Tag Archive for: tio lucho’s

TIO LUCHO’S BRINGS TWO COASTS TOGETHER FOR DOS COSTAS CARNIVAL ON FAT TUESDAY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/23/26

Blending Gulf Coast Spirit and Northern Peruvian Flavor for a High-Energy Evening Driven by Food, Music, and Cocktails

Free to Attend on February 17, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

On Tuesday, February 17, Tio Lucho’s turns up the energy with Dos Costas Carnival, a lively evening inspired by the shared rhythm, flavor, and joy of coastal traditions from New Orleans and Northern Peru. From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the restaurant comes alive with oysters, festive cocktails, live music, and a menu by Chef and Owner Arnaldo Castillo that treats coastal cooking as the main event.

Rooted in the idea that Carnival thrives wherever working ports meet the sea, Dos Costas Carnival brings together two cultures that know how to cook, gather, and throw a proper party. Cajun soul and Peruvian technique collide through seafood-driven dishes, slow-roasted meats, and expressive flavors designed for sharing. Led by Castillo alongside Chef de Cuisine Manny Sosa, whose two decades of cooking under a Louisiana chef bring deep Cajun credibility to the table, the menu leans fully into Carnival. Expect crawfish empanadas, a jambalaya-inspired arroz con mariscos layered with andouille, gumbo built on Peruvian sofrito, BBQ shrimp, maque choux, and red beans and rice, capped by a show-stopping porchetta—whole hog belly roasted until crisp and carved tableside in true parade fashion. Dessert keeps the indulgence going with king cake picarones served alongside banana foster ice cream. Time-honored Carnival cocktails carry the night, from daiquiris and sazeracs to sidecars and French 75s, flowing from start to finish.

Live music sets the pace as the night builds, starting with Afro-Peruvian rhythms like festejo and cumbia before evolving into brass-heavy New Orleans funk and second-line sounds. Guests can expect a lively, fluid atmosphere accented by Carnival-inspired décor, colorful masks, and beads passed throughout the room. Free to attend, guests are encouraged to drop in, grab a drink, sample the menu, and stay as long as the music and mood allow.

Tio Lucho’s is located in Poncey-Highlands at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE #6000, Atlanta, GA 30306. For more information, visit www.tioluchos.com. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tioluchosatl and Instagram at @tioluchos.

TIO LUCHO’S HOSTS A ONE-NIGHT NOCHE BUENA HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/4/25

An Evening of Peruvian Tradition, Seasonal Cooking, and a Late-Night Holiday Party on December 20

Tio Lucho’s is marking Saturday, December 20, with a one-night holiday celebration centered around good food, music, and the welcoming, come-as-you-are spirit that defines the restaurant. The evening begins at 4 p.m. with the full dinner menu and a few seasonal cocktails, giving guests the option to make it their holiday dinner, meet friends early, or ease into a night that carries into the late hours.

At 10 p.m., the room shifts. The lights dip, the DJ steps in, and Tio’s becomes a late-night holiday gathering with a limited menu, Christmas movies on the screens, and surprise touches from Hornitos Tequila and Maker’s Mark that keep things loose and lively. Guests are free to drop in for one part of the night or stay for the whole thing.

The celebration draws from Noche Buena, the Peruvian and Latin tradition at the center of Chef Arnaldo Castillo’s childhood. “Noche Buena is how I grew up celebrating the holidays. Families come together late, nobody rushes dinner, and midnight is when things really get going. That’s the feeling I want people to experience here,” says Castillo.

Dinner reservations are encouraged; late-night entry is first-come, first-served. Details and booking are available at tioluchos.com. Tio Lucho’s is located at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. Follow @tioluchos on Instagram and Facebook.

