As Chug’s Diner further establishes itself as a Coconut Grove institution since becoming a permanent brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2021, chef and owner Michael Beltran has unveiled an extensive new menu and beverage list.
Chug’s Diner is well-known for its bustling lunch spot. However, it has become even more popular due to Beltran’s famous breakfast sandwich, cast iron pancake and hearty dinner dishes. Moreover, the restaurant has recently retained its Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide, adding another reason for people to visit Chug’s Diner.
“I couldn’t be happier about how the city has embraced Chug’s and made it an all-day spot whether it’s for a meal, a cafecito and pastelito, or a quick drink after work,” Beltran says. “The hope was that it would be the kind of place that locals could make their own. I hope the regulars enjoy the new menu items and the new folks give us a try.”
While favorites like Beltran’s Bacon, the Breakfast Sandwich and Cast Iron Pancake remain, Chug’s has introduced some new dishes. These include Phyllis’ Broccoli Breakfast Hash, which comes with crispy potatoes, broccoli, cheese sauce, Ritz cracker crumble, red onion, Parmesan, and sunny-side-up eggs. Another new item is “The Springsteen” – a Kaiser roll with house-made scrapple, sharp American cheese, and a sunny side egg. There’s also a Smoked Salmon Platter with latkes, cumin-lime crema, mojo-pickled onions and tomatoes, and on the sweeter side, Arroz Con Leche Blintz with seasonal fruit, among other options.
In the new snacks section, customers can find a variety of delicious options such as house-made Biscuits served with apple butter and mojo butter; Duck Croquetas with orange mustard, pickled onions, and crackers; Chicharron with tamarind mojo, charred green beans, and herbs; and Maduros & Hush Puppies served with cumin lime crema, Oli’s pickles, and mojo onions. New menu items include The Diner Burger topped with caramelized onion, mustard aioli, Cooper sharp American cheese, and a Pan Con Lechon with pickled mojo onions, tomato, and papitas. The restaurant offers its famous carnivorous delight every Thursday night, but supplies are limited, and reserving a burger is recommended. The new entrees consist of Plantain-crusted Snapper with arugula and green bean salad, cachucha aioli, and mojo onions, and Sazón completa-crusted Tuna with charred green beans, tomato, Malta eel sauce, and a hard-boiled egg. The restaurant has also added a ton of new sides to the menu, including Crispy Broccoli and Waxman Potatoes (in honor of Chef Jonathan Waxman) and Maduros, among others.
Happy Hour is every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to close; guests can enjoy $9 house cocktails, a selection of $9 wines by the glass and $5 Monopolio beers.
Chug’s, located in the heart of Coconut Grove at 3444 Main Highway, is open seven days a week and serves breakfast all day.
Photo courtesy of Chug’s Diner
