesome! - Edit
My husband and I stopped in for lunch during a weekday. We were warmly welcomed by the staff and they explained what each dish was. Everything was scrumptious-especially the pumpkin rice and jerk tofu. For dessert we had the best cupcakes...all for a very reasonable price. We will be back for sure!
Read morePros: Tastey food, Low price, Cozy atmosphere
Cons: Parking
Guest
ngorst
Points +29
Awesome awesom awesome - Edit
What can I say, perfect restaurant experience. Everything we ordered was delicious, cheap and the service was friendly and inviting.
Read moreALSO... I left my wallet on the counter and thank goodness the patrons are just as nice as the staff and they turned it in so I could reclaim it over an hour later. Thanks so much y'all!!!
Guest
kjvicki
Points +44
Fantastic food, awesome staff - Edit
Had just finished a Mercy For Animals demo in Hartford, so my friend and I decided to stop in for lunch. Nicest, friendliest, most fun staff ever! Great Pomagranate/ginger juice, made by Jamelia. Tasty curried veggies and bbq tofu, too! Great prices, buffet style. Lots of good food at a great price!
Read morePros: healthy cuisine, good value, great staff
Guest
LorraineN
Points +32
really really delicious! - Edit
I just love this place! The cajun tempeh and tofu jerk is so delicious, it's what my dreams from now on will be made of. The other choices are great too. And the desserts! Both regular and gluten-free cupcakes are so fresh and tasty and very satisfying. I stayed in Windsor for work for a week and it was 20 minutes away (14 miles) and worth the trip every night.
Read morePros: friendly people, great food, friendly & pretty decor
Guest
sarai
Points +37
Authentic and tasty stop in Hartford - Edit
My boyfriend and I stopped here on our way west to NY. The place is conveniently located and easy to find. Likely due to the time of day, they were running counter service only. The woman at the counter showed all the combo-plate options available - I had an Ackee pattie, cajun tempeh, jerk tofu, and beans and rice. My boyfriend had a samosa, the tempeh, bbq tofu, and sweet potatoes. I also had a glass of their house hibiscus bev, which was lovely and refreshing. Food had good flavor and portions were generous enough for us to end up with leftovers. I'd go back, but I do agree with other reviewers: the impression given by the website was a bit contrary to what we experienced.
Read morePros: good quality food, helpful staff
Cons: limited selection
Guest
rmark25
Points +273
Jamaican Hoestyle - Edit
I went for lunch one day on a Hartford trip. It's only a block or so down from the mark Twain House and Harriet Beecher Stowe Center. Friendly Chef and staff. Good, unique comfort food. They tell you what is spicy (if that's your concern) Also, had a refreshing hibiscus/ginger drink that was homemade. Plenty of tables and space to just relax and enjoy your food and no pressure to pay. Garlic greens (kale) was delicious. I especially liked the fact that it wasn't just "mock chicken" "mock beef", etc, but real food and vegetable dishes. Worth a trip if you are in Hartford. Parking available on street
Read morePros: Food, friendly staff, Clean
Guest
Hoodwinked
Points +28
Great food, friendly staff, - Edit
Ate at Fire and Spice for the first time this weekend. The woman working the counter was very friendly and explained all the many items available as it was ' buffet' style to be served. I chose a heaping plate of food: lentil soup, unchick'n patti, sauted kale, pumpkin yellow rice, jerk tofu, curried tempeh, chickpea stew, cabbage, beans and rice (this was my one meal for the day; don't judge!). There was a lot of other items that I could not possibly fit on my plate. Everything was very flavorful and delicious. I know other reviewers have complained about lack of variety and options but I thought they had a lot of choices, although it didn't necessarily follow the printed menu. The place was cheerful, clean and inviting; service very good. I liked it a lot and will certainly go again when I am back in the area.
Read morePros: Great food, good selection, friendly staff
Guest
signofthetimes
Points +20
Great Food - Edit
I had dinner at Fire & Spice in Feb. 2011. It was my first time visiting, and I'll definitely return. The food was great, the chef was friendly, and the menu was multi-ethnic and eclectic. It's a bit un-traditional in the sense that there are only so many options per night and you pick from those, but trust me: there are plenty to choose from. I had dahl, Cajun tempeh, quinoa, and some sort of potato-with-cumin creation. For dessert I downed a cup of freshly-brewed Jamaican coffee. This place is friendly and not wasteful which I think is great. Two thumbs up on this visit.
Read morePros: tasty food, friendly staff, affordable
Cons: small menu, inconsistent building temperature
Guest
positivelou
Points +20
Fantastic Feasts at Fire and Spice! - Edit
I've been eating at Fire and Spice regularly since they opened, most recently this past Friday, June 18, 2010. My experience there has always been fantastic. Christopher is a great dude, always friendly and eager to talk, as are the rest of the F and S crew.
Read moreAs far as the menu goes, I suppose it's not all available yet(more, and more each time I go though) and I can see how that would bother some...but worry not, a myriad of delicacies is hiding in the steam table. A combo plate will certainly satisfy even the pickiest palates and while you're at it be sure to try a smoothie...all have been delicious but my favorite is the Sea Moss. Christopher blends it up just right!
To those concerned about wait time, I've never experienced an excessively long wait...service may be slower than what you're used to be but rest assured, your meal is being prepared with love and care.
So when you go to Fire and Spice, go to soak in the good vibes, friendly faces, delicious food and satisfy your soul as well as your belly!
Pros: Food is fabulous, Service is superb, Ital is vital
Guest
FIYHF
Points +66
Just what Hartford needed! - Edit
This is the best restaurant in Hartford. There is a good vibe in the dining area because there is always good reggae music playing, the walls are painted yellow/gold, with nice artwork. Christopher is the main man, and he is very friendly and enthusiastic. There is a good variety of delicious homecooked foods to choose from. So far i've had french spiced lentils, chole (spiced chickpeas), kale salad, seitan (magically flavored), sweet and sour tofu, ital stew, and several other varieties that i can't recall the names of, but the point is, everything was delicious! My ordering technique is to ask for a large combination plate, and let them put whatever they'd like on there, because i fully trust that whatever they choose will be great. They've had varied desserts as cupcakes, mixed fruit shortcake (or something similar) and carrot cake, i had the fruit one which was very good! I especially loved the french spiced lentils, and the seitan. They offer organic juices, and also smoothies. I've had the purple rain juice and the gin and tonic (no gin or tonic involved), both very good, and reasonably priced for organics. I can't imagine why I would choose a different restaurant if i'm looking to eat in hartford county. There is also a sports lounge and bar in the back if you want to hang for a bit and mingle or dance, or a more quite dining area in the front where conversation would be easier. Go check it out, and tell your friends, and support a perfect vegetarian, (all vegan!) restaurant! Also, you need not be a vegan or vegetarian to enjoy the food here, it's universally delicious.
Read morePros: All Vegan/some organics, perfectly delicious, friendly/goodvibes
Guest
veganomics
Points +16
Awesome Ital/Jamaican/Caribbean - Edit
Check these guys out - run by the nicest people. Everything is vegan, reasonably priced, and totally awesome.
Read moreGuest
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