Cuba Cafe

I visited Cuba Cafe last Friday before watching a show in Joyce Theater. The seafood was so fresh. The butter sear tilapia with lime juice was so tender.

The service was excellent. The waiters were so nice and polite. We had a great time.

Pros: Great food

Cons: Tables are too cozy

Posted 11/10/09

I went there for dinner last weekend and we didn't have to wait for a table. The atmosphere is very warm and tropical. I love the fact that they have merengue playing in the background. We ordered a pitcher of Sangria and it was amazing! The service was also very good, the food came out extremely quick and it you can tell that they use fresh ingredients. The waitress was so nice, she took very good care of us. I would def recommend this place to families, couples, anyone who is looking to eat a great meal in a comfortable atmosphere.

Posted 03/24/09

We had a 10pm reservation here on a Saturday night. It was a good thing we had one, because the people that were coming in without one had an hour or more wait. The service was the best we experienced in NYC- by far. The food was also very good.

Pros: service,food

Cons: What are the drawbacks?

Posted 03/15/09

Have dined here twice now. Ordered the salmon both times and both times perfectly prepared. Great selection of appetizers so you can try a few different things - like the shrimp tamale which was excellent. Also a lot of different options for vegetarians and pescatarians, which can be rare for a latin restaurant.

Cocktails are good, but a bit on the weak side.

Service is exceptional, though I had the same waiter both times I was there.

Pros: Excellent food & many options for non-meat eaters

Cons: Drinks a little on the weak side

Posted 01/03/09

I recently hosted 37 people for a birthday party at Cafe Cuba and it was terrific! We took over the Hemingway Room which was charming ,cozy and beautifully set with lots of candles and white table cloths. The staff was so attentive and fun. Ricardo the manager stayed nearby taking care of all the details.The mojitos and caprihina's were divine as was all the food. The birthday cake was wonderful, sorry I didn't order 2. I reserved the room from 8 to 11PM but when I looked at my watch it was 1:30 AM! The staff was STILL attentive and no one tried to shoo us out! We had a great evening, and frankly it was very reasonably priced. Some of my guests liked it so much they went back the next day for lunch.

Pros: food, service, ambience

Cons: parking?

Posted 08/14/08

I went to Cuba Cafe for the first time with friends from overseas tonight.
The service was absolutely the best.
We received a warm welcome at the entrance and though my friends don't speak much English, our server was so kind and helpful.
Great food, fun atmosphere, awesome people, this place is highly recommended.

*Cuba Cafe serves Happy Hour drinks at the table as well as the bar.

Pros: service, price, atmosphere

Posted 06/12/08

I went with girlfriends for Happy Hour after work on Friday evening to have some light dishes and mojitos. When we arrived at about 6:15pm, we were told that Happy Hour drinks are only served at the bar. It's a tiny narrow bar area with about eight seats. So obviously there was no space available at the bar. And we wanted to sit, drink and eat anyway. I mean if customers sit and order food, obviously their tab is going to be higher than folks just drinking at the bar. So why Happy Hour prices are not available at the tables??? That's just DUMB DUMB DUMB!!
We took a table anyway. The drinks were weak...can't taste any liqour in them (except the Sunburn). When we asked to have the drinks be stronger on the next round, we were told that we would have to pay $7 extra. That's when we asked for the bill and left.

Posted 04/27/08

We have been here four times and we have been disappointed. The prices are cheap. the service is good and the food is excellent. We always take the mussels appetizer and the tres letche dessert. And to drink: mojito! One of the best of the city.
Reccomended

Posted 03/22/08

I went to Cuba Cafe about 2 weeks ago, and it was amazing! It was bumpin and totally fun inside, with the palm trees and the fun tropical fans, its totally my kind of place. I asked the bartender what the best drink was, and he said the mojito or the sunburn. I was nervous about ordering a mojito bc its usually really sugary and gross, but I decided that I was feeling adventurous and I ordered one, and I am SO glad that I did!! Their mojitos ROCK!!! Definitely get one if you go, and you'll see what I mean.
My fiance and I also ordered dinner - he ordered a meat dish (I can't remember which) and I had the salmon, and it was SO amazing!! The sauce is to die for, it is so good, trust me. I can't wait to go back to Cuba Cafe again....I will go basically anywhere if the drinks are good, but this place has great drinks AND good food!! I'm actually going to try to go there again tonight :-)

Pros: mojitos, awesome salmon, nice waiters and host was so accomodating

Cons: none!!

