Cool Runnings Restaurant & Bar

"So disappointed!!! Normally our experiences here are 5 star.. but tonight we sat here from 6pm to 6:42pm waiting on our food as we watched others come and go! We get home and start eating and my boyfriend finds this (???? pictured) in his food. Not sure what it is but.. very disappointed."

"Stopped in on a referral from the front desk at the courtyard. It was Wednesday and they had a dj with really good music but pretty loud. The jerk chicken was really good and had some spice. It could've been spicy-er for me. The red beans and rice with plantains didn't disappoint either. I will definitely be back."

"My wife and I came to watch a few bands play. The music was very good and the acoustics were better than I expected. Overall, nice place. One issue is there were too many rectangular tables and seating on both sides. It was too crowded. Hard to get in and out, even the wait staff was handing food and drinks over the table in front of you. I can't rate the food because no one ever came to take our order for food or drink. Which brings me to the biggest problem. The service at Cool Runnings is as bad as I have seen. Stayed 1 1/2 hours and never had my order taken. Worse yet, I went to the bar to get drinks and 2 bartenders stood talking, glanced at me a couple of times, but never even said hi. The final issue is that the place adds a 15% "service fee" to every check which goes to the bar, not the wait staff. But since I was not served, I have no reason to complain about the service fee. Right after I posted my review a waiter came and took our order. We got drinks and the jerk chicken tacos which were very good. I will give this place another chance because it has a lot of potential"

"Jayson Smith has finally done what other restaurants has tried to do over the years and that's bring real, authentic Jamaican cuisine to South Bend. From the moment you walk in you get a feeling you might be walking into a Jamaican beach side establishment! There are tiki type canopies over some seating areas, the bars and stage with the colors of Jamaica everywhere! Seating is well placed without being over crowded. The larger bar is well equipped and the smaller secondary bar is as well. Reggae and popular R&B house music is heard while you're there. Our server and service was top notch. We never one time had to look for her if we needed anything. She was attentive and quick. She was so good we tipped her 70% of our total bill. Another couple we know joined my wife and I for dinner excited to test the authenticity of what meals we ordered. We started out with the jerk wings. Perfectly dusted and grilled They were quite delicious. The Jamaican jerk sauce (made and bottled in house) brought on the side taste better than most store bought. I ordered the curry goat, my wife had the jerk burger while our friends opted for the jerk chicken (they got into it before I could get a pre eaten picture) platters. My wife said her burger was perfectly cooked too her specific request it be. Her fries were large and crunchy. My curry goat could possibly be the most tender and juiciest meat I've ever ate. You do have to deal with small bones in some of it but well worth it. Platters come with beans and rice and one side. The beans and rice were cooked how rice and beans should be. We chose the Mac and cheese for our side. Creamy, cheesy and the right amount of seasoning. We all really enjoyed it You even get a plantain and it was amazing! Our friends loved the jerk chicken saying it was perfectly seasoned. Just spicy enough for flavor but not overbearing. The drinks were mixed well. The bartender could be a little quicker on getting drinks out but again, this is not an issue compared to how wonderful everything else was for us. The portions of food you get is far more than enough to get full and still have enough to take home. There was a band setting up while we were finishing up as customers started filling up the place. But we chose not to stay as we all were completely satisfied and ready to get more comfy clothes on for the night!! Overall, if I could give 10 stars for atmosphere, decor, service, food, drinks and more I would across the board without hesitation. Cool Runnings is a much needed and welcomed eatery this town badly needs. Jayson's attention to detail brings the eating experience to the customer many restaurants still need to learn how to do!! Well done Mr. Smith and his staff at Cool Runnings"

"WARNING: This is another business that refuses to pay their employees a livable wage. They add a 20% "service fee" then leave you a place to tip. If you're not paying attention you could theoretically leave a 40% gratuity. OWNERS like this NEED TO DO BETTER. The food was ok.. Being from Miami I was hoping for more spice. Ordered Jerk wings. I still gave a bit more, as my server deserves money she works for.."