Midtown Lunch

My friend who used to live on South Street recommended I go with him to try his favorite local restaurant, Rio Cobre, for Jamaican food. I had previously checked out the spot and liked it when it was called Mango Bush, which also served Jamaican food.

The pile of jerk chicken wings ($7) is impressive. The chicken is really moist; it easily comes off the bone.  The wings are rich with zesty, slightly spicy  jerk seasoning. It was such a contrast to the dreadful jerk chicken at nearby Caribbean Delight.

Lunch box specials are a great options. You get to pick a main and a side. Clearly, fried chicken with some mac and cheese was in order. The fried chicken was really interesting, it was coated in what appeared to be annatto seed (though the chef wouldn’t reveal the recipe). This made it crispy but not in the deep fried way and it gave it a great savory flavor. There was a layer of delicious melty cartilage. Like the wings,  the meat was moist. It would be hard to choose between these two types of chicken, so bring a friend and get both. The mac and cheese was more classic, with a ton of gooey cheese to ensure your stomach gets filled up. All of the lunch specials are only $6. Other options include oxtail and stewed chicken.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• Amazing jerk and fried chicken
• Lunch box specials are only $6

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• Food takes a little while to be ready

Rio Cobre, 524 S 4th Street, 215 618-3322