A food truck in Florida stays open until 2 in the morning, and it named itself after a spicy pickled slaw. I read that and got hungry on the spot.
That slaw is pikliz. It’s shredded cabbage and carrots soaked in vinegar with hot Scotch bonnet peppers.
Haitian cooks set it beside griot, which is pork marinated in citrus and fried until the edges crackle. The cool, sour heat cuts right through the rich meat.
What grabs me most is where these plates turn up. One kitchen does pickup only, with no dining room at all.
Another bakes patties and bread right beside its hot food. Plenty sit in plain strip plazas you could pass without a second glance.
I love that kind of surprise. So I mapped ten Haitian kitchens around the state where the pork crunches and the pikliz bites back.
How far would you drive for that?
1. Alamod Caribbean Restaurant
Family recipes and a clear mission set the tone in Broward County. The owners built this Black-owned kitchen to satisfy Haitian food cravings, Alamod style.
So what does Alamod style mean on a plate? Start with the griot, tender marinated pork fried until the outside gets crisp.
Right next to it, you get a scoop of pikliz. That spicy Haitian slaw adds crunch, heat, and a sour snap that wakes up the pork.
Don’t stop at the pork, though. The menu also features boulette, which are Haitian meatballs, and a fried meatball platter called Boulette Fritay.
Legume, the slow-cooked Haitian vegetable stew, shows up here too. Pair it with pikliz and you have a plate that tastes like a Sunday at grandma’s house.
Craving something creamy on the side? Baked mac sits on the menu, a Haitian favorite that holds together in firm, cheesy squares.
Thirsty from the heat? Passion fruit juice is the move, and it cools your mouth after a forkful of that peppery slaw.
The room stays casual and quiet, which makes it easy to eat solo or bring the kids. Takeout and delivery are options when you’d rather feast on your own couch.
One scheduling tip matters. The kitchen closes on Mondays, so plan your Pembroke Road run for later in the week or the weekend.
Address: 3942B Pembroke Rd, Hollywood, FL 33021
2. Labadie Bar Restaurant and Bakery
Breakfast at 7 AM with griot on the table? On the Gulf Coast, that’s a real option six days a week.
Fort Myers doesn’t usually top lists of Haitian food towns. Labadie changes that conversation with traditional griot and a lineup of stewed meats.
A standard plate here reads like a greatest hits album. Crispy griot, tender tassot, savory diri kole, spicy pikliz, and sweet fried plantains all share space.
Tassot deserves a quick explainer. It’s seasoned meat, often goat or beef, that’s fried after marinating so the edges turn chewy and rich.
Then there’s the black rice. Known as diri djon djon, it gets its dark color from dried Haitian mushrooms and carries a deep, earthy flavor.
Need to eat fast? Service moves quickly, and counter service sits alongside table service for folks on a lunch break.
The dining area is spacious and clean, so groups and families fit without squeezing. High chairs are available for the smallest members of your crew.
Catering is also on the table if you’re feeding a crowd at home. A tray of griot and pikliz would make any party feel like a celebration.
Sunday hours start a little later, at 9 AM. Check the timing before you roll out of bed with pork on your mind.
Address: 3580 Evans Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
3. Flavorofhaiti1804
That number in the name isn’t random. 1804 is the year Haiti declared independence, and this Tallahassee kitchen wears that pride proudly.
Here’s the catch you need to know first. There’s no dining room, so you’ll order for pickup or curbside and carry your feast home.
Honestly, that’s a small price for what goes in the box. The kitchen cooks from scratch using family recipes and bold island seasoning.
Griot leads the signature list as crispy fried pork. Kodenn Fri, the fried turkey, and Poul Fri, the fried chicken, round out the meaty trio.
Hungry for a handheld snack? Pate Kode, golden Haitian patties, are fried pockets that make a perfect car ride treat.
Classic sides come along for the ride. Diri Kole brings rice and beans, while Bannann Peze delivers flattened, twice-fried plantains.
And yes, spicy pikliz is part of the deal. In the Panhandle, finding that tangy pepper slaw feels like striking gold.
To drink, the kitchen points you toward an ice-cold Kola Couronne. That bright red Haitian soda tastes like fruity cream soda with a fizzy kick.
