Lutz has a new destination for Cuban American food in the family-owned La Yuma.
Located at 16411 N. Florida Ave., where Twisted Rooster Bar & Restaurant used to be, La Yuma opened with lunch, dinner and weekend live music on Jan. 7. The high-energy, indoor-outdoor restaurant is owned by civil rights attorney Thania Diaz Clevenger, her husband and U.S. Coast Guard veteran Ashley Clevenger, her mother and restaurateur Tania Diaz, and her father and chef-restaurateur Pepe Diaz, who those familiar with Key West may already know. Pepe also owns the island city’s El Meson de Pepe.
The phrase “la Yuma,” which the new eatery’s name, theme and decor reflect, refers to the journey to freedom that Cubans took by sea and air to reach the U.S. Guests at La Yuma choose from Cuban dishes that feature beef, chicken, pork and seafood, including gambas a la plancha and Cuban nachos, plus items like tres leches cake and café con leche for dessert.
Other highlights include two full-service bars, which whip up cocktails such as the classic Cuba Libre and mojito. Takeout orders, private parties and to-go catering can also be accommodated.
La Yuma operates 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
