8. Spur Tree
(76 Orchard St, Manhattan, 212-477-9977)
Spur Tree brought uptown Jamaican style to downtown NYC’s 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 Tree’s jerk wings, Red Stripe-marinated shrimp and oxtail stew are highly recommended. If you’re fond of plantains, don’t miss their panko-crusted variation on the traditional Jamaican side.