Lakou Cafe

Lakou Cafe

On the quiet side of one of Caribbean Brooklyn’s streets, Lakou Cafe serves Haitian inspired and enhanced American comfort food. Lakou, which means “the courtyard” in Creole, has quickly become a hangout spot for millennial WFH types, pulling melanated folks who cherish good smoothies with authentic Haitian chocolate. Owned by a young black woman, this restaurant is chock full of personal touches—the artwork changes monthly to highlight local artists of color, often Caribbean artists (Basquiat would’ve been proud), crepes made with spicy Haitian peanut butter, and self-care Mondays. Living up to its name, this is a venue, not just an eatery— with paint-and-sips, board games, and movie nights all being part of the repertoire. Expect to hear Stevie Wonder and Solange on the Bose. For plant-based folks, the jerk jackfruit sandwich and kava drinks are simply to die for.