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Name: Victors 1959 Cafe
Address: 3756 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55409
Telephone: (612) 827-8948
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.12

Victors 1959 Cafe

3756 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55409

(612) 827-8948
Store is closed

Victors 1959 Cafe Menu

Appetizers

Yuca Frita

Empanadas

Crab Cakes

Tamal Cubano

Cubano Mix
Side Salads

Habana Vieja

Ensalada Simple

Ensalada Completa
Our House Specialties

Lechon Asado

Bistec Encebollado

Camarones Criollo (shrimp Creole)

Camarones Al Ajillo (garlic Shrimp)

Sandwich Cubano
Vegetarian Entrees

Plato Vegetariano

Vegetables Criollo

Ensalada Tropical
Vegetarian Side Dishes

Arroz Blanco Con Frijoles Negros

Platanos Maduros

Frijoles Negros

Vegetales Criollo

Tostones
Life Is Sweet (desserts)

Pina Colada Cake

Flan Con Coco Rallado

Cascos De Guayaba Con Queso Crema

Coconut Ice Cream

Passion Mango Cheesecake

Healthy Meal suggestions for Victors 1959 Cafe

Appetizers

Yuca Frita [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Empanadas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crab Cakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tamal Cubano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cubano Mix [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Side Salads

Habana Vieja [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada Simple [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada Completa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Our House Specialties

Lechon Asado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bistec Encebollado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Camarones Criollo (shrimp Creole) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Camarones Al Ajillo (garlic Shrimp) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sandwich Cubano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Vegetarian Entrees

Plato Vegetariano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetables Criollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada Tropical [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Vegetarian Side Dishes

Arroz Blanco Con Frijoles Negros [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Platanos Maduros [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Frijoles Negros [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetales Criollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tostones [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Life Is Sweet (desserts)

Pina Colada Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Flan Con Coco Rallado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cascos De Guayaba Con Queso Crema [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coconut Ice Cream [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Passion Mango Cheesecake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Minneapolis for healthy meals suggestion.

Arby’s ( 5444 Brooklyn Blvd )

Visit below restaurant in Minneapolis for healthy meals suggestion.

Arby’s ( 5444 Brooklyn Blvd )

Write An Anonymous Review

P X.

How can you not love this place? It is everyone's dream of a garage turned restaurant with a line out the door! I mean-you can write on the tables and the place is so intimate that you almost feel like you can walk into the kitchen yourself and help cook the feast. This is a place that I consistently take out of town guests and have enjoyed a few casual dinners with friends (with several juice glasses of wine). A few favorites include the Ropa Vieja (the plantains are super amazing!) and Camarones al Ajillo (the zetsty lime flavor is delish). I have also done a few dinners of just white rice and black beans..which are super flavorful and substantial. Bonus: the prices rock and the service is spot-on. LOVE as first bite!
(5)
Anna L.

It was a super chilly morning last Friday, and we strolled into Victor's for a warm breakfast to ease the throbbing reminder of drinks the night before. We were seated pretty much right away, and after hanging up our coats, the busser/food runner came around to leave us water glasses, less than gently slamming them on the table. I gave her the benefit of the doubt, seeing as it was early still. We ordered pretty soon after (and although the lunch menu wasn't available just yet, the waitress stilll double-checked for my friend who wanted a cuban sandwich.) He wound up choosing Bistec Criollo, a steak dish with bell peppers and onions, with eggs and yuca on the side. I chose the Basque Scramble, which contained Spanish chorizo (the best I've ever had), bell peppers, onions, and ham- it was like a flavor party in my mouth, and very filling to boot. I was a huge fan of their bread, also, which was served witha side of guava jam. Yum! To drink I had Guanabana juice- a pear-like nectar that was not at all grainy... almost like liquid j-ello in texture, and not too sweet. Darn tasty, I say. Our overall experience was above par. The busser/food runner was full to the brim with attitude, which I'm not a fan of. I enjoyed the food, the juice, the atmosphere, and our main waitress. Also, hangovers cured! I would definitely make a return trip to Victor's if I make a return trip to Minneapolis.
(4)
Sarah Z.

