Robert Hopper, founder of the Commodore barbershop, and partner Peter Terrones built La Cueva inside Ponce City Market, in the former Root Baking Co. space on the second floor of the Central Food Hall. The name translates to "the cave," and the 2,700-square-foot room reads accordingly: low light, a glowing onyx bar, plush seating, a small stage for live music, and no bold signage, just a logo etched in millwork by the elevator. The kitchen is overseen by Luis Damian, chef behind Oaxaca, El Valle, and the 2025 James Beard semifinalist Casa Balam, who turns out Mexican botanas and shareable plates. The bar runs mezcal-forward and inventive. Come for a date and a conversation, which is what the room was designed for.