The team behind popular local eateries like LoKal, Kush, Spillover and Vicky’s House and Stephen’s Delicatessen, are bringing Hialeah its first cocktail bar, La Cocina Coctelería (1000 East 16th Street, Suite #305), a drinking den that pays homages to the area and its history.
Located just down the hallway from Stephen’s, the space features bright neon signs by Camilo Rojas of CR-eate Studios, a large Cuban flag mural behind the bar, art installations with nods to Hialeah pop-culture references such as Ñooo! Que Barato, Caso Cerrado, The Hialeah Spiderman, an outdoor patio filled with decor one might find in abuela’s front yard, and more.
“I love Miami and the diverse ingredients that make it up, and there is nothing that represents Miami more than a city like Hialeah. It’s great to have staff from Hialeah like Chef Leo and Alexis who were a big part of my inspiration in opening here,” says owner, Marr Kuscher.
As for the drinks, Kuscher and beverage director Joel Garcia collaborated with different cocktail pros around town to help make the Hialeah-inspired menu. Think drinks with cheeky names like the Leeeeterally Lucy Lopez made with Havana Club Rum, St. Germain and Cawy watermelon soda or the Piñaso made with Jupiña, Tito’s Vodka and lime. Bar bites include items like Reuben croquetas, pastrami nachos, Jewban sandwiches, drawing from Stephen’s Deli’s shared kitchen.
La Cocina Coctelería is now open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m., and Sundays 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.