Had the Platos Vegetarian - very yummy yucca and plantains! I also tried the mango pancake which was delicious. Reasonably priced and yummy and super cute. I'll definitely go again.
(4)
Jennifer K.

I'm sort of sad that I've lived in the Twin Cities for nine years, and I've been a whole lifetime without Victors. I went out for a late lunch with a friend of mine. I can't wait to go back! We split a huge pulled pork barbecue sandwich which came with some kind of fried plantains (which wasn't my favorite, but that was just me...I'm just not a huge fan of fried foods.) My friend loved it. They were cut into little circles, and I think it had yucca in it as well.Then there was some kind of spicy tomato-less salsa on top, with onions and spices. It was the best bbq I've had in a long time-it was sweet (had mango juice in it) and spicy. It had a kick and came on a really fresh bun. I think the thing I liked the best was the coffee frappe, which was basically iced coffee con leche, not some Frapaccino concoction. It was really strong iced coffee with the hot foam milk floating on top. That was amazing, creamy and cold. I could see myself ordering just that, sitting outside the little shack, reading a book, and watching the world go by. It really is a little shack, but the bright colors and Cuban memorabili remind me of little places like this in Jamaica and Mexico. I can't wait to go back and try the mango pancakes! They do have funny hours-they close at 2:30 to get ready for dinner, and they kind of stare you down if you don't head for the hills by 2:32.
(4)
Robert S.

Deb and I stopped by Victor's the other day to give it a try. This is a hard place for me to review. Deb liked the decor and I didn't like it at all, to me it felt like I was eating in a converted porch that some crazy lady and her kids put together. As far as the food goes, I thought my food was good, but nothing special. Deb didn't like her food at all she thought the shrimp was tough and overcooked , she couldn't detect the lime garlic mojo at all. The rice and black beans were dry and really bland. She hardly touched it (she tasted my food and thought it was better). However the service was great. Victor's isn't a place I would go out of my way to eat at but if I was in the neighborhood and hungry I might stop in (but not with Deb). For the star rating, it's not quite a 3 but it's better than a 2. If I could I would give it a 2.7. (deb would give it a 1).
(3)
Peter L.

Awesome. A dive with a touch of class! Great food, excellent service, nice atmosphere, all at a fair price. Delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner. REAL CUBAN, BY REAL CUBANS. Choose Victor's for when you feel like "Eating with the Enemy." Convenient location right on the corner of 38th and Grand Ave. S. Uptown MPLS.!!!!
(5)
Jean P.

I was impressed with this place! We did have to wait about a half an hour to get in, but it was Sunday and I totally understand why there was such a wait. I loved the beverage choices. I had the raspberry lemonade, which was fresh squeezed and fantastic, but there were many different juice choices that you do not normally see such as mango, guava, passion fruit and more. The menu had many choices as well. The breakfast options were either american or cuban, so feel free to bring a picky friend along because they will be able to find something if they are not adventurous. The lunch menu was very extensive as well. I decided to go with the lunch special, but I do not remember the name. It was shredded flank steak with red, orange, and yellow peppers with onions and creole spices. This was served with white rice, black beans, and fried plantains. It was filling and I definitely had enough left overs for another meal. My friend and I also split a mango pancake and let me say that I will be returning to have more of these! They were so great, no syrup required!! The servers were very friendly. All are welcome at Victor's because the couple next to us had their puppy with them and he was welcome as well! They have a great outdoor patio to sit with huge umbrellas so that you could eat in the sunshine but not fry in the heat. I will definitely be returning.
(4)
Terry W.

Food is terrific, esp. the Ropa Viejo, but don't take kids. Boths are small and the service slow. I would agree with Mando W., it was drafty. Happy Hour wine specials warmed us up though.
(4)
Terra G.

I love this tiny place and it's delicious food! Yum, yum, yum!
(5)
Jackie T.

