Casa Ventura (CLOSED)

Brothers José and Giovanni Ventura (Calle Ocho), GM and chef respectively, showcase Latin American fare at this 90-seat canteen. Perch at the copper-topped bar, which is stocked with 20 varities of rum and ten organic wines, and swig a Watermelon Cooler Mojito (Brugal rum and fresh basil, plus lemon, lime and watermelon juices), or settle into one of the wood tables for a full meal. The menu features hearty plates—with an emphasis on their mother's Puerto Rican dishes—like chicharrón de pollo (adobo-marinated chicken), mofonguitos (crispy green plantains mashed with citron and aioli) and asopao de langosta (Puerto Rican gumbo made with lobster and fried plantains).