TIO LUCHO’S HOSTS A FRIENDSGIVING BASH WITH JAMES BEARD–NOMINATED TALENT, LATE-NIGHT BITES & DJ-DRIVEN ENERGY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/10/25

Special Guests Jose Medina Camacho of ADIÕS Bar, Chef Claudia Martinez of Bar Ana, and Chef Eric Fernandez of Monte Join Owner and Chef Arnaldo Castillo for an Evening Where Culinary Cred Meets Late-Night Energy 

Friday, November 21, 2025 | 4 p.m. to Midnight 

Thanksgiving may be all about gratitude, togetherness, and the sides—but as the saying goes, you can’t choose your family, but you can choose your friends. It’s in that spirit that Tio Lucho’s brings together three James Beard–nominated experts for an elevated, festive feast that doubles as the ultimate Friendsgiving gathering—taking place long before Cousin Eddie can drop in, on Friday, November 21. One night. Three experts. And a menu that leaves no detail to chance.

These James Beard–nominated talents—Chef Arnaldo Castillo of Tio Lucho’s, Jose Medina Camacho, co-founder and beverage director of ADIÕS Bar in Birmingham, and Chef Claudia Martinez, founder of Bar ANA, Atlanta’s forthcoming late-night dessert and cocktail bar—come together for a mash-up as rare as it is delicious. Beginning at 4 p.m., guests will be seated for dinner service, exploring the creations from each talent at their own pace—from Tio Lucho’s signature Peruvian-inspired dishes to Camacho’s six standout cocktails to Martinez’s sneak peek of new Bar ANA bites and snacks—capped by a single, show-stopping dessert as the sweet finale.

As plates clear, the lights dim and the evening shifts gears, beckoning longtime friends and new faces to hang back and revel in the season. At 8 p.m., the DJ kicks in, spinning a late-night soundtrack that sets the tone for an after-hours bash. Then, at 10 p.m., Chef Eric Fernandez—formerly of Watchman’s and one of the opening chefs for Spring 2nd Branch—takes over with his pop-up, Monte, serving farm-to-table Mexican bites with a contemporary edge. The limited late-night menu adds an extra layer to the night’s agave-forward cocktails and Friendsgiving spirit.

Equal parts foodie friend fest, cocktail-fueled hang, and late-night revelry, the evening promises something extra to be thankful for this year. Tio Lucho’s will also offer regular dinner service from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more details or to make reservations, visit www.tioluchos.com. Tio Lucho’s is located at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook at @tioluchos.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH AT TIO LUCHO’S 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/5/25

Atlanta’s Award-Winning Peruvian Restaurant Announces a Month of Chef-Driven Dinners, Community Partnerships, and Seasonal Offerings

September 15 through October 15, 2025

From September 15 through October 15, Tio Lucho’s, the acclaimed Peruvian restaurant in Poncey-Highland from James Beard Award semi-finalist Chef Arnaldo Castillo, celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month with a lineup of events, collaborations, and new seasonal menus. Known for blending Peru’s coastal flavors with Atlanta’s vibrant culinary scene, Tio Lucho’s will highlight Latin American culture, community, and cuisine through experiences both inside and outside the restaurant.

A Taste of Tio Lucho’s at Home with Garnish & Gather

Tio Lucho’s has partnered with Garnish & Gather, Atlanta’s locally sourced meal kit service, to bring Chef Arnaldo’s Peruvian flavors into home kitchens. From September 12–25, guests can order a special Peruvian-inspired dish as part of Garnish & Gather’s rotating chef series, featuring carefully curated ingredients from Georgia family farms. Orders are available at garnishandgather.com.

Four Hands Collaboration Dinner at Brasserie Margot

On Saturday, September 20, Chef Arnaldo will team up with Brasserie Margot’s Executive Chef Jon Novak for a one-night-only Four Hands Dinner: Paris Meets Lima. Together, they will craft a four-to-five-course tasting menu blending French technique with Peruvian flavors. Tickets are $78 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) and can be purchased at brasseriemargot.com.

Make a Miracle Benefit Dinner at Tio Lucho’s

On Wednesday, September 24 at 7:30 PM, Tio Lucho’s hosts a family-style fundraising dinner with Make a Miracle, a nonprofit supporting education and housing initiatives in Peru and Colombia. Guests will enjoy a curated four-course menu—from vibrant ceviches and fritters to braised beef seco and a seasonal blackberry lime tart—while learning about Make a Miracle’s impact. A silent auction will accompany the evening, with all proceeds supporting the nonprofit. Tickets are $125 (including tax and gratuity) at tioluchos.com.

