After Hours with Your Favorite Latin Chefs

It’s been a long, hard day. While you head down to your local bar, our favorite chefs are hitting the town, sharing their favorite Latin hangouts and hotspots. From Philadelaphia to Los Angeles to Miami, here’s where you’ll find your favorite chefs when they’re off the clock.

Chef: Jose Garces

City: Philadelphia

Jose Garces knows the ins and outs of Philadelphia. But after a busy night of running all over the city to check in on his various kitchens, there’s no place Garces would rather be than his own bar, Rosa Blanca.

“Nothing soothes my nerves and sets me straight like a drink and a snack at Rosa Blanca, my new Cuban-Caribbean diner,” he says, adding that his go-to drink is a Pyrat XO reserve rum, served with one giant ice cube.

“It’s smooth, supple and perfect for sipping. Bonus: it cools down my mouth in between bites of piping hot empanadas, a snack that I’ve never in my life been able to resist,” Garces continues. Rosa Blanca’s picadillo version is made with beef and green olive, and is a current favorite of his.

Chef: Javier Plascensia

City: San Diego

For Mexican chef and restaurateur Javier Plascencia, there’s no better spot in San Diego than Hamilton’s Tavern.

“I love this place for its eclectic crowds,” says Plascencia, who prefers dive bars over modern or trendy places. Hamilton’s Tavern boasts an impressive list of beer both on tap and bottled, with a special emphasis on Belgian Craft beers. “I love their chalkboard special beers, and I always find something new and interesting when I go,” he said.

Next, we hit Miami with Jose Mendin, Ingrid Hoffmann and more… 

Chef: Ingrid Hoffmann

City: Miami

With so many chefs living and in Miami, it’s no wonder there are so many hotspots to choose from. Chef, television, and author Ingrid Hoffmann has quite the touch decision to make after work, but there’s just something about Haven Lounge that makes her choice easy.

“I absolutely love the vibe of this place!” said Hoffmann. “The video walls, great music and fun drinks, all make for a great night. Plus, I get to hang out with one of my fave chef friends, Todd Erickson and eat his delicious food!” If you stop by, order Hoffmann’s favorite drink, the Ravage, made with Don Julio Repo, pineapple and lemongrass, quite the refresher!

Chef: Jose Mendin

City: Miami

As the Culinary Director of The Pubbelly Group, which includes Pubbelly, Pubbelly Sushi, PB Steak, and L’Echon, executive chef Jose Mendin has his pick of where to relax after hours.

“I go to The Broken Shaker at Freehand Miami,” says Mendin. “It’s chill vibe, calming outdoor garden and killer cocktails make it the perfect spot to relax after a busy day at the restaurants.”

Chef: Allen Susser

City: Miami

Coincidentally, Chef/owner of Daily Melt, Allen Susser, chooses Mendin’s Pubbelly for a little late night snack after work.

“I love to go to Pubbelly for oysters, craft beers and little Latin-spiced treats,” he said, also sharing a favorite in The Broken Shaker.

“It’s a best-kept spot — a hip bar where mixology is king,” he says. “There is such a Miami/Latina ‘sabor’ in what they do; it can’t be missed.”

Susser also enjoys Gigi, a noodle and BBQ bar which he says, “continues to satisfy for late night snacks and terrific buns with a Latin flare.”

Next, we head to Los Angeles and Washington D.C…

Chef: Alberto Cabrera

City: Miami

Chef/owner of Bread + Butter, Alberto Cabrera just can’t get enough Cuban. On Wednesday nights after a long day, he goes to see bartender Julio Cabrera at The Regent Cocktail Club at the Gale Hotel.

“I go for their Havana Nights,” says Cabrera. “Julio has a traditional Cuban duo playing live music, his father-in-law playing dominos with the guests outside and he even serves-up mariquitas (plantain chips) as they would in El Floridita in Havana.”

Chef: Victor Albisu

City: Washington D.C.

Chef Victor Albisu of Del Campo has mastered French, American, and Latin cuisine. But when it comes to closing time at his restaurant, he prefers a little something Cuban.

“Cuba Libre isn’t complicated; they make great drinks, it’s a fun, funky space, and it’s perfect for dancing,” said Albisu, which is all he wants after a hard day’s work.

Cuba Libre has DJs spinning Merengue and Salsa on Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 11:00pm, the perfect time for Albisu.

“I love going here after hours for salsa night, especially since it’s right around the corner from my restaurant!” 

Chef: Ricardo Zarate

City: Los Angeles

Food & Wine’s Best New Chef and chef/owner of Mo-Chica, Picca, Paiche, and Blue Tavern, Ricardo Zarate is a busy man, but that doesn’t mean he goes home to unwind after work.

“I love to relax with a cocktail at No Vacancy,” said Zarate of the classy, old Hollywood bar in the Juniper Hotel which brings you right back to the 1900s.

But Zarate’s night doesn’t stop there, especially if he’s fighting back a little late night hunger. “After a cocktail, I either go to Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo for an incredible omakase meal (where you leave it up to the chef to choose your dinner) or travel to Koreatown for some perfectly grilled meats,” said Zarate. “It’s so comforting after a long day of work!”

Chefs: Jaime Martin del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu

City: Los Angeles

Famed La Casita Mexicana chefs Jaime Martin Del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu have been hard at work. With the opening of their new restaurant Mexicano looming closer and closer, del Campo and Arvizu head to their favorite wine store when they need some down time.

“One of the most enjoyable and relaxing things we like to do after a hard day of work is to visit Silverlake Wine Store,” said Del Campo. The boutique wine store delights in helping its customers pair the perfect wine to their meal. You can even enjoy a tasting every Sunday, to sample Silverlake’s wide selection.

“Their wine tastings are incredible, and their bread and farmhouse cheeses are amazing!” adds Arvizu. “Every time we go there, we have a new experience. Silverlake wine keeps our palates happy!”