Elsa's Place

4.7 ( 474 reviews )
Checking... 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
610 Court St, Jacksonville, NC 28540, United States
+1 910-346-1652
At Elsa's Place, a hidden gem in Jacksonville, NC, the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean truly shine. Nestled at 610 Court St., this cozy eatery is celebrated for its exceptional cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, where patrons feel like family. Diners rave about the jerk chicken, a dish that's bursting with flavor and perfectly accompanied by collard greens, which many have deemed some of the best they’ve ever tasted. The reviews consistently highlight the warmth and attentiveness of the staff, who are more than willing to cater to individual needs, including food allergies. The inviting vibe and quirky decor, from eclectic clown paintings to festive motifs, create a unique dining experience. Customers recommend the oxtail and fried pork chops, both of which are known for their tenderness and seasoning prowess. Moreover, Elsa's Place offers a menu with an impressive range of options—from hearty roti dishes to kid-friendly meals, making it an ideal spot for families. The homemade desserts, especially the strawberry cake and chocolate cake, provide a delightful sweet finish that guests don't want to miss. If you're searching for a place that serves comforting food with vibrant flavors, Elsa's Place is a must-visit. Support local, savor Caribbean flair, and enjoy a memorable meal at this Jacksonville treasure!

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
  • Dining options
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Historic
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Usually has a wait
    • Doesn't accept reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Elsa's Place

Ryan Strahl
May 16,2025
This place is BOMB. So good. It's looks like a run down hole in the wall, has weird clown funeral paintings, and they are rockin' Christmas decor in March. But I'm tellin' ya, the food is SOO good that it suddenly becomes really easy to look past the funky atmosphere. The oxtail was perfect. Collards were excellent. I also definitely recommend the baked mac' n cheese side. Pictures don't do the food justice. There is just so much flavor in everything. I'd venture to say this is one of the most delicious restaurants in Jacksonville. Plus Elsa actually works there and you get the joy of supporting a local business. The only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the amount of sugar in the lemonade, but I assume that's just me and my personal preference. I also got a Chicken sandwich with fries. Chicken sandwich was delicious and comes with fixins like mayo, texas Pete sauce, katchup. Also came with fries that were perfect and I think seasoned with Old Bay seasoning. I'm on vacation here and have eaten at most of the restaurant with reviews over 4 stars on Google. Elsa's was miles better than the rest. If I lived here I'd be obese because I would eat at Elsa's every day.
Cecilia Wagner
May 4,2025
Okay this place was the biggest and most exciting surprise. We were headed to another place when we smelled the most delicious scent coming from Elsa's place and they were just opening so we gave it a shot. I could not have been happier with that decision. I got the jerk chicken which was absolutely phenomenal. The two people with me got the fried pork chops which I got to try and they were also incredible. The fries they served were fried to absolute perfection. My collards and fried zucchini, I just couldn't get enough of. Oh! Definitely try the Jamaican soda. I tried the cream soda and it was probably the best I ever had. Every single person in that building was so friendly, helpful, and attentive. I never had to wonder about anything. They knew what was in the food, which is great for someone with food allergies. They were willing to help us out at any point. They checked on us often to assure our satisfaction. Seriously don't skip on this place. You'll be seriously missing out. I've added the menu that they gave us when we left so it's recent! Editing to add: we cannot stop going here when we get the chance. This last time we got the pork chops and oxtail. I have yet to get anything I didn't like. The service is ALWAYS top notch. Don't sleep on this place!!
Mike T
Apr 22,2025
This has to be one of the best places in Jacksonville. Friendly service and great food. I got the Jerk Chicken with Green Beans and Collard Greens. The jerk chicken was really good, had Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Peppers mixed with the chicken and rice. The collard greens were one of the best I’ve ever had too. If you come here, which I highly recommend, you have to get the collard greens. The strawberry cake that came with the meal was really moist and had great flavor.
Jennessa M.
Apr 2,2025
This place was a hole in the wall you cannot miss. The food was delicious, the service was so friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is very cozy. Feels like you’re about to have thanksgiving dinner with family. I’d recommend this place time and time again. Very patient, kind, and accommodating to my angry one year old as well. You’d be doing yourself a disservice by never eating here!
Jen Ault
Apr 1,2025
Wow!! What a find. Amazing food, flavors, and service! I got the jerk chicken with collard zucchini and squash and my mom got the ox tail. So much food! And the chocolate cake yum! They also do take out!
Sofia Colesanti
Mar 24,2025
Everything was phenomenal. Oxtail melts in your mouth. The sides were out of this world. So much flavor! Anyone who is in the area should absolutely stop by. Affordable too!! So good!
Jeff T
Mar 5,2025
Amazing food! Everything we ordered was so delicious - Oxtail, Curry Chicken, Jerk Chicken and the Carribeam Burger. The sides were fantastic as well - Collards, Fried Squash, Okra, everything! And if the food doesn't top it, wonderful and friendly staff - felt like dining with family. When the occasion brings us to Jacksonville, we are coming back to Elsa's!
Andrew Kavanaugh
Feb 19,2025
Incredible Lunch today at Elsa’s Place. Ordered the Smothered Pork Chops with Rice, Collards and Mac and Cheese. There were two very generous sized Pork Chops, probably at least an inch thick. Very tender and cooked perfectly. Collards may have been the best Collards I have ever had. Chopped up perfectly with shreds of Pork in them. Seasoned to perfection with just a tiny bit of sweetness to balance out the tang. Mac and Cheese was solid. Rice was incredible. Not just your White Rice that typically comes with a meal like this. It was Yellow Rice cooked with a bunch of Veggies. Flavor was perfect and a great compliment to the meal. Great price too at 15.99 tax included. Great Family run business in Old Town Jacksonville. Hit the tail end of the Lunch crowd and was taken care of with no issue. Service was great. Food is cooked to order so you will have to wait a bit, but it’s well worth it. If you live in Jacksonville, NC and like good country cooking, give Elsa’s Place a try. Highly recommend and I’ll be coming back for the Ox Tails.