Ceviche Sessions: An Interactive Seafood Experience

Tio Lucho’s ongoing Ceviche Sessions monthly dinner series continues on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. The evening begins with a whole-fish breakdown and unfolds into a multi-course seafood experience featuring fresh tiradito and Chef Arnaldo’s choice of grilled, fried, or braised preparations with seasonal sides. Guests receive a glass of wine and enjoy this communal, hands-on celebration of Peruvian coastal cuisine. Tickets are $90 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) at tioluchos.com.

Get Hooked on Happy Hour

Tio Lucho’s Happy Hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 4–7 PM. Offerings include $2 raw oysters, $3 Tio’s Oysters, Peruvian-inspired cocktails like the Chilcano, Caipirinha, and Spicy Margarita, and shareable bites including tiradito, anticuchos, and housemade chips with cancha. Wine Wednesdays feature overlapping happy hour and half-priced bottles of wine and sangria.

New Fall Menu Launches October 7

Chef Arnaldo introduces new fall dishes, including the return of a fan favorite: Seco de Res, braised short rib with fall vegetable succotash, and Pulpo a la Plancha, featuring grilled octopus with Tio Lucho’s signature anticucho sauce. These dishes highlight Tio Lucho’s balance of tradition, innovation, and locally sourced ingredients.

Whether enjoying Chef Arnaldo’s food in the restaurant, trying a home-cooked kit with Garnish & Gather, or attending one of Tio Lucho’s special dinners, National Hispanic Heritage Month at Tio Lucho’s is a chance to celebrate the traditions, stories, and community that define Latin American culture in Atlanta. With something for every palate, from interactive seafood experiences to fall menu favorites and festive happy hours, guests are invited to share in the joy that makes Tio Lucho’s a standout in Atlanta’s dining scene.

To make a reservation, get event tickets, or learn more about Tio Lucho’s, visit www.tioluchos.com or call 404-343-0278. Follow @tioluchos on Instagram and Facebook for updates, and join the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month at 675 North Highland Avenue, Suite 6000, Atlanta, GA 30306.

Photo by Nico Julia

TIO LUCHO’S HOSTS WINE VS BEER DINNER 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/22/25

An Interactive Showdown of Sips, Flavors, and Friendly Competition

Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 7 p.m. 

Tio Lucho’s is hosting a spirited showdown that puts wine and beer head-to-head, course by course. On Wednesday, August 27, James Beard-nominated Chef Arnaldo Castillo will partner with A Cork in the Road to host a one-night-only tasting experience featuring five Peruvian-inspired courses, each paired with a two-ounce pour of wine and a two-ounce pour of beer. Guests will vote for their favorite pairing throughout the evening to help crown the ultimate match.

Bringing together creative pairings and chef-driven cuisine, the evening is built for curious palates and anyone who’s ever wondered whether a crispy potato or a passionfruit-spiked tiradito goes better with a glass of wine or a pour of beer. With wine pairings led by Kelly Cornett of A Cork in the Road and Blasian Bon Vivant Toni Williams representing beer, the evening promises plenty of friendly banter and palate surprises.

Chef Castillo’s menu brings Peruvian traditions to the table in new ways, starting with papas y salsas and moving through dishes like hamachi tiradito with passionfruit leche de tigre, the fan-favorite Tio’s Salad, flounder with caviar lentils and aji amarillo beurre blanc, and a sweet finale of house-made picarones—Peruvian-style donuts with warm spiced syrup.

Tickets are $100 and include five dishes, ten pairings, and a guided tasting with a bit of friendly competition thrown in. Seating is limited. Tickets are available now at www.tioluchos.com. Tio Lucho’s is located at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. For more details, call (404) 343-0278 and follow @tioluchos on Instagram and Facebook.

TIO LUCHO’S PERU ON PONCE PARTY RETURNS FOR YEAR THREE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/22/25

An Anniversary Patio Party Stacked with Ceviche, Peruvian Skewers, Refreshing Drinks, and Cumbia Beats

Reservations Now Available for Saturday, June 28, 2025


 Perfectly timed with National Ceviche Day, Tio Lucho’s brings back its annual Peru on Ponce celebration for the restaurant’s third anniversary on Saturday, June 28, 2025. This all-day patio party brings the vibrant spirit of coastal Peru to Poncey-Highland with seafood, skewers, cocktails, and more.