Great place. I was a little nervous because it looked like a total dive from the outside, but the service and the food were great. The had a surprisingly decent wine list and even gave us a little taste of one of their wines to celebrate their 10 year anniversary in business. I would recommend making a reservation-we had to wait about 45 minutes to eat on a Friday night. I had a sauteed shrimp dish that was awesome. It came with a couple fried green plantains that were delicious. We had the empenadas for an appetizer and those were really tasty as well. I will definitely be back soon!
(4)
Cynthia B.

Hubby and I went for brunch a while back. We had high expectations....we were thinking Cafe Havana in NYC's little italy. V59 was a cute place in that gritty writing on walls kind of way (which kind of freaks me out from a hygiene pov), but food was mediocre at best. Very little flavor and cold. Service was just under OK. Just like in a real Havana paladar. So, I guess kudos on authenticity?
(2)
Mando W.

This is not an unknown -- but is such a neat spot. The Cuban food here is great. Ambiance is perfect for brunch or dinner when you're craving that Austin, TX hipster dive experience. Coffee is great. It's drafty. You'll freeze on a cold winter day. Do NOT try to go here for brunch when it's 20 below on a saturday or Sunday... you will wait outside for over an hour in line for a table. For that matter-- I wouldn't go here for wknd brunch ever... too busy. Weekdays are better for enjoying Victor's without the rest of the city in your way.
(4)
Charlie M.

The food here is a nice blend of American/Cuban Breakfast. We stuck with the Cuban specials and had a delightful time. The atomsphere here is 5 stars and has as much character as some of the best dinerse in the business. The wait staff was very weloming and I would and have been recommending it.
(4)
jon d.

i am not writing this because i've eaten here in the very recent past(its been about a month sadly), but because i feel that a truly baller restaurant is one that makes you think about it with a near sense of longing. i am longing for Victors today. beyond a doubt a fine example of delicious cuban cuisine, and coming from florida where delectable cuban food abounds thats sayin something! i get one of two dishes every time i'm here(i know, try something new! i cant!)eggs with black beans, cuban toast and yucca is a breakfast made in cuban heaven, but if i'm feeling lunchy i always go for the pulled pork smothered with mojo and served also with yucca...some times i cant decide on either. so i get the pulled pork with a side of eggs and black bean....oh to be there now....
(5)
WK L.

I love the decor and the unique menu is pretty good, too. I also love that you don't have to break an arm and a leg to pay for breakfast/brunch. The prices for breakfast and brunch have gotten pretty ridiculous lately. I had the Cuban Hash which is a bit disappointing as it tasted like spaghetti sauce a little bit. The eggs were too greasy for my taste. I think they use a lot of butter. However, the mango pancakes were to die for! The Cuban toasts were good too. I'd definitely go back to try something else.
(4)
Paul L.

It was a busy Sunday, so I was worried about our party of 5 being seated. We didn't have to wait long at all, and the food was great. Not too spicy (thought it could have been our choices.) Rancheros Cubanos is recommended! Kid friendly. The ambiance, while interesting, is a bit claustrophobic.
(4)
Emmy L.

the food is AMAZING!! one of my fav restaurants in Mpls, so glad its near my house and i can eat here often. its really small, so if you go during busy times (brunch and dinner rush) expect a bit of a wait, but its worth it! also, love sitting on the patio in the summer, eating empenadas and drinking red stripes, life is good :)
(5)
ALICIA S.

I feel like a bad Minneapolis resident for hating this place, but I do! Cute atmosphere, but what a bad dining experience! Maybe I just was there on "off" days. My food was blah.. I can do better at home.. and my service was sooooo bad last time that my husband and I didn't leave a tip! I have never done that in my life! Maybe someday I'll come back and see what all the fuss is about and try it again.
(1)
Amber H.

Went here with family while visiting. I had a breakfast sandwich on Cuban bread, it was good. Mom had rancheros thing she said it was great. Dad had Spanish omelette, he thought it was good. Aunt had mango panacake was really good! Also had a Cuban tamale (good). Cousin had eggs with black beans & sauce on top. She liked it alot.
(4)
felix v.

