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    Lakou Cafe

    4.4 (174 reviews)
    ModerateVegan, Haitian
    Open 9:00 am - 11:30 pm

    Order Lakou Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    Lakou Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    LAKOU CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Intimate
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Lakou Cafe

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    Karina R.

    I've ordered from Lakou Café twice now, and each time has been a wonderful experience. As a vegetarian, I'm always on the lookout for places with solid meat-free options, and this spot definitely delivers their menu has a great variety of vegetarian dishes. One of my absolute favorites is the baked pastry, which comes with cheese, spinach, or meat for those who eat it. It's unbelievably fluffy, flavorful, and just melts in your mouth -- truly something special. I also tried the Seared Herb Salmon Filet with rice, and it was excellent. The salmon was fresh and perfectly cooked, the rice light and flavorful, and the vegetables nicely seasoned. I've heard they have live music on weekends, and there's also a bar I haven't tried yet I stopped by earlier in the day during my last visit. Definitely planning to return to enjoy the drinks and music next time. The ambiance is warm, the staff genuinely friendly, and there's a real sense of community here. Lakou Café feels like one of those neighborhood gems that makes you want to come back again and again.

    Haitian Braised Veggie (Legim) Plate
    Xenia M.

    There is so much to love about Lakou Cafe! I've been wanting to try this place for the longest and finally got the chance to this weekend. The ambiance here is so chill and has elements of Haitian culture throughout! I was so happy to see Haitian peanut butter and coffee for sale -- will need to come back for these. Service was great, but the food was even better. I got the vegan griot with rice and plantains. So delicious and flavorful, and the green sauce was the icing on the cake! My hubby got the legim which he enjoyed. We also tried the ginger and hibiscus lemonade -- heavy on the ginger fyi! I hope this black owned business continues to thrive!

    Cindy J.

    Lakou Café was such a delight while I was in New York. The restaurant has so many great options but what I love about it was the fusion aspect of it. They had different options outside of the Haitian culture, which I liked while still remaining authentic to the roots and heritage. They also had really amazing drinks that were pretty strong but with the abundance amount of food that they offer there's no issue there. I had the white rice with a bean sauce, fried plantains, a side of kale salad and it was phenomenal. Very Well cooked. You could tell a lot of love was put into the food. I love the fact that there was such all walks of life coming into that restaurant.l as they gravitate towards a lot of people in Brooklyn. It was just such a great vibe from the music to the super friendly staff. Definitely highly recommend if you're craving some Haitian food in New York.

    Najwa G.

    Lakou Cafe unfortunately wasn't good albeit I initially had high hopes for it. I ordered the kreyol caesar salad- it was kale in epis dressing, roasted curry chickpeas, onion confit, and croutons. So, the salad itself was delicious. However in addition to the shrimp as my protein I also decided to get the jerk marinated jackfruit as well. I took one bite of the jackfruit and had to toss it out- I've had jackfruit before and I don't know what this was but it didn't taste good at all. The shrimp was fine but that jackfruit...just left a really bad taste in my mouth. The fish patty also barely had any fish in it. I was left disappointed after trying this place.

    Bug in my kale salad
    Tatiana R.

    I ordered food delivery from Lakou Cafe as I have on many occasions. However on this particular day after eating a tostones from my order... I was shocked to notice a live bug moving in my kale salad. I was so disgusted and disturbed by this. I could only conclude that the kale/lettuce are not being washed thoroughly... if at all. It makes me wonder how many times my previous orders have been contaminated or compromised without my knowledge. Needless to say... I won't be buying food from this restaurant or ordering food delivery ever again.

    Everything leaked from the Brown bag into my carrying bag.
    CoCo J.

    The food never disappoints but tonight I ordered food online and When I picked it up the drink spilled in the bag and the food wasn't closed properly. I mean every thing spilled out in the bag. First why would they put the drink in the bag and staple it closed. Second why wouldn't they make sure the food was closed properly.

    Bar
    Naomi C.

