I was on my way to the Schomburg and remembered this little gem was close enough so I planned to make a pit stop. As I only had 45 minutes, I knew based on previous experience that I wasn't going to have enough time to properly savor and enjoy an entree. Chez Jacob is busy and their service is very lax, so it is best if you are in no rush. Don't expect warm and fuzzies. I've previously had a taste of their fried fish with traditional Senegalese sides and enjoyed. This time on a crunch, I ordered the fish pastelles/fish pie (appetizer). This is definitely what my people call a "pastelito." It was filled to the brim with stewed fish which had a really nice kick to it and served with a red (tomato based?) sauce. It was good and not very spicy. I loved that the pastel did not feel or taste oily. I imagined I would get two, but the order was for four. At $2 a pop, it was a hearty appetizer at a great price. I ended up taking half home and they were great later. In any case, what I really knew I couldn't leave without is their heavenly ginger juice. I crave it often and have yet to find a ginger juice that competes. Homemade to perfection, the spice of the ginger will linger and clear up any ailment you may have with the absolute quickness. My sinuses revere this juice. It's in the fridge next to the register for $4. All in all, Chez Jacob is a winner in my book, and I look forward to tasting more of their dishes when time permits!

The four of us enjoyed our visit to Chez Jacob. We each ordered one of the specials of the day and asked for four extra plates. Three of the dishes were jollof rice with either fish, chicken or lamb. We then served ourselves from the various dishes. None of us had tried Senegalese food before, and we enjoyed each dish. We'd go again if we were in the neighborhood.

Here's the Scoop! After attending a concert at a church in Harlem we decided to get some dinner and I was hungry. My husband's long time friend trombonist Craig Harris said let's go to Chez Jacob's for dinner. Upon entering its small but space utilized well. Seats about 15 people. 2 large booths and 1 small booth. It gets crowded quickly. The lighting is medium strength and there's a counter to order to the right of the entrance. Many delicious sounding items on the menu. Large screen TV showing African music videos. I ordered the seared Tilapia with Salad & sweet plantains. My husband ordered the lamb slices with white rice and veggies. Hot bread/butter was given while we waited for our meals. Our meals came and the portions were large. Large piece of Tilapia and beautiful salad. Some back heat seasoning on the Tilapia and I thought I wouldn't be able to handle it but the salad and plantains help put out the fire. We thoroughly enjoyed our meals. Check my pics. I will definitely come here again to enjoy another tasty meal. My fellow Yelpers come and check it out!

This place is not only familial and ways bustling with laughter and warmth, their food is delicious. My husband and I order all the time. If you go there and ask them to check our address is probably as familiar to them as their names, lol. I do not play when it comes to my food and this is a GEM in Harlem!! The best people, service and food!!

Stopped by today on a recommendation. This place is small, warm and inviting. I ordered the lamb with couscous, and when I say I smelled it all the way home and prayed it taste as good as it smelled.... I wasn't disappointed I tried it immediately upon getting home almost an hour later, it was delicious. Service was great. Back to the food it was ready in about 15 mins and packed up neatly (I had to take 2 buses home and nothing was a mess). Coming back to eat in with my mum so I have an excuse to try more items.

The food here was amazing. The portion are even better. One plate can definitely feed two ppl. This was my first time trying African, cuisine and I was so pleased. The food was full of flavor, a bit spicy but that's how I like it. The onions are so good. I wish I knew the difference between the two onions sides on my plate but I dont. This is definitely not a 5 star service restaurant. However, I was looking for an authentic feel for the food and this place was recommended by many of my friends. Food was excellent I will return. They served a hot sauce with the bread that was so good I took two home. Overall a very good dinning experience. Oh and by the way we ate this food for 2 days. We only spent $40. So reasonable.

My favorite spot I literally ate her almost every day when I went to NYC. The staff are so sweet! I'm African and I highly recommend. The food tasted of good and high quality. Everything was hot. Their brown jollof, fish, tea, and plantain were my go to!