Every now and then unexpected things become reality. 

Like Hialeah becoming a cool place to be. 

Don’t get me wrong, my hometown has always had its perks like being right smack in the middle of everything (you can get anywhere that matters quickly from this central spot) and all of the amazing Cuban food you’ll ever need (read pastelitos, your mom’s cooking, your grandma’s cooking…because that’s where they all live). 

Anyway, the point is that while there are certain undeniable perks to the city I called home for most of my life (proud T-Bred here), it was never a place I ever through of when I made plans on a Friday night. 

But a few years ago, a group of truly dedicated Hialeah-ans decided that Hialeah should be an it spot. With effort and perseverance, they delivered the Leah Arts district—I won’t forget how proud I was at the first block party. Slowly but surely, la ciudad que progresa was progresando and little adorable spots like La Fresca Francesca made their debut. Then came the fabulous art galleries at the stunning Milander center (which was nothing more than an old space where Cuban exiles had municipio meetings when I was a kid) curated by the brilliant Ana Juncadella Barbosa, with openings fit for a Smithsonian. 

In the past couple of years, I have found myself slowly gravitating towards Hialeah for things I never thought I would, and this week marked yet another first for me: a bar outing. I mean, yes, we’ve all been to the watering hole: Flannigan’s, which has for a long time been pretty much the only place to hang out at Hialeah (expect eternal waits). But now there’s a cocktail bar. 

Yes, you read that correctly: a cocktail bar. 

With the help of Kush Hospitality, Stephen’s Deli, the oldest NY style deli in Florida, was able to reopen and within it Kush opened the first cocktail bar in the city: La Cocina. 

And a cocktail bar it is! Featuring some ultra creative Miami-inspired cocktails like Brujeria (my favorite—highly recommend if you’re not into super sweet drinks), Piñaso, F*ck Fidel, Tiki Tiki Music and so many more I can’t honestly remember. 

In a cozy and unexpected space (read old warehouse), you’ll find this cleverly decorated bar. From hanging plants straight from abuela’s terraza to Caso Cerrado playing on the wall, you’ll instantly be transported to the magical world of your childhood—Walter Mercado included, in the bathroom of course.

The eclectic space is nothing short of every one of our grandma’s living rooms even featuring embroidered sign reminding us not to do cocaine in the bathroom. 

If a visit to La Cocina isn’t in your to do list, then I urge you to add it.

Even if you don’t like to drink, grab a pastrami croqueta and go take a picture with the pata sucia entrance mat. Support ventures like this in our city and watch it become the city we always knew it could be.