Rob's Kitchen opened yesterday (June 20) in Stratford, N.J. While Rob's Kitchen is the name often used to refer to the new eatery, the brand also carries the slogan “Jamaican-American Soul Food.”
I stopped in today to check out the newly opened restaurant in the former Friendly's restaurant building at 804 N White Horse Pike, and found Rob's restaurant already packed with customers, some dining in and others waiting for their takeout orders.
I had hoped to have lunch during my visit, but Rob's was a bit busy at the time and I didn't have much time before my next destination… But I'll definitely come back to try Rob's amazing food… And maybe there will be a video of my experience too?
The menu is divided into several categories, including Jamaican platters, soul food platters, sandwiches, and wings.
And, as you'd expect, Rob offers an incredible selection of homemade sides.
Chef Rob has been a well-known presence in the area since he launched his restaurant brand in 2001. Until recently, he operated out of Rumors Bar and Grill in Clementon. Unfortunately, Rumors closed during the pandemic and has not reopened since. Perhaps this was Rob's motivation to strike out on his own again and take on a friendly owner.
He's still working on updating his online presence, but one Yelp review from 2019 reads, “The food is always so good! I love the fried whiting and oxtail platter! You won't be disappointed!”
The new restaurant is a slightly larger building with freestanding vines on White Horse Pike at Whitman Street, next to Zare Funeral Home and just a few blocks from the ALDI grocery store.
This is a great location for Rob, close to his previous home base (Rumors) and offering a premium dining experience in a standalone building that showcases his culinary skills. The building offers indoor seating, pick-up for take-out orders and ample parking.
Rob and team have done some fantastic upgrades to make this place more attractive and functional.
Grand opening banners will be posted in front of and above the building, letting the many commuters on White Horse Pike know they should come and visit.
During my visit, Rob came out of the kitchen for a moment and I had the chance to introduce myself, but it was clear that it was very busy being only the second day open, so I didn't ask too many questions.
42Freeway first wrote about Rob's Kitchen when it was first announced on Stratford's website earlier this year.
Rob's Kitchen Menu – Stratford, NJ
Rob thinks that all the items on the menu are important to him, but then he notices that the first thing on the sign is “Jamaica,” and the first category on the menu is also Jamaica.
In the Jamaican category, they offer oxtail, jerk chicken, brown stew chicken, as well as curry dishes made with chicken, goat and shrimp.
The Jamaican platter comes in two size options, with a medium sized platter usually costing around $17, with the oxtail and red snapper dishes costing slightly more.
The soul food platter includes two sides and features barbecue options such as whole chicken wings, fried whiting fish, hot wings, pork ribs and fried chicken.
The sandwiches feature some of the best choices from the Jamaican and soul food menu, crafted into amazing sandwiches, including fried whiting fish, BBQ pork ribs, fried chicken, jerk chicken and more.
For many people who enjoy soul food or Jamaican cuisine, the side dishes are actually more important to the meal than the main dish.
Rob's Kitchen offers macaroni and cheese, potato salad, collard greens, plantains and more.
Hot wings have always been Rob's most popular item, and they are available in a variety of order sizes at the new Stratford location.
Like I said, I didn't get a chance to have lunch at Rob's today, but I'll be back soon!
Links and locations
Rob's Kitchen Jamaican and soul food (Opening soon)
804 White Horse Pike
Stratford NJ, 08021
856-805-7889 / 856-805-7851
Tues-Thurs 10am-8pm
Friday – Saturday 10am – 10pm
Sunday 10am – 6pm
