Paloma Cafe Swings Open in the Bywater

Paloma Cafe, a Latin and Caribbean-inspired cafe from the folks behind Revelator Coffee, has opened its doors in the Bywater, taking the corner spot that was most recently occupied by Cafe Henri. It’s the first foray into restaurants from the Birmingham-based coffee shop.

The casual, 60-seat restaurant has two former Compère Lapin chefs helming the kitchen: Danny Alas (originally from Venezuela) and Justin Rodriguez (whose family is from the Dominican Republic). The chefs also run the Latin street food pop-up, Melao.

The menu includes empanadas, churros, ceviche, and soups. Additionally, expect full beverage service, a “profound” coffee and tea program, along with pastries, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch.

Paloma’s new home has been home to a couple buzzy restaurants in the past. Its most recent tenant, lovable “dad-inspired cafe” Cafe Henri, closed after the owners “failed to understand” the short-term rental market. Hipsterish street food mecca Booty’s anchored there from 2012 until it shuttered at the end of 2015. One source told Eater that the closure was because of a lease agreement breach.

Right now the cafe is only open for dinner service through 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and for brunch only on Sundays from 11 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Eventually, the cafe will extend its hours to Sunday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

UPDATE: This story has been updated with the abbreviated opening hours.

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Cafe Henri in the Bywater Will Close [ENOLA]

Booty's Street Food Shutters in the Bywater [ENOLA]