A new cocktail lounge and listening room, La Cueva (lacuevaatl.com), is set to arrive at Ponce City Market in late 2025. Located on the second floor of the Central Food Hall next door to The Village Retail, the concept blends the allure of a speakeasy with a thoughtfully curated beverage program.
Co-founders Robert Hopper, owner of Atlanta-based barbershop The Commodore, and business partner Peter Terrones will helm the chic, lively lounge. The destination will showcase an extensive Mezcal selection alongside inventive craft cocktails, wines and beers.
The menu, created by chef Luis Damian—the talent behind celebrated local spots including Oaxaca in Chamblee, El Valle in Midtown and 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist Casa Balam in Decatur—will feature Mexican botanas (snacks) and larger, shareable dishes designed for communal dining.
Blending contemporary sophistication with the charm of an old-world speakeasy, the2,700-square-foot space, designed by high-end interior firm Maison Maluee, will offer plush lounge areas, a sleek bar and a versatile side section that can transform into an intimate private enclave.
Soft, indirect lighting will create a warm, immersive ambiance, while a small stage will host live music and guest DJs, completing the layered sensory experience. Open six evenings a week, La Cueva promises conversation, hearty fare and indulgent drinks—a spot guests will want to revisit again and again.
