Neighborhood route
JOSEPH (JOE) JEBELEAN • Lakou
WORK • Thursday Routine
JOSEPH (JOE) JEBELEAN • general manager & mixologist • Lakou
Neighborhood you work in: Little Haiti
Neighborhood you live in: El Portal
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Thursdays at Lakou are all about preparation and intention. It’s a magic behind-the-scenes kind of day: restocking the bar, batching syrups, pressing fresh juices, and prepping garnishes to ensure every cocktail meets our standards for the week ahead. The space is calm and focused before the energy of the weekend sets in, with music on low and the team moving with purpose to make sure everything is dialed in.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Today is all about planning, mapping out the next few months of activations and key moments for Lakou. With Miami Music Week around the corner, Haitian Heritage Month approaching, and the World Cup on the horizon (especially meaningful with the Haitian National Team qualifying for the first time in 50 years), it’s an exciting time to think creatively about how we show up for the community and bring people together through culture, music, and cocktails within our space.
Any bar or restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
There’s a little neighborhood route I love to take on a night off. I usually start at Bar Bucce in Little River for an early dinner for the shrimp or zucchini pie, paired with a cold Pirolo Pilsner — my go-to. From there, I’ll meet friends at Magie, which feels less like a bar and more like someone’s living room, easy, welcoming, and perfect for opening a bottle and catching up.
To end the night, I’ll walk across the street to The Citadel and head straight to Kaiju. I usually start with the Tuyango, their twist on an Americano, and if the night keeps going, I’ll order their Pizza Martini, a playful nod to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and one of my favorite late-night surprises.
How about a little leisure or culture?
I love basketball, so I try to catch as many Miami Heat home games at Kaseya Center as I can. The energy in the arena is unbeatable. Other times, I’ll grab a pint at Flanigan’s, which honestly feels like the best seat in the house for watching the game.
What was your last great vacation?
My last great vacation was Japan, where I had the chance to experience an incredibly beautiful and intentional culture, especially when it comes to the beverage scene. Visiting Bar BenFiddich in Tokyo was a highlight. The craftsmanship, precision, and storytelling behind each cocktail made the experience unforgettable. Japan’s bar scene is truly something special and deeply inspiring.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
I recently picked up the AINOTE Air 2 Notebook, and it’s been a game-changer for staying organized and productive. I use it daily for planning, notes, and ideas, and it helps keep everything streamlined without the clutter of multiple notebooks or screens.