The celebration kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with a special midday edition of Ceviche Sessions, the restaurant’s interactive, chef-led seafood experience. Guests who secure a ticket will enjoy a guided, three-course tasting featuring fresh ceviche, a live tiradito demo, and a glass of chilled wine—all served on the patio in a breezy, laid-back setting. Spots are limited for this hands-on ceviche experience. Tickets are now available at www.tioluchos.com. For those craving something more low-key, regular lunch service will also be available throughout the day.


To set the tone for the coastal-inspired celebration, the first 50 guests of the day will be welcomed with a complimentary Caravedo Pisco Champagne Cocktail—a sparkling nod to three years of hospitality and heart.


As afternoon rolls in, the heat turns up with Anticuchos on the Patio for Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m. The Big Green Egg grill will be fired up outside, filling the air with irresistible smoky aromas as anticuchos — juicy skewers of beef sirloin, beef heart, chicken thigh, pork belly, fresh fish loin, and even cauliflower — hit the grill. Each skewer comes with house-made parrillera salsa that is sure to keep everyone coming back for more. Alongside the skewers, $10 cocktails from the happy hour menu will keep the buzz alive, perfectly balanced to cool off both the heat from the grill and the Atlanta summer air. For those looking to indulge, the $50 Patio Platter for two offers a mouthwatering mix: two beef skewers, two chicken skewers, smoked fish dip crostinis on sourdough, crispy fry bread topped with cream cheese and pepper jelly, and sweet corn mini cobs finished with crema de aji and Grana Padano cheese, all served with parrillera and aji verde sauces for dipping.


DJ Franklin will bring the patio to life with infectious Peruvian Cumbia beats, setting the soundtrack for an evening that’s equal parts delicious, lively, and unforgettable. Join Tio Lucho’s in celebrating this milestone at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE #6000, Atlanta, GA 30306. For more information or to book a reservation, call (404) 343-0278 or visit www.tioluchos.com. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tioluchosatl and on Instagram at @tioluchos.

TIO LUCHO’S & PUMA YU’S PAIR UP FOR ONE-NIGHT-ONLY EVENT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/12/25

Sunday, May 18

They started out the same way—late-night pop-ups, word-of-mouth dinners, and a whole lot of hustle in Athens and Atlanta. Now, Tio Lucho’s and Puma Yu’s, two James Beard-nominated restaurants that turned those early days and late nights into something bigger, are teaming up for the first time for one night only on Tio Lucho’s patio, Sunday, May 18, 2025. It’s Peruvian meets Thai. Open flames, stacked grills, citrus, smoke, herbs, spice. Whole chicken quarters kissed by the fire, shrimp skewers sizzling in chili and lime, pastel de papa layered and rich, a wedge salad made wild with huacatay ranch, papaya salad piled high, and sticky rice to bring it all together. Dessert? A creamy, dreamy Suspiro de Atlanta. And then there’s the bar. Smitty Luck of Puma Yu’s is pulling up from Athens to collaborate with the Tio Lucho’s crew on a one-night-only cocktail menu made for golden hour and good decisions (or bad ones—no judging). Two seatings are available at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $100 and include dinner for two; beverages will be available for purchase separately. Space is limited, so grab a ticket today at tioluchos.com. For more information, call (404) 343-0278. Tio Lucho’s is located at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE, Suite 6000, Atlanta, GA 30306. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook @tioluchos.

SAY HELLO TO HERMANITA: TIO LUCHO’S NEW POP-UP IS BRINGING THE HEAT 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/1/25

Chef Arnaldo Castillo Introduces Peruvian Street Food Pop-Up Just in Time for Spring  

Launch Party on Tio Lucho’s Patio, Monday April 7th at 6:30 p.m. 

Say hello to Hermanita—the fiery little sister of Tio Lucho’s and the latest concept from James Beard-nominated Chef Arnaldo Castillo. Launching Monday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. and returning every other Monday to Tio Lucho’s patio, this street-side pop-up serves up Peruvian-inspired fare with a Southern twist, blending Castillo’s heritage and upbringing into one unforgettable, open-air experience.

