What embargo? Great mojitos, ample portions and a festive, tropical atmosphere recreate Old Havana in Times Square.
Authentic Cuban Cuisine
Lunch, Dinner, Pre Theater
Great for Groups, Romantic
Since we first opened our doors in 1963, Victor's Cafe has been the place New Yorkers return to again and again for generous portions of fresh, authentic Cuban cuisine and warm, friendly service.
Victor's Cafe is open 365 days a year, Sunday-Thursday from 1130 until 11pm, Fri&Sat until midnight. It is located in the heart of the Theatre District on 52nd Street, between Broadway & 8th Avenue. The restaurant itself is divided into 3 spacious dining rooms accented with warm lighting, colorful Cuban art and lofty sky-lit ceilings. The Cuba Lounge is intimate and warm, featuring an authentic array of saladitos(appetizers) and a variety of traditional Cuban drinks like daiquiri, mojito, pina colada and tropical sangria.
The Scene Salsa music, swaying palms and a courteous, accommodating waitstaff are this stalwart's formula (it opened in 1963) for transporting customers to Batiste-era Cuba. It's a great spot for groups and a favorite among celebs--Gloria Estefan and Marc Anthony are regulars.
The Food Stick with traditional fare. The moist, hearty Cuban tamale, served with a mild pepper sauce, makes a nice starter, as does yuca con mojo, a surprisingly delicious boiled root vegetable. The best entrees have the least appetizing translations: ropa vieja, "old clothes," is meltingly tender shredded skirt steak served with fried and fresh vegetables; veca frita, "fried cow," is toothsome churrasco steak on mashed plantains. Pork dishes are also good. But steer clear of the flavorless seafood, and beware that the heavy-handed kitchen tends to overcook chicken and fish. Desserts are achingly sweet and gloopy--have another mojito instead.
My cousins rave about this place so we decided to check it out when we were in NYC. It's been there forever. The food and the presentation was lovely. The fried plantains are to die for.! A bit expensive but worth it!
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Don;t even get me started on how good their mojitos were. They put these sugar canes stick in their mojitos. YUMMY! I've heard the baclk bean soup is great adn if you ahppen to be a vegeterian you will go home very happy.
PROS: it was great
CONS: can't think of any..perhaps a bit pricey
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Latest reviews by Citysearch:
(read all 62 reviews
on Citysearch)
great place, good service
By smariangold
Waiters had a great knowledge of the menu, environment is coll, food is pretty good and the presentation is great, and the price it is in the average for mid town New York.
Pros: excellent food great presentation Cons: tables aren't level, music should be more authentic
Posted 04/10/09
Service was a bit slow... And I spent $100 with my date and
By CSMobileUser
The Ropa was good but were is the rice??? The two apps were really good... Mojitos were small but had a good flavor...if the prices were a bit lowere you would probably be busier...
Pros: Example: best croissants in town Cons: What are the drawbacks?
Posted 04/02/09
We''ll be back!
By PattyTT
From the minute we entered Victor's Cafe we were in heaven. The ambiance was so authentic and creative. The tables were roomy and not crowded. The white wine sangria was EXCELLENT. Dinner was very tasty and all the food combinations really enhanced each other. I usually don't like flan, but the flan here was amazing! We'll definitely be back!
Pros: Excellent food and Sangria. Cons: A little on the pricy side.
Posted 01/30/09
GREAT
By miarankin
I went in to dinner at Victor's Cafe with big expectations and they delivered! Great place with amazing food, great service and a nice atmosphere. It is an expensive dinner but well worth it. bartolito and filete mignon where GREAT! This restaurant is great for business or a romantic evening which is saying something. This is one of the best restaurants in the city.
Pros: food,ambiance
Posted 11/04/08
Good Food Skip the Sangria
By dogboy69
The overall experience at the restaurant was good. I ordered the Bistec w/ chimichurri ( Steak ). It was mediocre. The black beans & rice were very good. My girlfriend ordered the Paella which was excellent.
A half of a lobster was in the Paella along with other tasty meats (shrimp , churiso). The problem came when I ordered a pitcher of SANGRIA without checking the price. It tasted like a fruit drink and had no alcohol kick. It was $40. If I went back again, I would skip the steak & Sangria.
