Ponce City Market announces La Cueva, a slot canyon speakeasy and restaurant, will open at the property on Saturday, June 13. The new concept is from Co-Founders Robert Hopper, owner and founder of The Commodore, a local barbershop which just opened its fifth location at Ponce City Market, and Peter Terrones.
Guests will enter through a narrow, rugged stone passageway illuminated with warm, glowing light and emerge into a dimly lit cave, offering a momentary escape from the outside world with echoes of Latin rhythm and spirit. Designed by Maison Maluee, the 2,700-square-foot space is a seamless fusion of modern sophistication and the mystique of a classic speakeasy, evoking a dark and immersive atmosphere where time feels suspended. Soft, indirect lighting carefully integrates, either emanating from behind surfaces or casting a glow from hidden crevices, enhancing the depth and drama of the space. Seventy-five seats will be distributed between plush lounge areas, an inviting bar, and a versatile side section that can be transformed into a private enclave for intimate gatherings. A small stage will serve as the heart of the space, welcoming live musical performances and DJs nightly.
“We set out to create a place that is transportive and full of possibility,” said Hopper in a statement. “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.”
The beverage program will be led by Bar Lead Francis Coligado and Beverage Director, Alexander Holender, a seasoned beverage and spirits industry veteran. Lima-born, Holender specializes in pisco and mezcal, and is the Co-Founder of Barsetters, an Atlanta-based premium bar-station design and manufacturing firm.
The bar menu will feature extensive mezcal offerings, creative cocktails, wine, and beer. Standouts on the cocktail list include:
- The Buford Highway – Mi Campo Tequila, Nikka Days Japanese whisky, tepache liqueur, five-spice & citrus, clarified & stirred
- The Bandolero – a ‘remedy’ created by Coligado featuring Mezcal, Rhum Agricole JM, crème de cacao, mole spices, lime & chili oil
Consulting Chef Luis Damian – who is behind Atlanta-area Mexican restaurants Oaxaca in Chamblee, El Valle in Midtown, and Casa Balam, a 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best New Restaurant, in Decatur – will present a menu with Mexican botanas and larger dishes for sharing. Guests can expect the likes of:
- Milk Bread – Japanese-style milk bread, served warm with whipped papelón butter
- Shrimp Empanadas – fried empanadas 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, truffle paste, beach mushrooms & pecorino
- Short Rib – mole verde, gnocchi & crudite
“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.”
Open six days a week in the evenings, La Cueva promises a night of inspired conversation, a touch of mystery, and an escape from the ordinary.
