When you think about the food scene in Tuscaloosa, your mind probably goes straight to game day barbecue or those greasy, glorious burgers near campus. But for a hot second, something else was shaking things up on McFarland Boulevard. Jake's Soul Food Tuscaloosa (officially known as Jake’s Soulfood Cafe) wasn't just another meat-and-three. It was this wild, delicious collision of Deep South comfort and Caribbean heat.
Honestly, it's rare to find a place where you can get a side of slow-cooked collard greens right next to a pile of fried sweet plantains. Usually, restaurants pick a lane and stay in it. Jake’s didn’t.
The Flavor Fusion No One Saw Coming
The whole vibe of Jake’s was built on the back of Chef Teresa “Ree Ree” McLaughlin’s vision. She spent over a decade in the fast-food world—specifically at Chick-fil-A—before deciding to do things the "long way." We’re talking 24-hour marinades and actual, real-deal scratch cooking.
The menu was a split personality in the best way possible. On one side, you had the "Soul Food Favorites."
- Pork Chops & Gravy Baby: Two center-cut chops smothered in brown onion gravy.
- Fried Wings Deluxe: Whole wings, not those tiny drummettes, seasoned with a proprietary blend.
- The Sides: Mac and cheese that actually tastes like cheese, "Cabbage with Soul," and buttery cornbread mini-loaves.
Then, you hit the "Caribbean Specialties." This is where the restaurant really stood out from the local competition like Thomas Rib Shack. They served Jamaican Jerk Chicken that was marinated overnight and basted in a sauce that had just enough kick to make you sweat but not enough to ruin your afternoon. The Stewed Oxtails were arguably the biggest draw. They were expensive—clocking in at nearly $40—but they were seasoned to the bone and tender enough to eat with a plastic spoon.
✨ Don't miss: Green Emerald Day Massage: Why Your Body Actually Needs This Specific Therapy
What Happened to Jake's Soul Food Tuscaloosa?
If you're looking for the address right now to head over for lunch, I have to be the bearer of bad news. In November 2025, after only about 11 months of operation in the Druid City, management announced that the Tuscaloosa location at 3615 McFarland Boulevard East was closing its doors.
It's a bit of a gut punch for the local food scene. The space itself had a rough history; it was the former home of Hwy 55 Burgers, which famously closed after a deliberate fire in 2018. Jake’s had spent a long time renovating the spot to get it ready, and people were genuinely excited.
"Y'all showed us so much love, and we're grateful for every bit of it," the owners shared on social media during the closure. "We'll see each other again. That part is certain."
While the Tuscaloosa physical location is gone for now, the brand isn't dead. Their original powerhouse location in Hoover (3075 John Hawkins Parkway) is still very much a thing. If you’re really craving that specific Kingston Combination Plate—the one with jerk chicken, curry chicken, and oxtails all on one platter—you’re going to have to make the 50-minute drive up I-20/59.
🔗 Read more: The Recipe Marble Pound Cake Secrets Professional Bakers Don't Usually Share
Why It Worked (and Why We'll Miss It)
Tuscaloosa has plenty of soul food. You can go to the Velvet Spoon or any number of small kitchens. But Jake's brought a specific "Island Soul" niche that basically didn't exist elsewhere in town.
The transition from fast food to scratch cooking is something Chef McLaughlin talked about a lot. She mentioned in interviews how "mind-blowing" it was to move from dropping 14 chicken filets at once to actually cleaning, chopping, and marinating meat for a full day before it ever touched a flame. That effort showed up in the food.
What made it special:
- The Oxtails: Most places in West Alabama don't even attempt oxtails because they're labor-intensive and pricey. Jake's made them a daily staple.
- The Combo Plates: They understood that people have "flavor FOMO." The Kingston Combo was basically a tour of Jamaica on a single plate.
- The Authenticity: Using real coco bread and Jamaican beef patties as starters set the tone immediately.
Moving Forward: Where to Get Your Fix Now
Since the McFarland Boulevard spot is shuttered, you've got a few options if you’re standing in Tuscaloosa with a rumbling stomach. For traditional soul food, Thomas Rib Shack is still the gold standard for many locals, especially for that classic meat-and-three feel. If you're looking for something newer, The Velvet Spoon on Skyland Boulevard has been picking up a lot of the slack, offering oxtails and pig feet for those who want the "heavy" soul food staples.
💡 You might also like: Why the Man Black Hair Blue Eyes Combo is So Rare (and the Genetics Behind It)
But if it's the jerk sauce you're after? You might be out of luck within the city limits.
The lesson here is kinda simple: support the local, non-franchise spots while they're here. In a world of Raising Cane's and 7 Brews—both of which have been expanding rapidly in Tuscaloosa—places like Jake’s provide the actual character of a city's food culture.
If you're planning a trip to the Hoover location to catch what you missed in Tuscaloosa, keep in mind they often close on Mondays or Tuesdays depending on the season, so always check their current "Toast" ordering page or social media before you commit to the drive.
To recreate the Jake's experience at home, your best bet is to look for authentic Jamaican jerk seasoning (Walkerswood is a solid brand) and give your meat at least 24 hours in the fridge. It won't be exactly the same as Ree Ree's, but it'll tide you over until they hopefully make their way back to Tuscaloosa in a new form.