Plan around Tuesdays, when the doors stay shut. Thursday and Friday open earliest, at 11 AM, if you’re craving an early lunch.
It’s a great first stop for newcomers to Haitian food. It’s also a sweet taste of home for anyone who grew up with these flavors.
Address: 2023 S Adams St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
4. Sak Pase Kitchen
Sak pase is how Haitians say “what’s up,” and the answer at this Plantation spot is elevated Caribbean fusion.
The kitchen takes classic Haitian cooking and gives it a modern polish. Griot and black rice anchor the menu, but the presentation leans a little sleeker.
Fair warning about the pikliz. It’s known for serious heat, the kind that makes mild-food fans reach for water fast.
Spice lovers, this is your stop. Pile that fiery slaw onto griot with rice and beans and fried plantains for a plate full of bold flavor.
Goat Fritay is another menu highlight worth your attention. Fried goat gets a crisp outside and plenty of seasoning soaked in.
Late cravings are covered too. The kitchen stays open until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and 10 PM the other nights.
Those weekend evenings get busy, so give yourself a little extra time. Food is cooked to order, and good griot doesn’t rush.
Reservations are accepted, which helps if you’re bringing a group. Free Wi-Fi also makes it handy for a working lunch along State Road 7.
Prefer to skip the table? Curbside pickup, delivery, and no-contact delivery are all offered, along with catering for bigger gatherings.
Address: 105 N State Rd 7, Plantation, FL 33317
5. Dulcio’s Caribbean Restaurant
Vegans rarely get invited to the griot party. Over in West Palm Beach, Dulcio’s sends them an invitation with a full vegan menu.
Meat fans, don’t worry. The pork-loving crowd still gets flavorful griot, and the black rice beside it is a house classic.
The pikliz lands with a well-balanced kick. It’s spicy enough to notice but friendly enough to keep scooping.
Oxtail also makes an appearance for anyone chasing something slow-cooked and rich. Plates arrive nicely presented, which feels like a bonus at a casual spot.
Back to the plant-based side for a second. A vegan Fritay brings the fried Haitian street food experience to diners who skip meat.
Timing is easy here. Doors open at 9 AM daily and stay open until 10 PM, with coffee on hand for early birds.
Live music and sports on TV keep the energy upbeat. Outdoor seating gives you a chance to soak up that Palm Beach County sunshine.
Reservations are accepted and listed as required, so call ahead before you show up with a big group. Curbside pickup and delivery are also available.
The crowd is family-friendly and welcoming to LGBTQ+ guests. Service moves quickly, so a lunch hour visit fits nicely.
Address: 1743 45th St, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
6. Geechah Cafe (Haitian Restaurant)
Dry griot is a common letdown, even at Haitian spots. Geechah Cafe is known for the opposite, serving pork that stays juicy under its crispy crust.
Family-owned and focused on fresh cooking, this Palm Beach County cafe keeps its menu rooted in tradition. The owner’s friendly presence is part of the charm.
Griot senp, meaning plain griot, lets the marinated pork shine on its own. Add tostones, the twice-fried plantains here, and you’ve got crunch on crunch.
Curious about akra? Those are Haitian fritters made from grated malanga, a root vegetable, fried into crispy little bites.
Rice with legim brings comfort to the table. That thick vegetable stew pairs nicely with a heaping spoon of pikliz.
Speaking of pikliz, this kitchen’s version has a strong reputation for bold, punchy flavor. Keep a napkin nearby, because your nose might run.
Ribs also appear on the lineup if pork chunks aren’t enough. Breakfast is served too, starting at 9 AM from Tuesday through Sunday.
Mondays open later, at noon. Every day of the week, the kitchen stays open until 10 PM for late dinners.
High chairs, table service, and room for groups make it an easy family pick. Reservations and catering are available as well.
Address: 7100 S Military Trl, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33463
7. Jahiti Caribbean Restaurant
Jamaica plus Haiti equals Jahiti. The clever name tells you this Seffner kitchen cooks from two island playbooks at once.
Tampa Bay folks, this one’s in your backyard in Hillsborough County. It’s earned a strong following for big portions and friendly service.
On the Haitian side, griot, or griyo, is a top pick. The pikliz carries a reputation as one of the better versions around.
