Leishla Maldonado and Osman and Yefri Cortave make up the qualified trio behind Providence’s newest Latin hotspot, Loma Bar. Nestled in DePasquale Square, Loma serves high-end cocktails and piquant small bites in an intimate, dimly lit setting inspired by their Guatemalan and Puerto Rican roots.
The word “loma” has multiple definitions, but in this context, it simply yet poignantly means “a hill.” For the Latin bar owners, the lomas are a representation of their culture, harkening back to memories of the landscapes they know from back home. Bringing the name full circle is the site of the brick-and-mortar’s home: Federal Hill.
Maldonado is of Puerto Rican heritage, while her lifelong partner Osman, and his brother Yefri, emigrated from Guatemala during their childhood. With expertise in bartending and restaurant management at local favorites like Dolores, Courtland Club, and The Eddy, Maldonado says, “A lot of this has to do with who we are culturally. In our families, hospitality is at the forefront. Whether caring for family or sharing a meal, it’s so engrained in us that we want to share it with others. What’s really important to the space is showing people Latin hospitality. It has guided me through my own career. Hospitality is something I love – it’s part of who I am.”
Osmon echoes this sentiment, noting that since its conception, hospitality has been a core pillar of their mission. “We wanted the atmosphere to feel like stepping into a private home bar or secret club,” he says, emphasizing that the space is designed to have a transportive quality, and making everyone feel special is key. “Our interest has always been to create an experience. Growing up in working-class families, you don’t have a lot, but you are always thinking about family and community. We are natural dreamers, and we dream big, which has been a huge influence for this space.”
Their drink menu pays homage to the classics while showcasing different spirits, techniques, and flavors. One of their most popular drinks is the Papaya Tepache, carrying subtle nuances from the pineapple fermented soda. “We pay attention to highlighting the flavors of the original spirits,” says Maldonado. “You won’t see a lot of crazy ingredients in our cocktails, but instead elements that amplify what we are starting with.” Some uncommon choices include the No. 7 Cocktail – an herbaceous, earthy sparkling wine beverage with sweet vermouth, beet amaro, a beet sugar cube, and a sprig of baby’s breath – and their award-winning Mushroom Sherry Cobbler.
“We offer a full spirits list, but each month, we feature a curated selection at our back bar. This highlights special bottles, such as limited editions, vintage finds, and sometimes more mainstream brands.” He encourages patrons to try new spirits, either in cocktails or neat, but they also have a prominent spirit-free drink list at the top of the menu.
Each drink on the menu comes with a story. “For example, one of our signature cocktails, the Jocote, is inspired by our Guatemalan background,” says Yefri, “where we had a jocote tree in our backyard and the fruit was a memorable part of growing up for us.”
A thoughtfully assembled limited selection of small bites complements craft cocktail offerings, featuring refined takes on Latin classics, such as the Arroz y Gandules – a Puerto Rican rice dish – and Chicharron Pimento Dip with a side of tostones. And their flan isn’t just any flan – it’s Carmen’s Flan, created by Maldonado’s stepmother, a former Boston restaurateur.
Much like the food and drinks, the vibe and music play a key role in setting the tone. After inheriting Maldonado’s grandfather’s collection, Osman made it a point to highlight Latin jazz and bolero music inspired by the family’s musical taste, which includes a variety of different salsa artists, and a growing collection to evolve with the space.
112 Spruce Street
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