You know that feeling when you bite into something so unexpectedly perfect, it rewires your brain a little? That’s basically what happened during our recent trip to Chug’s Diner in Coconut Grove. Yes, the Michelin Bib Gourmand Cuban-American darling from Chef Michael Beltran has officially leveled up. The new menu is a mashup of nostalgia, innovation, and Cuban swagger, all delivered in true Chug’s fashion: bold, playful, and ridiculously craveable. Let’s break it down, dish by dish.
Bao con Croqueta. Two words: kimchi slaw. Okay, a few more: spicy aioli, ham & shrimp croqueta, all inside a pillowy bao bun. This flavor-bomb hybrid raises an important question for the ages (and their Pan Con Podcast): is this a sandwich?? Jury’s still out. But your taste buds won’t care. Queso Frito. Crispy. Creamy. Spicy-sweet. It’s a fried cheese that dunks itself in a sweet chili guava sauce so good it should come with a warning. Dip, devour, repeat. Inspired by the OG Cuban smash burger, the new Frita Meatballs come drenched in tomato sofrito and showered with parmesan. Savory, juicy, saucy in all the right ways. If you’re sharing, prepare to fight for the last one. Chug’s iconic burger just got the remix treatment in the form of a deconstructed Croqueta plated with shredded lettuce, B+B pickles, and that chug sauce.
On to heartier dishes, the Breakfast Fried Rice with a sunny-side-up egg crowns this flavor-packed dish, complete with sweet peppers. Want to flex? Add the duck leg confit. #Trust. Beltran doesn’t just respect the Cuban Palomilla, he perfects it. Pickled onions, crispy papas fritas, and a punchy mojo just pull it all together. The Breakfast Burrito gets you. Hungover? Hungry? Craving a hug in food form? It’s all here: soffritto, potatoes, black beans, scrambled eggs, and a luscious avocado crema.
Ending on the sweet side of life, Arroz con Leche Blintz is a cool crossover. Two comfort food icons walk into a diner… and leave as one unforgettable dessert. The blintz exterior holds a rich arroz con leche filling that’s equal parts silky and sweet. No notes. Lastly, Churro Waffle – another genius. Available only on weekends, this one’s a crispy churro in the shape of a waflle, dusted in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with chocolate. And if you are struggling between ordering this and the forever flawless Cast Iron Pancake, just get the latter to-go.
Chug’s isn’t just slinging Cuban diner classics anymore—it’s pushing the boundaries of what comfort food can be. Each new item brings a little guilt pleasure and a lot of heart. See you at the counter.