Djon djon rice keeps things earthy and dark. Tassot Kabrit, the fried goat, delivers chewy, seasoned bites that pair nicely with that slaw.
Jamaican cravings get love too. Jerk chicken wings and oxtail sit on the menu, along with a hearty stew chicken.
Can’t pick a lane? Order across both islands and split everything with friends at the table.
Portions are known for being generous. Bring a takeout container mindset, because leftovers seem likely.
The space stays clean and casual with a slightly trendy feel. Fast service helps if you’re squeezing in lunch between errands.
Doors stay closed on Mondays. Tuesday through Sunday, the kitchen runs from 11 AM to 8 PM, so don’t plan a late dinner.
Catering is also offered for parties. A spread of griot, oxtail, and black rice is a sure way to please a mixed crowd.
Address: 720 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Seffner, FL 33584
8. Lakayanm Caribbean Restaurant
Lakay mwen means “my home” in Haitian Creole. In Orange Park, that idea shows up as plates that taste like a family kitchen.
Northeast Florida diners rank this spot among the best Haitian options in the Jacksonville area. The griot arrives well seasoned with a satisfying crunch.
Heat lovers will appreciate the pikliz balance. It brings just the right amount of fire without drowning the pork.
Now for the real scene-stealer. Diri djon djon, the black mushroom rice, comes earthy and savory, the kind of side you’ll think about later.
The menu goes deeper than pork too. Pwason an Sos is a Haitian fish stew in a seasoned sauce.
Tassot Kabrit, the fried goat, offers chewy, crispy bites. Zel Poule, Haitian-style chicken wings, works as a fun starter for the table.
Food comes out hot and fast. Table service and a casual, slightly trendy room make it easy to linger.
Weekend nights run late, until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds, so a weekday visit may feel calmer.
Sundays are a day off for the kitchen. Curbside pickup and delivery help when you want your rice at home.
Address: 104 College Dr Ste 8, Orange Park, FL 32065
9. Seven Wonders | Restaurant & Bakery
Griot for lunch and Haitian cake for dessert, all under one roof. Seven Wonders doubles as a restaurant and a bakery in Jacksonville.
Let’s talk about those patties first. Flaky, hot, and ready to grab, they’re a fan favorite that fits in one hand.
Fresh bread and cake fill out the bakery side. Taking a box home for later sounds like a smart move.
The griot doesn’t play second fiddle, though. It’s flavorful and tender, and plates come with sauce and pikliz on the side without you having to ask.
That little gesture matters to pikliz fans. Nobody wants to flag down staff for the one thing that makes the pork sing.
Craving something besides pork? The Oxtail Platter brings slow-cooked richness, while the 7 Chicken Wings Platter suits a snack-sized appetite.
Portions are known for being generous. Service runs through a counter, but tables are available if you want to eat right away.
Hours fit early schedules. Doors open at 9 AM on weekdays and 8 AM on Saturdays.
Plan accordingly for Sundays, when the shop is closed. Friday and Saturday evenings tend to be the busiest stretch.
Address: 2145 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211
10. Mr Pikliz Food Truck
Any food truck brave enough to name itself after pikliz better back it up. In North Miami, Mr Pikliz does exactly that, and its spicy slaw lives up to the name.
Night owls, this is your kind of stop. The truck opens at 5 PM and keeps serving until 2 AM, Tuesday through Sunday.
Savory griot sits at the center of the menu. Crispy Haitian fried chicken and flavorful rice and beans keep it company.
Want a little of everything? The Fritay Combo Platter piles fried meats together for a true Haitian street food feast.
Seafood fans get a showstopper too. Whole snapper comes fried or grilled, ready for a heavy squeeze of that tangy pepper slaw.
Diri djon djon, the dark mushroom rice, earns plenty of love here. Fried plantains add sweet crunch to round out the plate.
The scene adds to the fun. Outdoor seating and live music turn a late snack into a South Florida night out.
Bringing your pup? Dogs are welcome, which makes this an easy stop after an evening walk.
A full vegan menu means plant-based friends won’t feel left out. Catering, delivery, and curbside pickup cover just about any craving.
Address: 13820 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami, FL 33161
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