New drive-thru Caribbean restaurant opens in Port Jefferson Station

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Steve McKail took his love for Caribbean food, his restaurant experience and the shell of an old Dairy Barn to create Long Island’s first drive-thru Caribbean restaurant.

Located at 407A Patchogue Road in Port Jefferson Station, Caribbean Flavors opened up right in the midst of the pandemic. But while many restaurants and shops had to offer curbside pick up, his new spot allows customers to drive right in and grab an order to go.

“We’re bringing the Caribbean to Port Jeff,” he said.

Compared to other local Caribbean eateries, McKail said that his place bring flavors from every part of the Caribbean. He uses his family’s own recipes.

After taking over the old drive-thru grocer back in December, he redesigned the restaurant for about four months. He said that they officially opened up in May, and since then, the spot has become a favorite hidden gem. They offer take-out, drive-thru pickups and delivery through Grubhub and DoorDash. Outdoor counter seating is now available.

Caribbean Flavors isn’t McKail’s first establishment. He owned two previously Caribbean spots in Coram that have since been sold. He said that after leaving the middle of the island, he wanted to bring some flavor up to the North Shore.

Some of their specialties include oxtail, curry goat, curry shrimp, jerk chicken, different flavors of beef patties, and Caribbean groceries and drinks are for sale.

“If you’re tired of bland food, and want some flavor and spice, come to Caribbean Flavors,” McKail said.