A storefront in a commercial neighborhood that has seen better times, Boswell's is a clean, pleasant cafe serving the everyday food of Jamaica. Although the names of Jamaican dishes seem unfamiliar, the cooking of this island nation resembles other Creole cuisines--including our own. You'll hear the restaurant's many fans say it's "authentic," but the meats and fish cooked here are much better than those in Jamaica.
Kingston native Boswell Atkinson opened his combination grocery store and restaurant in 2000 on Broad Street. It was wiped out by Katrina, but after a couple of years he reopened in a warehouse on Tulane Avenue. (It's hard to see; park in the second block past Jefferson Davis Parkway, and approach on foot.)
The dining area is much more pleasant than the forbidding industrial exterior. Most of the atmosphere is created by Boswell himself, who is quite a talker and will be very pleased to engage you in conversation about his homeland. Service is minimal: disposable plates and cutlery. Prices are very low and the staff is pleasant.
If you've never had Jamaican food before, take a leap of faith and go for it. Its flavor and ingredient profiles have much in common with New Orleans food. If you know Jamaican food well from either Jamaica or a bigger American city, lower your expectations a notch. This is a minimal operation. You want a Red Stripe beer, of course.
| Attitude | 2 |
|---|---|
| Environment | 0 |
| Hipness | 1 |
| Local Color | 1 |
| Service | 0 |
| Value | 2 |
| Wine | 0 |