    Every time I've ordered A ++++ I found this spot on UberEats. My first order had fish cakes, salad and a crepe. Thereafter I came in person and ordered a Fried Mushroom sandwich. The sandwich was made fresh so be prepared to wait. The young lady who took my order was cool. It's cute inside, and VERY WELCOMING. I'd like to sit inside and eat soon.... As a matter of fact I shall! Love it here and thanks for coming to the neighborhood Lakou. We needed this !

    Kaya E.

    I'm still thinking about my food that I had yesterday because it was just THAT good. Lakou Cafe is a cozy cafe & restaurant right in the heart of Crown Heights. The entire time that I was there it was busy with people popping in for to-go orders and dining in. I originally came in thinking that I just wanted a coffee and a little bite but once I started to see other peoples food I couldn't help myself and decided to order one of their plates. What's great about Lakou is that they have breakfast, lunch and dinner options. There's coffee, juices, smoothies AND you can order a mimosa ... I could definitely spend a whole day here and enjoy everything they have to offer. Items I ordered. All were the bomb.com - Hot chai latte, one of my favorite chai's that I've had in awhile. It was perfectly sweet and they offer oat milk - Kreyol Shrimp Plate (stewed peppers, onion and tomatoes served with rice, plantains, bean sauce (sos pwa) with pikliz SO GOOD SO GOOD and a great portion Next time I visit I def want to check out their vegan options like the Jackfruit sandwich and their mushroom sandwich.

    Donald S.

    Lakou, the field where the neighborhood gathers to hang out and play. Ok maybe that's a direct translation, but It definitely gives a better understanding of where the inspiration comes from. Lakou is the neighborhood cafe serving ghtcbhgf heights not only Haitian favorites, but fresh new takes on cafe favorites. From lunch to dinner to a quick snack, there's something for just about everyone. Even you with the sweet tooth, and you the smoothie lover! For lunch I go for the chicken sandwich. Sure you can get a chicken sandwich pretty much anywhere these days. But one with Haitian influences? Now that you don't see everyday. Between a pillowy soft bun sits crispy chicken with hints of 'epis' all throughout. It's a distinct sandwiches that checks all the boxes as far as I'm concerned. But not to be totally one sided, the accompanying sides of salad and plantain chips were quite disappointing. Almost an afterthought if I'm being honest. Overall Lakou has so much going for it. A Haitian cafe is something I personally have never seen, a far cry from the typical Haitian takeout restaurants I grew up knowing. A misstep on a couple details here and there, but a great experience nonetheless!

    Everything Lox & Creme Bagel with eggs and onion confit

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    10 months ago

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    Cassandre D.

    Aw so glad you enjoy coming here regularly!

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    6 months ago

    The food was good... we had the chicken sandwich wow.... I would recommend this spot to anyone

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    1 year ago

    Had takeout from here. It was very good. I look forward to going in person. I will definitely try the patties.

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    Djon Djon - Snapper

    Djon Djon

    (122 reviews)

    $$

    Prospect Lefferts Gardens

    A gem for the best prepared Haitian food. I've walked past this place for years and finally decided…read moreto try it on a random Friday while visiting a nearby cafe. Firstly it was lunchtime and there were a number of tables filled. Looks like it was a lot of nearby lunch goers, good choice! We got a number of recommendations from the waiter after he suggested we try classic dishes but also the fish. Voting that came out was extremely flavorful. Haitians make the best fried fish. You can tell they season the flour and the fish. The gravy was awesome and the black rice and beans was nice n hearty. I brought my leftovers home to my son who devoured it. We also had drinks and those were well made and good as well. This my new Haitian spot. The chef took a peek outside to see how the service was going and I made sure to give a good thumbs and wink to reassure him he was doing the damn thing!!

    A great spot (albeit slightly pricey) for Haitian food! I made a reservation for three, which…read morewasn't necessary since no other diners were there during our dinner. That had no bearing on our meal, though, which was delicious. The lambi en sauce (conch) with black rice was perfectly stewed and flavorful. The grilled octopus was perfectly seasoned and cooked, with a light crisp on the tentacles. I also liked the lakay spaghetti, which was infused with a tasty and interesting savory flavor from the herring. We got sweet plantains on the side, which were nice and soft and came with a bit of pikliz--a necessity for any Haitian meal. The Kremas cocktail was sweet, creamy, and fairly strong, like an alcoholic eggnog.

