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Atlanta’s Ponce City Market welcomed 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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ATLANTA — The Roof at Ponce City Market announced the opening of its completely redesigned 18-hole miniature golf course, along with flexible new ticket options that let guests enjoy general admission to Skyline Park and add mini golf to “choose your experience.”
Perched 10 stories above the bustling Ponce City Market at 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, The Roof has been a skyline destination since opening in 2016.
The Roof at Ponce City Market Unveils Redesigned Mini Golf Course, New Ticket Options
It offers sweeping views of Atlanta’s iconic skyline alongside a mix of classic boardwalk games and rides at Skyline Park, elevated American dining at 9 Mile Station, world-class cocktails at 12 Cocktail Bar, the multi-tiered bar and gaming parlor RFD Social, and the popular rooftop roller skating rink SK8 The Roof.
The new mini golf course was redesigned from the ground up by legendary Atlanta golf course architect Bobby Cupp, whose credits include the Druid Hills Golf Club and Bobby Jones Golf Course.
Cupp brought the same thoughtful design principles to this playful rooftop setting, creating a more dynamic and elevated style of play with enhanced contours, fresh challenges, and a modern aesthetic inspired by today’s most engaging golf experiences.
Whether you’re stopping by for a casual round, a competitive group outing, or a date night with unbeatable views, the reimagined course delivers a fresh take on a classic favorite against the Atlanta skyline.
New this season is Tee Time, a weekday happy hour offered Monday through Friday from 3-5 p.m.
The special features half-price mini golf and $3 Lucky One Lemonade or Tea — the perfect midweek escape to grab a drink, round up friends or coworkers, and squeeze in a quick game.
Visitors can easily pair their rooftop adventure with food and drinks from 9 Mile Station or head to 12 Cocktail Bar, which now hosts a monthly Speakeasy Supper Club.
The experience starts with craft cocktails at 12 before moving to the Roebuck Room for a family-style dinner.
For those seeking a more intimate vibe, RFD Social — a 16,000-square-foot multi-level destination blending speakeasy, parlor games, and rooftop hideaway energy — offers precisely poured cocktails, vintage glamour, and plenty of space for gatherings.
The Roof continues to stand out as a one-of-a-kind Atlanta destination for dining, drinks, play, and private events high above the city.
For hours, pricing, and ticket options (including general admission starting at $20 for adults and mini golf rates), visit the official site at poncecityroof.com or follow @poncecityroof on social media for updates.
Whether you’re a local looking for a fun happy hour break or out-of-town guests wanting skyline views with a side of mini golf, The Roof’s latest refresh makes it easier than ever to play your way across the Atlanta skyline.
Midtown is where it’s at. The best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.
The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.
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A new Atlanta restaurant has opened at Ponce City Market on Saturday. Three Taverns Craft Brewery opened Three Taverns Ponce Brew Terminal, a new brewery, distillery, and kitchen with food from DAS BBQ.
Located alongside the Beltline’s Eastside Trail, the brewery’s new outpost is on the ground floor of Signal House, the sophisticated residential community at Ponce City Market.
Founded in 2013 by President & CEO Brian Purcell, who initially got his start in beer-making through home brewing, Three Taverns is an award-winning craft brewery that produces a diverse lineup of beer styles and flavors, including classic lagers, multiple IPA styles – like its flagship A Night On Ponce IPA and “Ponce” variants – unique sours, and big flavorful stouts.
Ponce Brew Terminal will welcome guests to enjoy the brewery’s complete lineup of beers, craft cocktails created by acclaimed Atlanta bartender and Director of Hospitality Jess White, and a full kitchen with food from DAS BBQ.
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