Embargo 62, Chattanooga’s only Caribbean Rum Bar and Cantina, is opening soon on the Northshore. The restaurant specializes in handcrafted cocktails with all fresh ingredients and authentic Cuban fare. The restaurant opens on Aug. 10 and the grand opening celebration is set for Saturday, Aug. 15.
“Because of our own Cuban background we have been looking to open a Cuban restaurant and we are very happy to have chosen the Northshore as the place to do it,” said Danny Alcala, who along with his wife, Brittany, owns Embargo 62. “We are most excited about our craft cocktails and we feel this neighborhood and the clientele we will be drawing are ready for and will appreciate the recipes, presentation, and Cuban culture.”
Embargo 62 will serve authentic Cuban street-food fare. Cuban sandwiches will be the highlights on the menu. Craft cocktails will be "innovative" and feature rum specialties. The bar will feature more than 70 different rums from around the world. Danny Valdez, known as one of Miami’s finest mixologists, is heading up the bar program and is creating a stellar cocktail menu, said officials.
Cuban food is layered with lots of flavors since it is a fusion of Native American, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cuisines.
“People will be coming for the traditional Cuban sandwich, which we have perfected,” said Brittany Alcala. “From the perfect Cuban bread to the authentic spices, our sandwich rivals what you’d get if you were walking the streets of Cuba.”
The decor of the restaurant reflects their vision of ‘Cuba meets Chattanooga’ - so bamboo picnic baskets and mason jars will be seen right along side the nostalgic Cuban artwork and rustic furniture. It’s a classic Cuban lounge with Chattanooga flare.
Embargo 62’s name pays homage to the history of the embargo that President Kennedy placed on Cuba in 1962. For many years Cuba has been a mysterious island for Americans. Recently, however, with the lift of many restrictions and new embassies in both countries, opportunities have opened for there to be more communication and business to take place. “We hope that the embargo will be fully lifted in the near future but until then, it is our hope that we start to bring a little bit of Cuban culture into our own,” said Mr. Alcala.
The grand opening celebration will feature a Cuban-style pig roast barbecue starting at 11 a.m. leading to entertainment from a Cuban band 2-5 p.m. and salsa dancing 6-7:30 p.m. The party continues on Sunday for brunch with another pig roast 11 a.m. -6 p.m.
Complimentary valet service is available during all business hours.
“This is a place for locals to feel relaxed and have a good time while enjoying excellent food and creative cocktails,” said Mr. Alcala. “And when you need to kick up your feet, rather than just kick back, our late-night entertainment options will leave you satisfied as well.”
Embargo 62 is now hiring all positions and expects to have a team of 25 employees. Please contact the restaurant directly by stopping by or calling 551-4786 to apply. Additional information about the restaurant can be found online at embargo62bar.com and on Facebook and Instagram @embargo62.