A new Afro-Caribbean restaurant and bar called Rock Steady is now open in the former Figo Pasta space at the corner of Marietta and Hampton streets. Owned by Joe Russo and Jacob Thomas, Rock Steady serves a mix of Caribbean and West African fare.
Expect dishes such as a black pepper pappardelle and slow-braised oxtail, seafood curry, a brown stew lamb shank, and jerk chicken during dinner. A late night menu on Friday and Saturday offers bites like jerk lollipop wings and a burger with a “Caribbean kick,” according to the press release.
The dining room seats 70 people and includes a cocktail bar seating 15 and a 12-seat private lounge.
Named for a Jamaican musical genre popular during the mid-1960s, Rock Steady draws inspiration from the region’s music as well as from Russo’s love of this pre-reggae period and Thomas’ Haitian roots. A house DJ spins a nightly playlist of music spanning the West Indies to West Africa.
Located near the western edge of Georgia Tech’s campus, the Marietta Street Artery district is flanked by the railroad and was once home to several stockyards, industrial warehouses, and factories like King Plow.
The Marietta Street Artery has seen a number of restaurant closings this year. Both Pauly’s Crepe Bar and the Local Pizzaiolo closed after brief stints on Marietta Street. A second location of Malaysian restaurant Food Terminal just opened in the former pizzeria.
5 Seasons Brewing ended its ten-year run at the Brickworks along the artery in February. The owners were unable to renew their lease with the property’s landlord. Neighboring retail shop Hop City Beer closes at the complex by the end of the year.
Tuesday - Thursday, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., bar until 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., bar until 2:30 a.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., bar until 12 a.m. Late night menu served Friday and Saturday, 12 a.m. to 2 a.m.
907 Marietta Street NW, Atlanta. rocksteadyatl.com.
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