    Bunnan - GRIOT-PORK

    Bunnan

    (132 reviews)

    $$

    Flatbush

    The service at Bunnan was soooo good from the moment I walked in. It was not overly busy at the…read moretime, but they still had a nice steady flow and the energy in the place felt just right. The music was a whole vibe and really set the tone. I found myself enjoying not just the food, but the entire atmosphere around me. I have never been to Haiti, but the way everything was put together from the drink style cups to the music made me feel completely immersed in the culture. It felt authentic, warm, and full of life. It honestly made me want to experience the real thing one day, and I truly pray things improve so I can visit in the future. In the meantime, I will absolutely be back. That griot sandwich was everything I needed and more. Full of flavor, cooked perfectly, and very affordable which made it even better. The plantains were hot, fresh, and just right. I loved every single bite. This place really left an impression on me and I cannot wait to return.

    I really wanted to try this restaurant because I follow and appreciate what Chef Nadege does for…read morethe Haitian community, so I was excited to support. The space is beautiful and very well decorated, and the servers were kind and knowledgeable about the menu. I ordered the djon djon rice bowl with oxtail, the fritay platter, and soup joumou, and we also tried the Sunday special with white rice and sos pwa. My dish came out after everyone else's, so I ended up taking it to go, which was disappointing. The fritay platter was a highlight. The plantains were crispy and the akra and marinade were well seasoned. My mom enjoyed her soup, but felt the sos pwa was a bit watery and could have been thicker. When I got home, the rice had a great texture but the aroma smelled slightly burnt, maybe they were going for a smoky flavor. The oxtail was well flavored, but I did find a small piece of plastic in my rice, which was concerning. Overall it was okay, but it did not blow me away. I have had better Haitian food at cookouts or family gatherings, though if this is your first time trying Haitian food, you may enjoy it.

    Rebel - Rebel Beef Rebel Griot Sweet Plantains Red Beans and Rice

    Rebel

    (159 reviews)

    Lower East Side

    Came here because I bought a Pulsd deal for dinner and wanted to try something new :)…read more Everything was was great - the experience, food, service! It was my first time trying Haitian food and I was surprised at how similar it was to Spanish food. Every plate we ordered was very flavorful and unique in taste. The sauces that came with our dishes were spicy (just how I like it) but so unique in spice too. I could have drank the sauces. There was nothing that we didn't like! The drinks were also simple, very light and yummy - not too sweet. The vibes of the restaurant were also very cute and dimly lit (but not too dim). They gave us the best seat in the house too - the corner window booth with views of the entire floor. It was a perfect date night! Will definitely be coming back and highly recommend if you're looking to eat some delicious Haitian food!

    The food was like a 7.5 out of ten. I had the seafood fritters, which didn't really taste like…read moreseafood, more so of a dough taste. I also had the classic stewed chicken. It was good, but my food wasn't hot, so I'm assuming they hadn't just made it. It was also ridiculously overpriced for 2 pieces of chicken and rice. It could've at least came with plantains or an additional side. The service was also mediocre. Whenever I asked my server for something it seemed like I was bothering her. Overall, it was nice to see a Haitian restaurant in Manhattan, but you could definitely get more for your money by going to a Haitian place in Queens or Brooklyn. I probably wouldn't come again.

    Neguess Creole Restaurant & Catering - Militon White Rice Bean Sauce

    Neguess Creole Restaurant & Catering

    (45 reviews)

    $$

    This place is amazing! For authentic Haitian food that tastes fresh and flavorful, this is the spot…read moreto try! I wanted to branch out and discovered this local spot on Yelp. The reviews were so good that i couldn't wait to see for myself! The food definitely did not disappoint! In fact, I have recommended it to lots of Haitian friends who are looking for a taste of home! I had the stewed chicken with black rice, plantains and a side of pikliz. The pikliz packed a punch, which I'm sure will be perfect for someone who likes the heat! The chicken was tender, and the black rice was super addicting! I ordered the large portion, which was enough for at least 2 full meals. Pro tip: Call 15-20 minutes before you are planning to pick up your meal, and it will be freshly made! The first time I tried the restaurant I went inside to order and ended up waiting 30 minutes for my food! It was super fresh and tasted amazing, but I would've preferred to have spent that time traveling there instead.

