Maroons   

244 W 16th St
New York, NY 10011
212-206-8640
www.maroonsnyc.com/

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Although Maroons is named for the Southern guerilla warriors who forced British soldiers to flee and slaveholders to fall to their knees, the only fleeing and falling done here is by diners desperate to gobble up more 'jerk' -- as in chicken, a staple of soul food. This formerly tiny spot -- which expanded to a whopping 100-seat affair in 2003 due to its popularity -- serves up spicy saucers full of Southern, Caribbean and Jamaican comfort cuisine. Despite the renovation, the eatery has lost none of its charm -- the same quaint exposed brick walls are covered in vintage photographs -- and continues to dish out savory portions of stuffed pork, baked catfish, collard greens, cornbread and plantains. The smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and pepper wafting from the open kitchen inspire your mouth to water long before your plate is placed in front of you. With exotic beers, monster margaritas, homemade desserts, a pleasant price tag and Southern-styled hospitality to boot, it's no wonder reservations are still a must. -- Yon Motskin