Cha Cha Cha Lands in Wynwood with Elevated Mexican Cuisine

After quietly opening its doors in Miami among the dozens of new openings, Cha Cha Cha marks the next chapter for the Mexican restaurant founded by Patricio Hernández Pons and his cousin Javier Hernández.

Founded in Mexico City and later embraced by Los Angeles, Cha Cha Cha now lands in Wynwood with a more elevated, indoor-only concept that blends the laid-back spirit of LA, the soul of Mexican cuisine, and Miami’s evolving dining culture.

After Cha Cha Cha’s Los Angeles location was forced to close in 2025, the head chef moved coasts, landing in Miami to prepare for the next chapter of Cha Cha Cha.

Mexican Cuisine at the Core

For Hernández Pons, the idea behind Cha Cha Cha has always been deeply personal. “Mexican cuisine is in our DNA. My family has always been involved in retail and hospitality in Mexico City, and our journey really began with Palmares, followed by Cha Cha Cha. My cousin Javier and I created the concept as a celebration of Mexican flavors, culture, and hospitality. Something that feels familiar, but still exciting.”

The name reflects that philosophy. “We wanted a name that felt fun, joyful, and guapachoso—something that immediately conveys happiness and movement. Cha Cha Cha is meant to feel energetic and welcoming, a place where people can relax and enjoy themselves.”

From Mexico City to LA to Miami

Each iteration of Cha Cha Cha takes on the character of its surroundings. “Each Cha Cha Cha location is different. In Mexico, it’s more casual, with rooftop terraces and a relaxed atmosphere. Los Angeles had its own personality as well. Miami is more elevated. It’s an all-indoor experience with a curated menu, warm lighting, cozy vibes, and very intentional execution. We’re also introducing a speakeasy-style lounge that adds another layer to the space.”

Miami had been on the founders’ radar for years. “Miami has become one of the most important gastronomic cities in the world. We had been looking here for almost three years, but didn’t want to rush it. We knew it had to feel right. About a year ago, everything started to align. The city’s Latin American influence, appreciation for Pacific-style Mexican food, and overall energy made it a natural next step.”

Why Wynwood Works

Wynwood felt like the right fit. “Wynwood felt right because it was missing a laid-back, neighborhood-style restaurant, something more in the spirit of LA. People think LA is flashy, but in reality, it’s very low-key and chill. We wanted to create a place you can visit two or three times a week, not just for special occasions. Wynwood reminded us of the location we had in the Arts District in Los Angeles: creative, cultural, and full of people who appreciate good food.”

That blend of cultures shapes the menu. “Miami diners expect great food. There’s a strong Latin American and Mexican community here, but Pacific-style Mexican cuisine isn’t widely available. We source many ingredients from the Pacific and the West Coast, and the menu reflects a blend of LA sensibility with Miami’s love for bold flavors and high-quality seafood.”

The Food, the Drinks, and the Atmosphere

In the kitchen, the approach balances respect and reinvention. “It’s rooted in tradition but guided by creativity. We respect classic dishes, like enchiladas, but give our chefs room to reinterpret them with modern techniques and thoughtful presentation. Execution is everything.”

Miami also gets exclusive dishes. “Yes. The pescado tikin-xik, made with red snapper and inspired by Yucatán flavors, is exclusive to Miami. We also offer a lobster chalupita unique to this location, along with fan favorites like our 12-hour carnitas and seafood esquites from Loreto.”

Cocktails were treated with the same care. “Miami has high expectations when it comes to cocktails, so the bar program had to match the food. Balanced, approachable, and high quality. We want guests to feel comfortable coming back and ordering their favorites again and again.”

The atmosphere leans intimate and evening-focused. “We’re currently open in the evenings, with plans to introduce happy hour, followed by lunch and weekend brunch. The vibe is warm, cozy, and intimate. It’s very much an evening destination, but still relaxed.”

Design choices subtly reference heritage. “Our architectural designer, Lena Kohl, who also worked on our LA locations, incorporated subtle Mexican influences while keeping the space modern and refined. It’s a mix of LA minimalism and Mexican soul.” The goal is simple. “We want it to feel familiar: effortless, welcoming, and a little nostalgic. A mix of LA cool and Mexican warmth.”

Building Community and Looking Ahead

Launching in Miami came with challenges. “Building awareness. Miami is competitive, with many high-end restaurants and extreme price points. We’re proud to offer high-quality products at affordable prices. Our biggest challenge (and opportunity) is getting people to discover us.”

However, what makes it worth it is the response. “The feedback. Seeing guests come back tells us we’re doing something right. That repeat business means everything.” Experience also shaped the opening. “With every opening, our team becomes more structured and efficient. That experience helped make this launch smoother and more intentional.”

Hernández Pons hopes Cha Cha Cha becomes part of the neighborhood fabric. “We want to be a true neighborhood restaurant. Consistent, welcoming, and reliable. A place locals feel connected to.” Collaborations are on the table. “Absolutely. We have a private lounge space and are open to collaborations that feel organic and aligned with our vibe. Right now, the focus is on establishing ourselves in Wynwood, but we’re always open to the right opportunities.”

At its core, hospitality drives everything. “It means treating people the way you would if they were visiting your home. It’s about making sure they feel cared for, comfortable, and happy spending time with the people they love.”

As for what’s next. “We’re open to opportunities. There are a few cities we’re already eyeing, and we’re also looking to open a new location in Los Angeles to replace the Arts District one… when everything aligns.” Ultimately, the hope is clear. “That it’s a place they can always count on with great food, great energy, and somewhere they want to return to again and again.”

Cha Cha Cha. 2637 N. Miami Ave., Miami; chachacha.miami.