Good food, nice atmosphere, great prices and average service. If you are planning to have breakfast or lunch during the weekend be aware that you might have to wait in line for half an hour or more.
(4)
Maureen F.

I visited Victor's this weekend for brunch at the request of a friend who had been there before. The wait was not too long, but the waitress did get a little snotty with me when I asked for table. Otherwise, the food was good. I had the Cuban scrambler with sweet plantains and gauva jelly, both yummy. I used to eat a lot of Cuban food when I lived in Florida, and I would say this place has a lot of authentic choices. I would go back to try them out for dinner.
(4)
Jennifer H.

If you can get in the door, do so even if only for the yucca.
(5)
Dave K.

The breakfast is a revolution in my mouth.
(4)
Randy H.

Was coaxed to Victors by an out of town friend who had recently seen it on Triple-D. Don't get to south Mpls too often so we gave it a whirl. Got there about 8:30 PM on a Wednesday evening just as tables were opening up (they were slammed earlier in the night). Ambiance is certainly interesting. The dark yet colorful tones reminded me of the New Orleans House of Blues. It is small. It feels like you are walked right into the kitchen. No matter. It's all part of the vibe of this terrific little diner. We shared four entrees, with the Shrimp Creole (non-menu special) winning top honors from myself. The salmon Salmon De Mango was also terrific. The salmon flavor just popped in your mouth. The Ropa Vieja (featured on DDD) and Picadillo A La Cubana were also terrific. Fried sweet plantains...yum! Wait staff was engaged and helpful. Spoke with the owner on the way out. Great lady and a great little hole in the wall. Reasonable prices, and great Cuban foods. Milder than I thought, but delicious! Word has it breakfast is terrific. We'll need to work that in sometime.
(5)
eddie d.

I could not really find a flaw in our breakfast. Only thing would be i wish the chorizo was spicier. Perfect size portions and you can't beat a $20 bill for 3 people. I don't even think they charged us for coffees.
(5)
Ashley M.

Great place for a good Cuban breakfast. Victor makes the best black beans...the secret ingredients are unknown...but they are delicious and worth whatever extra calories he may add. The fried plantains are amazing and huevos revueltos...scrambled eggs...are perfectly cooked. I think you have to like to mix it up a little, sweet with salty, to really take advantage of all this place offers. This isn't your local greasy spoon--this is a home-cooked Cuban breakfast at its best.
(4)
Jen T.

Something different! My friend and I went to this place because we want to try Cuban food. Parking was not easy. So we parked on the street rather far away from the place. We didn't do reservation, luckily there were 2 seats at the bar that vacant so we could sit there. Don't have enough hooks to place our coats. There were hooks but already full of coats and we just had to put our coats on the top of other coats. The waiter was very attentive and knowledgeable. We ordered cuban sandwich which was huge and yucca frita as a side, it was a yummy sandwich. Fricasse de Pollo ( cuban chicken stew) was delicious with rice and black beans were cooked together. And love the fried plantains as a side dish! but the chicken cubes were skimpy. My friend asked me what do you order? I said cuban chicken stew, she said where is the chicken? For drinking I ordered red rooibos expresso latte, a new menu, it was ok. Talked about the atmosphere and space, we came for dinner, it was dark outside and inside. little candles on the table didn't give any help and add any good atmosphere at all. The place was so tiny with graffiti all over. 2 things good about this place, the food and the service.
(3)
T.S. M.

This place was really coo!. It looks like a total dive from both inside and out, but the food is the opposite of dive bar food. It's a little Cuban restaurant in South Minneapolis. The service was great and the food tasted amazing. Our waitress said that Guy Fieri ate hear and said their Sandwich Cubano was one of the best 5 he has ever eaten! So i had that and it was delicious.
(4)
Elliot U.