Posted 02/29/08

I ate here twice. Never dissapointed. The food is excellent
. I had a shrimp dish that was out of this world and i would also recommed the skirt steak and the fried yuca. The enslada latina makes a terrifc beggining. I have also had the oppourtunity of tasting all of the items on the desert menu. The chessecake, the alomd sorbet and the tres leches are remarable! . The wait staff is on point. They were very attentive, esepcaillu to details such as making sure our water glasses were full. You will enjoy the food. One of the best cuban restuarants in the city.

Posted 01/06/08

Went with a group of 15-20 and they really took care of us. I really recommend this spot for groups. Not too many veggies on the menu. Not recommended for vegetarians.

Pros: nice service for groups

Cons: not enough veggies and a bit pricy

Posted 01/06/08

We ordered appetizers that never came, the waiter was slow despite the fact that he wasn't busy, never refilling our water glasses. The worst part was that as a party of 4 they brought two plates out while two of us sat there twiddling our thumbs for literally 25 - 30 minutes before the other 2 plates came out. When I inquired about the long wait, they were rude and said "they're comin". No apology, nothing. By the time the food arrived, two of us were done and the other two were just starting. The chorizo stuffed chicken was so-so, the potatoes and tostones were okay, the dessert (brownie with icecream and cookie) was surprisingly bad, the food is overpriced for what you're getting. I wouldn't go back there, it was an overall dissapointment

Pros: the garlic mashed potatoes were decent, the scallops pretty decent too

Cons: service is very bad

Posted 01/05/08

I went to Cuba Cafe with friends on Sunday evening with friends - 15 of them! The staff was accomodating and very friendly. Despite the even flow of new customers coming in during our meal, they were all very attentive, including the manager, Jonathan. He and his staff went out of their way to serve us promptly. I could not have been more pleased. The ambiance was perfect for conversation with friends or a date night out. The food here was wonderful! Not one person in our party had anything negative to say about their meal. From the mojitos to the plentiful appetizers to the fabulous entrees (I recommend the BBQ ribs - YUM!), there were nothing but kudos to Cuba Cafe (and me for my marvelous restaurant selection!) from the entire group. Cuba Cafe is casual dining at its very best. I can easily see this spot becoming one of my favorite restaurants to hang with friends. I will be visiting this chelsea restaurant very soon and very often!

Pros: Service, Ambiance and Jonathan!

Cons: That I can't eat there every night!

Posted 11/19/07

Went to Cuba Cafe Sat. night.We were a party of six.We arrived at 8:00 and the place was jumping.We had mojitos at the bar and waited for our table.The manager told us it will be another ten minutes and bought us another round of mojitos.We started dinner and we were already in the party mode.We ordered pitchers of sangria {the best we ever had in New York so far} The food was fabulous and the service was very exciting.We would be back again and tell all our friends.

Pros: great drinks

Cons: none

Posted 09/09/07

I went a month ago, so forgive this late entry. I went here for a girls' night out and we had reservations for a Thu night. The host was friendly and chatty. We had our happy hour drinks at the bar -their $5 Cuba Colada is great. (Be forewarned that it is weak on the alcohol- I like it this way, most people probably don't!) For dinner, we had guacamole with yucca fries. That was a first for me and has spoiled me to want yucca fries from now on with my guacamole! I had the shredded beef entree and it was delicious. Also, the portion was so large I couldn't finish it. Service was quick, considering the crowds of people, and my water was filled often.

Pros: Great fun atmosphere

Cons: A little too loud for such a small space

Posted 07/04/07

I threw a surprise dinner for my sister's birthday on June 9th and EVERYONE had an awesome time. The food was great, the sangria delicious and the service was incredible! For a party of 17, they did an amazing job serving everyone their meals at the same time, no one ever had an empty glass in front of them, and all the staff - especially Johnny - made it a fantastic night. Definitely going back. Thank you!!!!

