Atlanta just picked up a new hideaway for mezcal fans and night owls alike. La Cueva, a slot canyon inspired speakeasy and restaurant, opened at Ponce City Market on Saturday, June 13, bringing a low lit, grotto like room for about 75 guests, an extensive mezcal program, Mexican inspired small plates and nightly live music.
The design leans into the “hidden discovery” vibe. Created by Maison Maluee, the space uses warm, indirect lighting and tucked away seating to mimic a carved out canyon wall. The roughly 2,700 square foot room seats about 75 people and includes a small stage for nightly performances, according to Ponce City Market.
Cocktails and Music
Behind the bar, lead bartender Francis Coligado teams up with beverage director Alexander Holender, co founder of Barsetters, who brings deep experience with pisco and mezcal. The menu leans hard into mezcal, with creative cocktails like the Buford Highway and the Bandolero anchoring the list. Holender and Coligado are also curating nightly DJs and live sets on the intimate stage, AtlantaFi reports.
Food
On the food side, consulting chef Luis Damian, whose portfolio includes Oaxaca, El Valle and Casa Balam, has built a menu of Mexican botanas and shareable plates. Dishes listed by the team include milk bread, shrimp empanadas, tuna tostada, ceviche, pappardelle and short rib, as outlined by WhatNow.
Co founder Robert Hopper says that sense of escape is the whole point. “We set out to create a place that is transportive and full of possibility,” Hopper said in a statement. “La Cueva is designed to feel like a discovery,” he added, per WhatNow.
Where It Fits
La Cueva arrives as Ponce City Market continues to stack new openings and entertainment options while leaning into more after hours offerings, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The speakeasy style bar slides neatly into that broader push for added dining and nightlife at the food hall.
Hours and Reservations
La Cueva is slated to operate six evenings a week, and the venue marked its arrival with a grand opening celebration on Saturday that started at 5 p.m., according to Ponce City Market. Reservations and table details are available through OpenTable and the restaurant’s website.