In the same spirit of Castillo’s original La Chingana pop-up, Hermanita brings the energy of a neighborhood hangout to Poncey-Highland, complete with sidewalk grilling, first-come-first-served patio seating, and a ticket-based ordering system designed for flow. The menu features juicy Pollo a la Brasa, sizzling Anticuchos skewers, and a rotation of seasonal sides that highlight Southern ingredients and local farms. Each dish reflects Castillo’s signature style—well-seasoned, flavor-forward, and balanced with bright, tangy salsas and thoughtful touches pulled from family recipes.

Expect flame-kissed Pollo a la Brasa, served by the quarter, half, or whole bird, paired with aji verde and salsa parrillera. Anticuchos skewers—offered with grilled beef heart, sirloin, or chicken thigh—bring classic Peruvian street fare to the grill. Surprise chef specials and seasonal sides like aji amarillo mac and cheese, herb-griddled potatoes with huancaína, chopped iceberg with chalaca and huacatay ranch, and smashed cucumber salad with chili crisp round out the spread, tying in the fresh, Southern influences found throughout Castillo’s cooking. Of course, Castillo’s signature salsas are available to keep things extra saucy. To round out the experience, Topo Chico will be onsite at launch with refreshing mineral waters, alongside Pisco Punch pouches, bottles of housemade Chicha Morada and more.

Hermanita makes her debut Monday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. out front of Tio Lucho’s at and on the adjoining patio 675 N. Highland Ave. NE #6000, Atlanta, GA 30306, popping up every other Monday until sold out. For dates, menus, and updates on where Hermanita is popping up, follow along at @tioluchos and @hermanita_atl. For more information, call (404) 343-0278 or visit www.tioluchos.com. 

Photo by MJT & Co

GET HANDS ON WITH TIO LUCHO’S THIS APRIL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/26/25

Ceviche Sessions: An Interactive Seafood Experience

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into Ceviche Sessions, an all-new monthly dinner series at Tio Lucho’s, kicking off Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 6 p.m. This intimate, communal-style experience brings seafood front and center, with Owner and Chef Arnaldo Castillo breaking down the catch of the day right at the table and turning it into a multi-course feast. The evening begins with a whole fish breakdown, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how to select, prep, and transform top-quality seafood. First up, Tiradito made fresh on the spot, followed by a main course featuring chef’s choice of preparation—grilled, fried, or braised—paired with organic jasmine rice and seasonal sides. Guests will be welcomed with a hand-selected glass of wine, with the full bar open for additional sips and the dinner menu available for those looking to explore more Peruvian-inspired flavors. Hosted at the bar’s high-top communal tables, Ceviche Sessions is an interactive, chef-led dining experience designed for those who appreciate bold flavors and expert technique. Seating is limited. Tickets are $90 per person, excluding tax, and are available now at www.tioluchos.com. Tio Lucho’s is located at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. For more details, follow @tioluchos on Instagram and Facebook.

Tio Lucho’s Presents an Evening of Peruvian Pisco 

Take a deep dive into the rich culinary and cultural heritage of Peru at Tio Lucho’s BarSol Pisco Dinner on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. This exclusive four-course dining experience will explore the complexity of Peru’s iconic spirit, featuring expertly crafted dishes and thoughtfully paired pisco cocktails. Special guest Diego Loret de Mola, owner of BarSol Pisco, will guide guests through the history, production, and nuances of this revered brandy, offering an intimate look at the spirit’s deep roots in Southern Peru. Each course will highlight pisco’s distinct characteristics, with Tio Lucho’s kitchen showcasing Southern Peruvian cuisine—the birthplace of the spirit—through a unique tasting menu designed by executive chef Arnoldo Castillo to complement and enhance the nuances of pisco. This unique dinner provides an opportunity to discover the versatility of pisco while savoring expertly crafted dishes that honor Peru’s culinary traditions. Tickets are $120 per person excluding tax and can be purchased here. Tio Lucho’s is located at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. For more details, visit www.tioluchos.com and follow @tioluchos on Instagram and Facebook.