Explore Back In Thyme's Caribbean menu in Lawrenceville, GA, featuring gourmet jerk chicken, curry duck, doubles, and signature Guyanese dishes. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, warm hospitality, and a vibrant dining experience blending authentic spices with family-style warmth.
Back In Thyme - A Taste of the Caribbean is more than just a Caribbean restaurant; it’s a vibrant culinary sanctuary nestled in Lawrenceville, Georgia, where authentic Guyanese and broader Caribbean flavors come alive with remarkable precision and warmth. From the moment you step inside at 1154 Lawrenceville Hwy, Ste 212, you are welcomed not only by the inviting atmosphere but by the genuine hospitality of owners Nigel and Denise, whose passion for their heritage permeates every dish and drink.
The menu is a masterclass in Caribbean cuisine, spotlighting rare and cherished flavors that elevate traditional comfort food into culinary artistry. The jerk chicken stands out as an absolute revelation. While jerk is typically Jamaican, Back In Thyme’s version transcends expectation with a complex layering of spices that yields a perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and subtle sweetness—each bite a testament to expert technique.
The curry duck exemplifies this craftsmanship further. Rich, tender, and infused with harmonized spices, it hums with authenticity and soul. Paired with the house-made dhal puri, hand-milled by Denise’s mother, Bibi, the dish delivers layers of texture and flavor that feel both nostalgic and refined. The doubles—the beloved Guyanese street food of chickpea curry enveloped in soft fried bread—are nothing short of sublime, capturing the essence of home-cooked comfort alongside gourmet sophistication.
Back In Thyme boldly ventures into Guyanese culinary gems that are difficult to find outside of close-knit communities or family recipes. Highlights include delicacies like souse and cow heel, black and white sausage, and seafood chow mein, showcasing the depth and diversity of Caribbean fare. Each dish reveals flawless seasoning, vibrant colors, and generous portions, demonstrating a respect for tradition paired with freshness and innovation.
Complementing the food is an inspired beverage program, featuring handcrafted cocktails like the Thyme’s GT Mule and the Expresso Martini, alongside premium rums such as Bacardi Reserva and Jung & Wulf from Guyana. The homemade ginger beer and sorrel, infused with warm notes of nutmeg and ginger, refresh and enhance the eating experience, perfectly rounding out the menu.
Beyond the plates and pours, what truly sets Back In Thyme apart is the atmosphere of familial warmth and celebration. The vibe is cozy yet lively, easily accommodating both intimate dinners and group gatherings. The spontaneous karaoke and dancing that have become part of the experience invite guests into a shared cultural moment that lingers long after the meal.
Having sampled favorites like the flavorful curry duck, jerk chicken, and deeply satisfying souse, I’m compelled to return again and again. Back In Thyme delivers not just exceptional Guyanese and Caribbean dishes, but a heartfelt experience anchored by the love and expertise of its owners. For anyone seeking an authentic taste of the Caribbean with artisanal care and spirited community energy, this Lawrenceville gem is absolutely unmissable.
