WE’re ko-ku-yo. great to meet you.

Kokuyo—named for the Taíno word for firefly—was born from a shared dream between Carlos and Anita, a husband-and-wife team who wanted to create a space where community and connection shine. For us, hospitality isn’t just about good food and drinks, it’s about making people feel seen, cared for, and welcomed as part of something bigger.

Our story started with countless nights spent around kitchen tables and bar counters, where we bonded over travel, flavors, and the magic of gathering with friends. We dreamed of building a place of our own, one that feels breezy and vibrant, but also deeply rooted in warmth and our shared island heritage. Kokuyo became that dream realized: a neighborhood cocktail bar serving island-inspired seasonal plates, fresh craft cocktails, and heartfelt hospitality.

For us, Kokuyo, meaning firefly in Taíno, isn’t just a name. It’s a symbol of beginnings. Fireflies are the first lights of summer—those tiny sparks that signal long evenings ahead, full of gathering, laughter, and possibility. And here in Roselle, a town proud to be “First in Light” as the first community in the world to be lit by Thomas Edison’s incandescent bulbs, the name Kokuyo felt like destiny. Together, those two stories capture who we are: a place where tradition meets new energy, where the night starts to glow, and where people come together to celebrate small moments of joy.

Kokuyo is our love letter to community. It’s where you can celebrate milestones, meet friends after work, spark a new light, or simply take a breath at the end of the day. More than a bar, it’s your third place and we’re thrilled to host you.