8. Spur Tree
(76 Orchard St, Manhattan, 212-477-9977)
Spur Tree brought uptown Jamaican style to downtown NYCโs Lower East Side a half-decade ago and, while the neighborhood around it has changed, Spur Tree has been a staple ever since. Though better known as a bar and lounge than a restaurant, Spur Treeโs jerk wings, Red Stripe-marinated shrimp and oxtail stew are highly recommended. If youโre fond of plantains, donโt miss their panko-crusted variation on the traditional Jamaican side.