Atlanta’s Ponce City Market is set to welcome a bold new nightlife destination on Saturday, June 13. La Cueva, a slot canyon-inspired speakeasy and restaurant, promises an immersive escape that blends modern sophistication with the mysterious allure of a hidden cave.
The concept comes from co-founders Robert Hopper—owner and founder of the popular local barbershop The Commodore, which recently opened its fifth location at Ponce City Market—and Peter Terrones.
Ponce City Market Unveils La Cueva: A Hidden Slot Canyon Speakeasy and Restaurant Opening This Weekend
Guests will step through a narrow, rugged stone passageway bathed in warm, glowing light before emerging into a dimly lit cavern. The design, created by Maison Maluee, transforms the 2,700-square-foot space into a seamless fusion of contemporary elegance and classic speakeasy mystique. Soft, indirect lighting emanates from behind surfaces and hidden crevices, casting dramatic shadows that enhance the feeling that time has been suspended.
A Dramatic, Transportive Experience
The venue features 75 seats distributed across plush lounge areas, a central bar, and a flexible side section that can convert into a private enclave for intimate events. At the heart of La Cueva sits a small stage, where live musical performances and DJs will entertain guests nightly, accompanied by the rhythmic pulse of Latin-inspired sounds.
“We set out to create a place that is transportive and full of possibility,” said Hopper. “La Cueva is designed to feel like a discovery, and we’re excited for guests to experience that sense of possibility and curiosity when they step into La Cueva.”
Elevated Cocktails and Spirits ProgramLeading the beverage program are Bar Lead Francis Coligado and Beverage Director Alexander Holender, a seasoned industry veteran. Lima-born Holender brings deep expertise in pisco and mezcal and serves as co-founder of Atlanta-based premium bar-station design firm Barsetters.
The bar menu will spotlight an extensive selection of mezcals alongside creative cocktails, wine, and beer. Standout cocktails include:
- The Buford Highway – Mi Campo Tequila, Nikka Days Japanese whisky, tepache liqueur, five-spice & citrus, clarified & stirred
- The Bandolero – A signature “remedy” by Coligado featuring Mezcal, Rhum Agricole JM, crème de cacao, mole spices, lime & chili oil
Chef-Driven Mexican-Inspired MenuConsulting Chef Luis Damian, the culinary force behind Atlanta favorites such as Oaxaca in Chamblee, El Valle in Midtown, and Casa Balam (a 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in Decatur), has crafted a menu of Mexican botanas (small plates) and shareable larger dishes.
Highlights include:
- Milk Bread – Japanese-style milk bread served warm with whipped papelón butter
- Shrimp Empanadas – Fried empanadas filled with shrimp sofrito, served with guasacaca sauce
- Tuna Tostada – Seasoned fresh ahi tuna, avocado, macha sauce, citrus, fresh herbs & nori over a crispy tortilla
- Ceviche – Halibut, leche de tigre, heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers & onions
- Pappardelle – Fresh pasta with truffle paste, beach mushrooms & pecorino
- Short Rib – Mole verde, gnocchi & crudité
A New Layer of Excitement for Ponce City Market“Ponce City Market is built around experiences, and La Cueva adds an exciting new layer that our guests find intriguing,” said Adam Schwegman, Head of Retail Leasing at Jamestown. “Rob, Peter, and their whole team have created something that completely transports you to another place, and we’re thrilled to see it come to life at the property.”
La Cueva will be open six days a week in the evenings, offering visitors a night filled with inspired conversation, a touch of mystery, and a welcome escape from the ordinary.The highly anticipated opening marks another vibrant addition to Ponce City Market’s evolving mix of dining, retail, and entertainment experiences. Reservations and more details are expected to be available soon via the venue’s website and social channels.
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