A Trendy Cuban Eatery Arrives in Westchester

Westchester isn’t exactly known for being a hub for trendy new food establishments, but La Mesa (8872 SW 24th Street) restaurant is looking to change that. The new outpost features Cuban fusion cuisine, a drink program by Cocktail Cartel, a ventanita bakery and a variety of live music.

As guests enter the restaurant they are greeted to an art-deco inspired space. Mid-century furnishings and fixtures fill the restaurant, along with bright wall murals, palm fronds and neon signs with sayings on the wall like “Living my Best Life” and “Cojelo Suave” that are sure to appear in selfies and Instagram feeds.

On the menu expect updated versions of Cuban classics from chef Frankie Zerquera like the 305 Cuban Sandwich with marinated pulled pork, sweet grilled ham, and cotija cheese; masitas oriente, an Asian twist on a Cuban favorite; and croquetas de todo, a complete Cuban meal in one croqueta. For brunch expect dishes like a Cuban Avocado toast, bacon wrapped maduros and the crabcake croquetas.

La Mesa’s ventanita and bakery is open until 6 p.m. daily; offering up items like pastelitos de guayaba, tres leches, flan, empanadas, pan de bono, Cuban coffee, and more.

As for drinks, they are created by beverage consulting and management company Cocktail Cartel. Think playful concoctions like the Caribeña Mule-lata with ginger syrup, lime juice, Voli Vodka and grapefruit soda and the Westchester Aperol Spritz with Prosecco and grapefruit soda.

La Mesa is now open daily with weekend brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekday happy hour from 3 to 8 p.m., and an evening happy hour Monday to Thursday from 10 p.m. to midnight. Call 786-703-3907 for more information.