Latest news with #ElTecho
Axios
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Cubita brings the flavors of Havana to the Mission
Cubita in the Mission is bringing new life to one of the city's most-loved rooftop spots. Dig in: The recently opened Cuban restaurant in the former El Techo space serves flavorful Caribbean dishes and craft cocktails in a lively, open-air setting. The big picture: Cubita is the newest concept from owner and Back of the House restaurant group founder Adriano Paganini, whose string of restaurants across the city includes the Argentinian steakhouse Lolinda and neighborhood favorites like Beretta, Flores, A Mano and Delarosa. What they're saying:"I like creating concepts of places that I have been or the places that I've been dreaming to go," Paganini, who has yet to travel to Cuba, told Axios. "I'm trying to capture the spirit of Cuba and make it a fun place." The vibe: The bar feels nostalgic and homey, drenched in tropical accents, with vibrant murals, checkerboard floors, pink and teal colors, a hanging display of Gondolero hats, and photos of Cuba in the 1950s. On a clear day, guests can catch views of the city skyline while sipping drinks. It's a great spot for large gatherings, date night, or having a quick bite and drink before catching a movie at The Alamo next door. Best bites: The "fritanga" platter is a must for those wanting to try many appetizers on the menu. It includes crispy fried plantains known as "tostones," "maduros" or sweet plantains, a citrusy chayote salad, refried beans, and "yuca rellena"— picadillo -stuffed fritters resembling what Puerto Ricans call " alcapurrias." The whole fried rockfish ($48), a splurgy option for two, features various fixings, including a zesty side salad, "tostones" and " arroz congrí," a Cuban rice-and-beans classic. Sips to savor: The beverage program includes signature drinks, classic rum cocktails, punch bowls and nonalcoholic options. House-made cocktails include the ZunZun, ($18) a clarified piña colada with coconut water, and the house Carajillo ($15), a spiced coffee drink spiked with dark rum and mezcal. Pro tip: Stay for dessert and order the " majarete" ($11) if you're craving something Caribbean staple is a creamy corn pudding with a silky texture. If you go: Open daily at 2516 Mission St. Hours vary.
San Francisco Chronicle
21-05-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Hit S.F. rooftop reborn with colorful new bar
One of San Francisco's few and most popular rooftop destinations will soon be reborn as a Cuban bar and restaurant. Cubita will open June 6 at 2516 Mission St., formerly the home of El Techo, an oft-packed Mission District rooftop bar with sweeping views of the city. It's the latest project from Back of the House, a Bay Area restaurant group that ran El Techo as well as Argentinian steakhouse Lolinda on the building's ground floor and popular spots Super Duper Burger, Flores and Beretta. Owner Adriano Paganini has wanted to open a Cuban spot for years. Recently, it hit him: He could convert the 12-year-old El Techo, which despite its intended direction as a Latin American complement to the downstairs Lolinda turned into a Mexican bar where people ate tacos and, he said, 'were drinking margaritas by the gallon.' Paganini has never been to Cuba, but he hopes to channel the country's food, music and allure. Cubita will be a bar first, with cocktails like the Havana Heat with dark rum, passionfruit, lemon, maraschino liqueur and a high-proof rum flame; or a spin on a Carajillo with dark rum, mezcal, Licor 43 and spiced coffee. There will be daiquiris and mojitos, plus shareable punch bowls. The bar will make its own cola from scratch for the Cuba Libre, an iconic rum and Coke cocktail. Customers will be able to snack or put together a full meal from the menu. Expect dishes like empanadas stuffed with ropa vieja, stewed beef; tostones and grilled chicken wings marinated in citrusy mojo. Sandwiches will come in the form of a Cubano with house-made lechon and a hamburguesa with a chorizo-beef patty and grilled onions. There are two large entrees: a fried, whole rock cod for two with arroz congri, tostones and tomato salad; and lechon asado, or roasted pork shoulder marinated in green mojo, served with sides. The open-air Cubita will be a colorful, vibrant space, with checkerboard floors, tropical pink accents and murals. The owners hope the vibe and prices will feel approachable. Almost the entire menu is under $20, except for the entrees. 'It's more glamorous than El Techo but at the same time … somewhat affordable. San Francisco needs more places like this,' Paganini said. Back of the House partnered with CubaCaribe, a San Francisco nonprofit whose mission is to preserve Cuban culture, and hopes it will be able to provide music and events at the bar. The nonprofit also gave feedback on the menu. Cubita. Opening June 6. Monday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 2516 Mission St., San Francisco.
