Lechon

"Located across the street from Waterfront Park, Lechon’s sprawling interior, replete with aquariums filled with jellyfish, attracts tourists and locals for its happy hour and festive energy. The dinner menu serves satisfying South American fare like Peruvian lomo saltado, grilled octopus with chorizo, and achiote-marinated lamb chops, eaten alongside the restaurant’s cocktails — nonalcoholic or otherwise." - Rebecca Roland, Eater Staff

"A wood-fired South American restaurant with a warmly lit dining room featuring aquariums and dishes inspired by Patagonia and Peru." - Janey Wong

"This Naito Parkway restaurant’s sibling private event space is so private, it’s a block away, at 50 SW Pine Street. The Lobby by Lechon host up to 24 guests, with a variety of menu options — snacks of shrimp ceviche and brisket empanadas served mid-cocktail party, family-style tapas of flank steak with piquillo pepper romesco or grilled octopus with chorizo, or even a full tasting menu, complete with smoked bone marrow and pan-seared scallops. Learn more about the Lobby by Lechon on its website." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

"This eye-catching waterfront restaurant with a menu that hopscotches around South America is a popular choice for its happy hour, featuring snacks like brisket empanadas or spicy tuna tiradito, as well as grilled mains like Nikkei-style kalbi beef short ribs and Peruvian roasted chicken with sweet potatoes and salsa criolla. Lechon also has a full vegetarian menu, a rarity for this generally meat-centric cuisine." - Krista Garcia

"This stylish downtown Latin American restaurant is a smart choice for both celebration dinners and casual get-togethers, thanks to its menu: The happy hour menu includes fun shareable snacks like white corn and cheese fritters, spiced tuna tiradito, and ceviche, while the larger dinner menu boasts memorable entrees like achiote-marinated lamb chops, Nikkei-style kalbi beef short ribs, and pan-seared scallops with fresh corn polenta. The restaurant offers a full vegetarian menu, with vegan and gluten-free options as well. Lechon allows parties of up to 12 people to make reservations online; larger parties can also rent out the Lobby by Lechon, which can host up to 24 people for a seated dinner." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden