Just in time for fall and amid Hispanic Heritage Month, Chef Michael Beltran – the proudly Cuban-American talent behind Ariete Hospitality Group (and recipient of both a Michelin star and Bib Gourmand) has unveiled an extensive new menu and beverage list for all-day dining at his casual, vibey Cuban-style Coconut Grove diner, Chug’s.

“I couldn’t be happier about how the city has embraced Chug’s and made it an all-day spot whether it’s for a meal, a cafecito and pastelito or a quick drink after work. The hope was that it would be the kind of place that locals could make their own. I hope the regulars enjoy the new menu items and the new folks give us a try.”

What’s a diner without Breakfast? Naturally, favorites remain, including Beltran’s Bacon, the Breakfast Sandwich and Cast Iron Pancake.

But new additions now demanding the spotlight include Phyllis’ Broccoli Breakfast Hash – crispy potato, broccoli, cheese sauce Ritz cracker crumble, red onion, Parmesan, and sunny side up eggs;

“The Springsteen” – house-made scrapple, sharp American cheese, and sunny side egg on a kaiser roll;

Smoked Salmon Platter – latkes, cumin-lime crema, mojo pickled onions and tomatoes; and on the sweeter side, Arroz Con Leche Blintz with seasonal fruit, among others.

As a proper diner should, Chug’s breakfast is served all day.

Brand new is a Snacks section, perfect as an appetizer or a midday pick-me-up.

Standouts include house-made Biscuits served with apple butter and mojo butter; Duck Croquetas with orange mustard, pickled onions and crackers;

Chicharron with tamarind mojo, charred green beans and herbs; and Maduros and Hush Puppies served with cumin lime crema, Oli’s pickles and mojo onions.

New offerings include The Diner Burger topped with caramelized onion, mustard aioli and Cooper sharp American cheese and a Pan Con Lechon with pickled mojo onions, tomato and papitas.

The famous Chug Burger makes a once-weekly special appearance on the menu every Thursday night, but supplies are limited and reserving a burger is not frowned upon.

New Entrees include Plantain-crusted Snapper with arugula and green bean salad, cachucha aioli and mojo onions; and

Sazón completa-crusted Tuna with charred green beans, tomato, Malta eel sauce and hard-boiled egg. New Sides have been added like Crispy Broccoli and Waxman Potatoes.

Pastries are not to be missed here, don’t pass on a Pastelito by Miami’s own “Pastelito Papi” – aka Chef Gio Fesser, a longtime Beltran collaborator and HG team member; or BK Pie – Manjari ganache, caramelia mousse, whipped crème fraiche and house-made “dirt,” among others.

In addition to the new menu items, many new drinks have been added, each nodding to Chug’s dedication to all-day enjoyment.

Start the day with a Mimosa with mango, pineapple, and orange juice; Banana Carajillo – banana, rum, cacao, café Cubano; and a Bloody Maria – mezcal, spicy bloody Mary mix, lemon and sazón completa.

For sunset and beyond, the Flan Old Fashioned with aged rum, flan almíbar (translation: syrup) and orange bitters;

and the F.I.G. – fig and guava infused bourbon, Campari and sweet vermouth.

Chug’s Happy Hour program is something worth planning into your weekly routine. Every Thursday from 3PM – 10PM, Friday through Sunday from 5PM to close, guests can enjoy $9 house cocktails, a selection of $9 wines by the glass and $5 Monopolio beers.

Happy Hour menu items include, the Chuggies Meals – think adult Happy Meals – that come with fries and cookie and include the Lil Tone Chuggy – shaved iceberg, Chug sauce and pickles; Frita Chuggy – house frita patty, mojo ketchup and papitas; and Doggie Chuggy – frita chili, queso and papitas. Plus, with any food purchase between 6–7PM, diners can enjoy a $.99 martini.

Chug’s

3444 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, Miami, FL

Open seven days a week.

(786) 353-2940

(Information and images provided by Brustman Carrino Public Relations)