Pros: food, sangria, great service

Cons: no negatives

Posted 06/17/07

Like the neon outside this place says VIVA CUBA CAFE ! We had dinner last night here.The place was full,but we managed to find room at the end of the bar.We had the usual mojitos and tapas.The host forgot that we were waiting for a table so when we reminded him he gracefully apologized.After a wonderful dinner with great mix of music the host sent after dinner drinks to our table.

Pros: wonderful food,great music

Cons: gets busy

Posted 05/18/07

We were 6 girls the other nite looking for a place to hang out in.We went to cuba cafe.The bartender Damien suggested the mojitos.After a few rounds we were hungry,again our bartender suggested that we try the empanadas and chorizo with port wine.Both were very good,but the best was Damian.

Pros: good stiff drinks

Posted 05/17/07

Oy. Waitress did NOT wash hands after going to the bathroom. We told the manager and he offered us free dessert. Yuck.

It's too bad because the food was pretty good.

Pros: good food

Cons: unclean environment

Posted 05/11/07

We were handed free coupons for a complementary cuba libre drinks.We arrived and the party already started,the bar was packed.We handed the bartender the coupons and the drinks started to flow!.All the tables were full.This place rocks! Best happy hour in Chelsea.Oh,its from 4-7 everyday.

Pros: Best happy hour

Cons: Bar gets jumping

Posted 05/05/07

We were a party of five and decided to go to Cuba Cafe for mojitos.When we arrived the bar was four deep.We asked the host if we could have a table and he said the dining was full and he will make room for us.We ordered our drinks and were escorted to the rear of the bar.We had a great time.The music had a great mix of old and new Cuban songs.We ordered some tapas.The whole night went very well.The only problem was that you can t dance here.

Pros: strong mojitos

Cons: no dancing

Posted 05/04/07

I had a great meal here last night, cute cafe, open air seating, good food, only to find out that the happy hour prices are for the bar only! There was nothing at all stating that this is the case. After bringing this to the manager's attention he stated that our waitress should have told us, well she didn't, as sweet as she was. No adjustment was made. I would recommend the mojitos and food, just beware you'll have to sit at the bar for any specials.

Pros: Food, Ambience, Mojitos

Cons: Happy Hour Scam

Posted 04/30/07

As we approached Cuba Cafe we could hear the music as people were walking in and out of the place.When we walked in the party was already started.The bar was full and waiters running back and forth with food and drinks.We sat down and our hipster waitress read off the specials,we didn t even have to look at the menus we ordered.We ordered three specials,each one better than the other.The pork tenderloin was so tender and juicy with a guava and lime sauce.My friend had the tuna with glazed pineapple and spiced rum.The tuna was served rare to perfection.The only problem is that the entree portion are big so there is no room for dessert.We ordered one for the table,the chocolate domino cake,rich choclate layers with a hard chocolate top with a domino design on top.The service was very good and not rushed.The mix of music makes you want to get up and dance.The table next to us danced on their way out.

Pros: best cuban food

Cons: gets jammed prime time

Posted 04/12/07

We had a party at Cuba Cafe ,it was the greatest.People that we invited are still calling us up telling us how great it was.The food,music,service and decor makes the whole party happen.

Pros: Great food,music,service

Cons: gets very crowded

Posted 04/08/07

We had such a great time at Cuba Cafe.We had mojitos and dinner.My pal had the shrimp with garlic and I had the red snapper,both entrees were really,really good.The music is a great mix.The service was great.

Pros: GREAT SEAFOOD

Posted 04/04/07

CUBA CAFE IS THE PLACE TO BE FOR GOOD FOOD,MUSIC AND MOJITOS.I was with a party of six people on a Sat. nite.We had drinks at the bar and then went into the dining room for dinner.The place was full and everyone moving with the upbeat music.The food was very good,not spicy or greasy.The service was good and not pushy.

Pros: Good food and music

Cons: busy bar

Posted 03/27/07

We heard the music as we passed by,liked it and went in.There was a wait so we sat at the bar and had the worlds best frozen mojitos.After ten minutes we were seated.The pork tenderloin was tender and the sauce was really good,the yucca fries was something I never had ,they were great with the pork.For dessert I had the Tres Leches.The mix of music was great.