Add a Review

Quality
Location
Price
Space
Service

Location

Appreciated by Others

El barco Seafood Bar & Grill.”
(339 review)
El barco Seafood Bar & Grill.”
  • 2650 Hickory Tree Rd, Balch Springs, TX 75180, United States
Seafood restaurant
+1 214-613-2998
Topper's Pizza - Orangeville
(224 review)
Topper's Pizza - Orangeville
  • 88 First St, Orangeville, ON L9W 3J6, Canada
Pizza restaurant
+1 866-454-6644
Home Plate Bar & Grill
(548 review)
Home Plate Bar & Grill
  • 2571 S Koke Mill Rd, Springfield, IL 62704, United States
Restaurant
+1 217-679-3313
La Rustica Restaurant & Wine Bar
(831 review)
La Rustica Restaurant & Wine Bar
  • 5 Nether Hall Rd, Doncaster DN1 2PH, United Kingdom
Italian restaurant
+44 1302 363475
Coffee, Etc.
(328 review)
Coffee, Etc.
  • 3754 Willow Ave, Castle Shannon, PA 15234, United States
Coffee shop
+1 412-502-2504
Jaipur Indian Cuisine
(190 review)
Jaipur Indian Cuisine
  • 103-105 Penshurst Rd, Ipswich IP3 8QB, United Kingdom
Indian restaurant
+44 1473 273311
The Dark Room at The Grandel
(546 review)
The Dark Room at The Grandel
  • 3610 Grandel Square, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States
Restaurant
+1 314-710-5643
Bob & Edith's Diner - Huntington
(2126 review)
Bob & Edith's Diner - Huntington
  • 5918 N Kings Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22303, United States
Restaurant
+1 703-373-3284
Le Café Siam: Thai Cuisine
(420 review)
Le Café Siam: Thai Cuisine
  • 392 Talbot St, St Thomas, ON N5P 1B8, Canada
Thai restaurant
+1 519-637-2287
Craft Chophouse & Lounge
(570 review)
Craft Chophouse & Lounge
  • 610 Medary Ave, Brookings, SD 57006, United States
Italian restaurant
+1 605-692-2555