Hot Latin spot adds spice to Southport with tasty plates and a buzzing bar scene.

The Scene
It's a pretty tight squeeze into Coobah, a dark, smoky Latin spot where sexy bartenders mix mojitos and caipirinhas for a crowd of Southport hipsters. The decor provides plenty of eye candy too, with rust-colored terra cotta walls, metal clamshell light fixtures, and fans waving breezily back and forth above the bar. Friendly, on-the-ball service makes up for long waits at the bar.

The Food
Coobah's pan-Latin fare pops with flavor, from piping-hot queso with duck chorizo to chilly, chunky ceviche that starts out cool, then packs a mean red pepper-induced afterburn. Moist, hearty tamales are a specialty; try tangy goat cheese and artichoke or cider-braised chicken. Other tempting options include roasted chicken with saffron rice and tender, spicy-sweet lamb shank with spicy coconut mashed sweet potatoes.