Pros: great ambience

Cons: busy bar

Posted 03/27/07

Theres a party going on at Cuba Cafe.Every time I go there its like that.The food is good and the music wants to make you get up and dance.

Pros: great for parties

Cons: can t dance

Posted 03/18/07

The only thing missing at Cuba Cafe was Fidel himself.The restaurant has the food and ambience of a real resto. in Havana.The mojitos are the best I ever had.

Pros: very original setting

Cons: not real palm trees

Posted 03/16/07

Walked into Cuba Cafe and the party was already started.The place was jumping,music loud and everyone having fun.The killer mojitos and the best cuban food in Chelsea.We will be back next weekend.

Pros: great party

Cons: killer mojitos

Posted 03/15/07

My friends and I had a small party of 8 the other nite and went to Cuba Cafe.Of course we all ordered mojitos.We all ordered off the menu and we did not have to wait for our food.The service was good and really pro.The food was put of this world.Cuban food is my favorite.The ambience is very cool,with the lighted palm trees and loud music.This is a real party place.Every table in the place is a good table.The whole place rocks!

Pros: EVERYBODY IS PARTYING

Posted 03/09/07

We went on a week nite hoping that we could get a table.We waited anyway.We were seated after five minutes.The waiter was very curtious and brought our drinks right away.I had the pork tenderloin special.My freind had the giant shrimp special,both was out of this world,the sauces tasted so good I asked for the recipe,but the chef was busy.

Pros: NOT OVER PRICED SPECIALS

Posted 03/09/07

They say you could judge a cuban restaurant by its mojitos,well if thats the case,Cuba Cafe is a 10 star restaurant.We had dinner last week at Cuba Cafe and the food was the best I have had so far in New York.The service was very attentive.The room was full of cuban art and palm trees.But most of all THE MOJITOS!!!!!! If you want good food,mojitos,service,go to Cuba Cafe.Try the mango mojito.

Pros: DIFFERENT FLAVORED MOJITOS

Cons: NONE

Posted 03/08/07

I wasn t feeling to hungry,but I felt like having a mojito.Went to Cuba Cafe and had two.I started getting hungry and ordered a few tapas at the bar.I had the chorizo with port wine and the banderillas with shrimp,chichen and pork.I felt real good after a few mojitos.

Pros: A PLACE FOR GOOD MOJITOS AND TAPAS

Cons: BAR GETS VERY BUSY

Posted 03/06/07

I had a group of friends coming from out of town last week,so it was my turn to take them out on the town.We wanted to have drinks then go to dinner.We started at Cuba Cafe.We were all in the mood for mojitos.After three rounds of mojitos we started getting hungry.We decided to stay and have dinner at Cuba Cafe.We ordered four appetizers for the table.Everything we shared was soo good.I had the roast pork loin.It was very tender and tasty,my friend had the chicken and rice,the best she ever had.The desserts was very colorful,tasty and very tropical.The bar scene was very hip and the music very good.

Pros: HIP BAR SCENE

Cons: GETS VERY CROWDED

Posted 03/02/07

I was in Cuba years ago.I remember the food and the great mojitos.Cuba Cafe is the next best thing from being there.The decor,music,food and the mojitos.The place is very original,even the art work and photos are from Cuba.The food taste as if I was eating in Cuba.

Pros: VERY ORIGINAL

Cons: MOJITOS COULD BE A LITTLE WEAKER,TOO MUCH RUM

Posted 02/09/07

We all decided to go out and eat and have fun.We all said lets go to Cuba Cafe! the music was loud and great! The food was outstanding.We all choosed different entrees and shared.The best mojitos are here as well.The service was very good considering the place was full,and a wait at the bar.

Pros: strong drinks

Cons: none

Posted 02/05/07

We had dinner the other nite at Cuba Cafe.The decor was fun and authentic.The lighted palm trees and murals of old Havanna.We ordered a few appetizers to share to go with our mojitos.The place was really jumping! the music was just right to make you want to dance.This is a great place to eat,drink and enjoy the nite.

