A restaurant cooking up traditional Caribbean cuisine with West African influences is now open in West Midtown.
Rock Steady comes from restaurateur and nightclub owner Joe Russo, who, inspired by years of living and traveling throughout the Caribbean and Africa, hopes to “bring Atlantans an immersive sensory sampling of the vibrant cuisines of the West Indies,” according to a press release.
“Our goal with every venue is to bring people from all cultures and influences together to enjoy a unique experience, whether it’s based on music, culture or food,” Russo said in a prepared statement. “Rock Steady is our latest commitment to that vision. Because of its rich diversity and ongoing revitalization, West Midtown was the ideal home for the Rock Steady concept.”
Russo collaborated on the venture with co-owner Jacob Thomas.
Credit: JACOB THOMAS
Credit: JACOB THOMAS
Rock Steady’s menu features dishes meant for sharing as well as a selection of custom cocktails.
Main courses include Black Pepper Pappardelle Pasta with Slow Braised Oxtail, Braised Jerk Chicken, Kreyol Seafood Curry and Brown Stew Lamb Shank, along with several vegetarian offerings. In addition to the dinner menu, there is a smaller after-hours menu available until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with items such as Jerk Lollipop Wings and a Rock Steady Burger.
The restaurant’s name is a reference to the popular 1960s Jamaican music, characterized by a mellow, swaying rhythm. To that end, Rock Steady plays a mix of music from West Indies to West Africa curated by in-house DJ, Fathom DJ. In addition to a small dance area, Rock Steady includes a 70-seat dining room, 15-seat cocktail bar and a 12-seat private lounge.
Credit: JACOB THOMAS
Credit: JACOB THOMAS
The Caribbean vibe is also incorporated throughout Rock Steady’s design by California-based designer Cardella Design. The space features curved metal canopy around the main entrance, sea urchin-like lights in the dining room, African textiles and artifacts, original artwork by Christopher Shoemaker, murals by Michael A. Coleman and vintage black and white photography.
907 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta. 470-788-8120, rocksteadyatl.com/
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