Jerk Chicken, Oxtail Shine at Kingston Kitchen Tucson

Curry chicken at Kingston Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Jerk Chicken, Oxtail Shine at Kingston Kitchen Tucson

Mar 21, 20252 min read

Kingston Kitchen, located at 5305 E. Speedway Blvd., stands as a vibrant celebration of authentic Jamaican cuisine. Co-owner and general manager Damion Williams took over the restaurant space in 2021, transforming what was formerly CeeDee Jamaican Kitchen into something entirely new.

“We’re running it different now,” Williams said. “Everything is different — new recipes, new employees, everything.”

Though the location stayed the same, the food and philosophy behind Kingston Kitchen changed. Williams and his father Clovis brought their vision of hospitality, culture, and homemade Jamaican cooking to life.

Coconut shrimp at Kingston Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Coconut shrimp at Kingston Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)
From Florida to Tucson: A Culinary Journey

Williams, originally from Florida, moved to Tucson in 2021. Clovis joined him shortly after. Together, they built a new identity for the business, drawing from their shared heritage and passion for cooking.

The duo set out to introduce true Jamaican dishes to the Southwest. They focused on quality, freshness, and bold island flavor.

“Everything is fresh,” Williams said. “Everything is made the same day. We don’t heat nothing for tomorrow.”

Crowd Favorites and Classic Flavors

At Kingston Kitchen, the most popular dishes reflect the heart of Jamaican home cooking.

“Jerk chicken and oxtail,” Williams said. “They love it.”

Jerk chicken, in particular, stands out as the dish that resonates with both first-time guests and longtime fans. Oxtail, curry chicken, and brown stew chicken round out the menu, offering comfort and rich flavor in every bite.

Jerk chicken at Kingston Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Jerk chicken at Kingston Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Jamaican Drinks and a Taste of the Tropics

Kingston Kitchen features refreshing drinks including Jamaican sodas, tropical fruit juices like watermelon and papaya pineapple, and a housemade Jamaican rum punch.

“The rum punch don’t stay long on the shelf,” Williams said. “We have to keep making more.”

A Brunch with Island Vibes

Though Sunday brunch is currently on pause, Williams confirmed that plans are in motion to bring it back soon.

“We trying to do it right this time,” Williams said.

Brunch will include jerk wings, coconut shrimp, fried chicken, and festival — Jamaican fried bread — alongside popular menu staples like curry chicken and oxtail.

Interior at Kingston Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Interior at Kingston Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)
More Than Food: A Cultural Hub

Kingston Kitchen also serves as a cultural gathering place. Live music, DJs, karaoke, and open mic nights turn the restaurant into a community hotspot. During big events like the Super Bowl, guests enjoy live bands and a lively atmosphere.

Stay Connected

Kingston Kitchen is located at 5305 E. Speedway Blvd. Find updates on upcoming brunch events, new dishes, and live entertainment with Kingston Kitchen on Instagram.

Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer and photographer. Best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments and petting pets.

If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.

You Might Also Like

Recibe gratis el boletín semanal de Tucson Foodie

Nuevas aperturas, eventos, platos recomendados y guías — cada miércoles. Sin spam.

Advertisement

Follow @TucsonFoodie136.4K followers
@Vegantucsonnightmarket returns December 5, from 6-9pm at Rillito Park!🌙 

Vendors apply in bio! App deadline is October 26. 

Photos by @astra1wanderer@Vegantucsonnightmarket returns December 5, from 6-9pm at Rillito Park!🌙 Vendors apply in bio! App deadline is October 26. Photos by @astra1wanderer
@Jundynasty has served Sichuan dishes on Grant Road for 13 years.🌶️ 

General manager Jacob Yeung credits one idea above all: “We’ve grown since then, but the key has always been consistency.”

Stop in for Flaming Chili Oil, Walnut Shrimp, chow fun, or sautéed green beans finished with Sichuan peppercorns. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. 

2933 E. Grant Road

Read the full story at tucsonfoodie.com@Jundynasty has served Sichuan dishes on Grant Road for 13 years.🌶️ General manager Jacob Yeung credits one idea above all: “We’ve grown since then, but the key has always been consistency.” Stop in for Flaming Chili Oil, Walnut Shrimp, chow fun, or sautéed green beans finished with Sichuan peppercorns. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. 2933 E. Grant Road Read the full story at tucsonfoodie.com
@Lovinspoonfulstucson is closing after more than 20 years in Tucson. Its final day of service runs on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Customers can stop in between now and Saturday for one last meal. The team plans to sell down its inventory, though it hopes to have favorite dishes available. Regular hours remain 9am-3pm through the final day.

“Running this kitchen has been a labor of love, but the numbers just aren’t adding up anymore, and as parents, we have to make the hard choice to step back and take care of what matters most at home.” 

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com@Lovinspoonfulstucson is closing after more than 20 years in Tucson. Its final day of service runs on Saturday, Oct. 24. Customers can stop in between now and Saturday for one last meal. The team plans to sell down its inventory, though it hopes to have favorite dishes available. Regular hours remain 9am-3pm through the final day. “Running this kitchen has been a labor of love, but the numbers just aren’t adding up anymore, and as parents, we have to make the hard choice to step back and take care of what matters most at home.” Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
A little love for the chefs who make Tucson’s food scene so special. These are just some of the many talented chefs who make our city what it is.

Happy International Chefs Day to the talented people behind the plates, the creativity, and the meals we keep coming back for. We’re grateful for all you do!💐A little love for the chefs who make Tucson’s food scene so special. These are just some of the many talented chefs who make our city what it is. Happy International Chefs Day to the talented people behind the plates, the creativity, and the meals we keep coming back for. We’re grateful for all you do!💐