LA has a remarkable Mexican food scene. Wynwood has the highest concentration of neon taquerias with a Farruko fixation. So the arrival of Cha Cha Chá, which was formerly one of the few genuinely exciting rooftops in LA, is a win for us. Don’t get us wrong, Miami does have some excellent Mexican restaurants. However, none of them are making mariscos anywhere near as good as this west coast transplant that’s set up shop in the old Beaker & Gray space. For the legion of locals who’ve been wronged by a rubbery shrimp doused in flavorless juices, dinner at Cha Cha Chá is an exciting moment of redemption. This menu is packed with acidic aguachiles, crisp tuna tostadas, and oysters dipped in chamoy and tajín that taste like an accordion player from a mariachi band is playing inside your stomach. Mariscos are the highlight, but the hot dishes are also something to look forward to. All of the entrees come with a spread of tortillas, sides, and sauces to give you complete agency over your taco-making journey (and all roads lead to something delicious). In terms of atmosphere, we’re getting a watered-down version of the Cha Cha Chá LA had. The inside of this place supports our theory that all Wynwood restaurants use the same interior designer: exposed ceilings, semicircular velvety booths, and a clear view into the kitchen. But as long as the playlist continues bumping Maná and you get the last shrimp left in aguachile negro, you won’t be using your brain to dwell on any of that. If you’ve long given up on Wynwood and its corporate murals, Cha Cha Chá is a true reason to come back. Plus, it’s on the outskirts of Wynwood and there are a handful of free parking spots. So, for mariscos-loving Miamians, there’s no excuse.
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