Cafe Fasika Restaurant & Lounge

Apparently Haitian restaurants are either non-​existent or Atlanta’s best kept secret. Either way, I found this place and was glad to see it’s close to the house. I paid them a visit last night and the snobby intolerant American part of me would probably give a negative review based on the fact that
1) when I walked in the bartender was sharing 2 pizzas with 2 guys and looked at me like I’d just walked into her home unannounced.
2) though she wasn’t rude, she basically went about her business as if I’d just come to sit there.
3) one of said guys stood about 4 feet away from me chomping on said pizza and the sound of people eating makes my blood boil!
4) smoke
5) I’ve been craving djon djon rice for like 3 years but they only serve it on Saturday. That would be something to mention on your website.
HOWEVER the culture starved Haitian part of me won’t allow a bad review for several reasons, some of which include:
1) As stated Atlanta has like no Haitian restaurants
2) Although the music seemed to be nothing but youtube videos on a play list (which kept stopping till she added more) I was happy to hear Haitian music. I did see a dj set up, so clearly they do actually have a system.
3) Although they griot wasn’t my dad’s it was pretty darn good and hit the crave spot.
4) I look forward to checking it out on a weekend
5) the bartender redeemed herself when I asked for a box. She looked over my plate and like any Haitian mother/​aunt/​grandmother admonished me and told me I didn’t eat enough. I said, «see, this is why Haitian kids get FAT!» She laughed heartily and nodded and said, «ok, ok, I’ll get you a box»
6) Hearing fluent Kreyol intermixed with English was absolutely PRICELESS. I actually didn’t even mind the smoke at that point, cause it reminded me of my dad.
7) The food prices are reasonable and the portions more than fair
8) I ordered a rum & coke and about half way through I realized she didn’t put coke in it. I don’t know what the drink cost individually, but based on my food price and taxes, I think I pretty much got a good 12 oz of rum for bout 5 bucks. That in addition to the fact that they have happy hour specials cheaper than that qualifies this place as a potential hangout
I just have to keep my eyes open for that scuzzy guy I met.