    Decent Creole food, but not consistent!!!!!…read more I visited Neguess Creole Restaurant and had an average experience. The flavors were there, and some dishes were enjoyable, but others felt a bit underseasoned and not as fresh as expected. Portions were reasonable for the price! Service was polite, though a bit slow at times, especially when it got busy. The atmosphere was casual and welcoming, but it could use a little more attention to cleanliness and organization. Overall, it's a decent spot if you're craving Creole food, but there's room for improvement in consistency and service!!!

    Le Soleil Brillant Restaurant

    Le Soleil Brillant Restaurant

    (136 reviews)

    $$

    Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West

    The food was Excellent. Small place not a lot of seats. A lot of people do takeout from here. I ate…read morein. The food is the Star of the show at this place.

    I can't lie it's a bit hard to find this restaurant using navigation when walking is your mode of…read moretransportation, and you're not a native of the city. However, this is a hidden gem you should try. It appears to be a family owned restaurant. Decor is light and seating is sparse, so if you plan to bring a party of 4 or more I'd definitely suggest calling ahead to potentially make a reservation. We also came on an extremely hot day and sadly their A/C system wasn't working so it was on the warmer side. Not unbearable but a bit uncomfortable, so just keep that in mind if that's the case when you show up. What I will say when it comes to the experience and food is that it doesn't get more authentic than this. I asked for a recommendation and was told to order the griot, which was well seasoned and quite large portion size wise. The plate came with a rice of choice, two fried plantain, beans, pikliz and dipping sauce for the meat. Not bad for $20. I ordered to go because I had an event to go to, but can attest that they do a great job of plating their dishes when you dine in. If I'm ever in NYC again I wouldn't mind returning, dining in and hopefully trying something different like their Kalalou or legume which looks incredible.

    Anmwey Eatery - Black rice

    Anmwey Eatery

    (21 reviews)

    $$

    Bedford Stuyvesant

    Grubhub ordered because I was feeling for haitian food. After looking around, I decided to try this…read morespot. I ordered the $12 medium griot fritalle (fried pork), which came with 3 Akra, 4 pieces of fried plantain, and half of a sausage; pikliz. The fried pork pieces were mostly fat and looked like the side dish for $5; literally, i counted 7 pieces. Nothing too special in taste, really bland, not even a hint of salt n pepper; even the pikliz didn't help. The Akra was good, and the sausage was good. Also, I got a side of black rice, and that also was just Ok. The food was hot, at least. I appreciate the delivery from bedstuy, but I don't think I would order from there again. They didn't even send sauce with the rice. Smh. I was planning on going in person, but now I don't know.

    I'm home for the weekend and figured I'd take advantage and get some authentic Caribbean food…read more(sorry, nowhere else does it like NYC). I settled on Haitian food, and after some Googles I settled on Anmwey Eatery. The reviews were good and it was only a 5 minute drive from my mom's house. I ordered at the counter when I arrived. I knew I wanted griot (fried pork) with black rice, so that's what I ordered. They were busy, so my food took about 30 minutes to be ready. I was fine with the wait. The bar seats were comfy and I was on my phone. There was also loud reggae music playing from the other room, so I was jammin. I got home and dug into my food and it was almost perfect. The griot was delicious. Just crunchy enough on the outside and tender on the inside. The black rice was a little disappointing, but nothing major. I love black rice, but it lacked flavor. Luckily they give you a side of gravy, which was tasty. I should've taken the girl at the counter up on her offer to get an extra side of gravy. I still devoured everything though. It also came with fried plantain. I'm not a huge fan of unsweet plantain, but it was good when I added the picklez to it. Picklez is spicy, so tread lightly if you don't like heat. 5 stars for Anmwey. I will certainly return.

    Lakou Cafe - vegan - Updated May 2026

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