Escape to 1950s Havana at This Downtown Boston Lounge
My Girl channels the glamour, rhythm, and indulgence of pre-revolution Cuba.
Photo by Josh Jamison
Hidden beneath downtown Boston restaurant Mariel, My Girl is COJE Management Group’s most enigmatic venture yet—an intimate, jewel-box lounge that trades the grit of its predecessor, Underground, for a lavish homage to the golden era of Cuban nightlife. Designed by acclaimed London-based designer Natalia Miyar, the subterranean space has been transformed into a sultry reverie inspired by 1950s Havana, when glamour, music, and indulgence defined the city’s entertainment scene.
Miyar reimagines the former Underground nightclub as a richly layered environment that feels both transportive and deeply atmospheric. A palette of blush, coral, and gold sets a warm, seductive tone, while plush velvets and gleaming metallic finishes catch and reflect the room’s low, moody light. Art deco influences—seen in curved forms, rhythmic patterns, and sculptural detailing—anchor the space in the era that inspired it, while subtle tropical references keep the mood relaxed rather than formal.
Photo by Josh Jamison
The layout is intentionally intimate. Plush booths wrap the perimeter, creating secluded pockets for conversation, while low-slung lounge tables invite guests to settle in and linger. The room unfolds gradually, revealing itself through texture and glow rather than scale—a design choice that heightens the sense of discovery and exclusivity. Every surface feels considered, from the tactile upholstery to the gilded accents that shimmer as the night evolves.
Curated works by contemporary Cuban artists punctuate the space, offering a thoughtful counterpoint to the historical inspiration. These pieces bridge the Cuba that once was with the Cuba of today, reinforcing My Girl’s intent to celebrate culture through both nostalgia and modern expression.
Photo by Josh Jamison
Music, too, is woven seamlessly into the design. With live piano sets, touring artists, and late-night DJs throughout the week, the space feels alive and responsive, its energy shifting as the evening unfolds. The soundtrack echoes Havana’s rhythm—intimate, unexpected, and electric—further blurring the line between lounge, club, and cultural salon.
Complementing the setting is a shareable, globally inspired menu by COJE chief culinary officer Tom Berry. Vibrant and expressive, the dishes are designed to foster conviviality, mirroring the room’s sense of indulgent togetherness.
First published in the print edition of Boston Home’s Spring 2026 issue, with the headline “Gilded Havana.”
