Nestled in the lively Ironshore neighborhood of Montego Bay, Jamaica, a one-of-a-kind entertainment and dining venue has carved out its niche by blending laid-back evening relaxation with high-octane nightlife energy. This is Pure Ultra Lounge, a space designed to fit every social occasion from casual catch-ups to big celebratory nights, co-headed by director Romario Ramcharan and operations manager Chanta Ramcharan, his cousin.
In early June, a panel of judges from the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards, led by awards conceptualizer Novia McDonald-Whyte, made the trip to this buzzy hotspot to test whether its growing reputation lived up to the hype. The June 9 visit opened with warm hospitality from Chanta Ramcharan, who ushered the judging panel into the lounge’s sleek, modern space, kicking off the experience with a welcome round of creamy, fruity rum punch and a group toast that set a friendly, anticipatory tone for the afternoon.
Founded in December 2022, Pure Ultra Lounge was born from a clear vision: to create a go-to nightlife and dining destination that caters equally to local Jamaicans and international visitors. Its culinary identity strikes a careful balance, drawing on global culinary trends while staying firmly rooted in bold, authentic Jamaican flavors, Romario Ramcharan explained in an interview with Thursday Food.
“Our goal opening Pure was to expand Montego Bay’s options for both entertainment and elevated dining, bringing together international-style cuisine with our beloved local flavors,” Ramcharan shared. “We wanted to build an elevated take on local fare that holds its own on the international stage, so that when tourists visit, they can find familiar dishes they love alongside unique Jamaican specialties they’ll remember.”
To kick off the tasting, head chef Shanoy Wilson walked the panel through a curated spread of appetizers designed to highlight the lounge’s core culinary style. First up was the lounge’s signature nachos, followed by crisp coconut-crusted shrimp served with tangy pinamango sauce, and a trio of tacos loaded with beef, chicken, and shrimp respectively.
Next, the judges sampled the first of Pure’s expertly crafted signature cocktails: the After Dark, a balanced blend created to complement the lounge’s savory menu. Per Ramcharan, every cocktail on the list is intentionally curated to blend the familiar with the unexpected. This approach encourages local guests to step outside their comfort zones and try adventurous new flavor combinations, while ensuring international visitors can find classic, comforting drinks that feel like home.
The appetizer parade continued with a diverse selection of chicken wings, ranging from approachable, crowd-pleasing flavors like mild BBQ and sweet honey garlic to fiery, bold options including Cajun ban ban and mango habanero. After wings came cheesy chicken and shrimp quesadillas, followed by a creative twist on a Jamaican classic: salt fish rundown served in tostone cups, a clever adaptation born from a temporary plantain shortage that didn’t compromise the dish’s iconic flavor.
Between appetizers and the main course, judges had the chance to sample a second signature cocktail: refreshing watermelon tequila, a light, bright sip that perfectly prepared palates for the rich entrées to come. Even though the panel was already far more than full after the extensive spread of starters, they couldn’t turn down the impressive main course selection.
Headlining the entrée line-up was the lounge’s popular drunken salmon, offered two ways: one glazed in sweet-spicy honey jerk sauce served with creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed greens, and a second preparation poached in white wine sauce paired with fresh corn on the cob and seasonal vegetables. For guests craving a hearty classic, Pure also serves a standout surf and turf: tender grilled beef tenderloin paired with plump seared shrimp and seasonal vegetables.
The tasting concluded on a sweet note with Pure’s showstopping cookie ice cream cup: a edible bowl made from a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie, filled with creamy vanilla ice cream, drizzled with rich chocolate syrup, and topped with fluffy whipped cream.
By the end of the visit, the Table Talk Food Awards judging panel left Montego Bay thoroughly impressed with Pure Ultra Lounge. The venue delivered on its promise of outstanding creative cuisine, innovative mixology, and a welcoming, versatile atmosphere, leaving everyone fully sated and already planning their next visit.