Pros: good food and music

Cons: can t get enough

Posted 01/25/07

If you want the best mojitos this is the place to get them.We sat at the bar and watched the bartender muddle the limes and mint,he shaked the mixture up and poured them.As soon as we tasted them we told him you better start making two more.After a few ,We ordered some tapas at the bar,everything was very good even the music was great.

Pros: GOOD STRONG DRINKS

Posted 01/15/07

Had dinner with freinds at Cuba Cafe.The decor was very,very original photos and artifacts.The food was better then the other reviews mentioned.It just goes to show you can t believe everything you read.I had the churrasco skirt steak with yuca fritas,better then great.My freind had the camarones enchilados very tasty with seven jumbo shrimp.The best yet was the desserts,we ordered three for the table.If you want to go to Cuba,save your money and come here!

Pros: GREAT FOOD AND NOT EXPENSIVE

Cons: NONE

Posted 12/30/06

We wondered around Chelsea looking for a fun place to eat. We definitely found it at Cuba Cafe. The atmosphere was great! Fun lights lit up the bar, and it had a very cool ambiance. HOWEVER, the food was bad!!! We had ceviche (gross red stuff on it), fried oysters (you had to find the oyster through all the breading), salad (which was actually quite decent), and grilled shrimp (again, poor). I would not recommend eating here unless you are only having a drink at the bar. The pina coladas were pretty tasty! :)

Pros: Pina coladas, lit up bar, atmosphere

Cons: FOOD!!!

Posted 10/08/06

I don't know what it was but I wasn't too crazy about this place. The seafood paella wasn't all that great and it was very sandy too, I remember. I can't comment further because that's all I had. I'm not too fond of the decor either, a bit too tacky for my taste. But other than that, everyone else at the restaurant seemed to be having a wonderful time, which sets a good ambience. Service was decent.

Pros: so far, only the service

Cons: food

Posted 09/05/06

Im a mojito drinker,Cuba cafe rates number one in my book.I sat at the bar and watched the bartender make it from scratch.After two mojitos I ordered a few appetizers from the bar menu.I was in Cuba two years ago and Cuba cafe is the next best thind to it.Try the empanada sampler and the roasted pork loin.

Pros: you don t have to go to Havana

Posted 08/02/06

drinks were ok, food was average. The ambience was good.

I had the cornish hen, it was ok. It had no taste. My wife had the paella. It was good.

Pros: ambience

Cons: average food

Posted 07/04/06

I lived in Miami, among thousands of Cubans for 5 years and never had a Cuban meal in a restaurant that was better than mediocre. No cheap ingredients, overly-salted meat, or plain-jane recipes here. I ordered the empanadas sampler, crab croqueta, and something else I don't remember but I remember (all appetizers) thinking this was the best Cuban meal I had ever eaten. A fine and complex mix of nuevo-latino ingredients make you aware that every bite closer to the end of the meal is the sad reality that you won't have food this good again soon, most likely. The wine on the table that the waiter tried to push was rather embarassing, so we ordered a reasonably priced bottle of Chilean Cabernet for $24 that turned out to be divine. The decor was a bit tacky, but the food more than makes up for it.

Pros: Delicious, Reasonable wine price

Cons: Food a bit pricey

Posted 05/07/06

this food lacks authenticity. i had the pollito and it was served to me RAW! i sent it back and it still came to back to me pink. The sangria was great and the cheese filled bread was fantastic. the menu didnt resemble anything that I am used to and neither did the taste.

Pros: sangria, good service

Cons: food!

Posted 10/30/05

The ropa vieja wasn't quite right. I've have much better in Tampa, Orlando, and Miami. The food is not memorable. I miss Tropigrill/Pollo Tropical. The sangria was pretty strong. Everyone in the whole restaurant had a mojito, including my friend.

Pros: popular mojitos, endless water refills

Cons: not authentic

Posted 09/27/05

Just go there. The mojitos are super and the mussels are the most unique and best I have ever had. Seafood is terrific and the chicken and others are up there, too.

Pros: Food, Drinks

Cons: Music

Posted 08/16/05