I went here today with my dad and a friend of his, and her grandkids. The food here was very good. My dad had the french toast which he seemed to enjoy. I had a banana cake which was huge! plate sized and an order of their seasoned potatoes which were also good.Her grandkids got pancakes as well ( blueberry and buttermilk). Service was very good as well. I plan to go back again and would like to try one of their cuban specialities. The prices here are very good as well.Try this place sometime if you havent.
(4)
Lacey P.

Yum yum yum. Showed up on a Saturday not too early, but got a seat at the lovely colorful oil-cloth covered booth. I like that you can write all over the walls and ceiling. The vegetarian plate was fantastic, it included yuca and plantains, and the pancakes were very cheap, gigantic, and definately not made from a mix. We had wild rice pancakes and mango with some mango puree on top. We had another meal's worth to take home. Great shack-like building, and the owner got that food out fast. Love it. Little gift area and a lot of red. On the top five of my favourite breakfast in the Twin Cities. Viva Victor's!
(5)
Michelle K.

Love Victor's. It is small, and not pretty, but who cares? The food rocks! The mango pancakes are outstanding. The black beans as a side item really are great. The fried yucca is the best! Great texture and fries up very crisp. Well worth the time you'll probably have to wait.
(5)
Rachel N.

Amazing breakfast. I try to go here whenever I'm in town, especially if it's early enough to beat the crowd.
(5)
M.C. C.

What a great little place. And I mean little. Fun atmosphere. Bright Cuban theme with a tinge of greasy spoon. We've introduced many a friend to the Victor's and never have they been disappointed. For diner try the Picadillo a la Cubana--lean ground beef sauteed with green and red peppers, green olives, capers and raisins with a creole sauce with fried sweet plantains on the side. A unique alternative to the Ropa Vieja people typically order at a Cuban restaurant (the Ropa is great here too!). And don't forget they have one of the best breakfasts in town. My mouth waters just thinking about the simple but yummy Ranchero Cubano--eggs on corn tortillas and melted cheddar smothered in creole sauce. Oh baby. And definitely try a corn pancake. It's a holdover from Rick's Cafe the legendary greasy spoon that used to occupy this great space. Great little patio, too! If you expect to be waiting a bit and making friends with the people in line around you, then you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Josh M.

a great experience. try the black bean dishes and the corn pancakes.
(4)
Lulu T.

Even though the new owners chucked the super yum famous bisquits and gravy from the old menu years ago, Victor's has evolved to be one of the best breakfast joints in the city! It's sooooo sunny and colorful inside, and yet soo teeny tiny to boot... the food is aweosme with YUMMY cuban breakfasts... complete with platains and mango pancakes... the only thing is I'd say the staff should smile and feel pleased that they work at a fun, and what appears to be easy, money-making joint. Everytime I go the server seems to be annoyed and not happy....
(4)
Jay F.

Breakfast First of all, good coffee. That's important to me. This is a very funky, partially customer decorated, very small place with indoor tables with a patio outside, very charming. I told the waitress that is was my first time and could she suggest something that would represent the restaurant best. She gave me a couple of choices including the Mango Pancake and I took it from there. They have about 10 Cuban breakfast choices along with the typical American choices. I chose the Cuban. Perfectly cooked over easy eggs with really good toast and fried plantains with some Cuban spiced ground beef which was my least favorite thing on the plate. The ground beef was sort of bland, it was cooked with Cuban spices and onions and it was just average. I should have gone with a similar dish with steak pieces instead. The Mango Pancake was AWESOME and huge, the mango topping not to sweet and looked to me to be a mango puree, I still added a little syrup for sweetness, it was wonderful. The service was fine and the place was clean. I wish I could go again, but I was in town on business but enjoyed it very much. No Amex cards here, but they do take Visa and MC.
(4)
Benjamin C.

bistec criollo is my favorite dish here. be prepared to wait in line for 30 min for weekend brunch.
(4)
Cristin M.

Victor's is a true gem. Be prepared to wait in in line if you show up mid-morning on a weekend, but it's well worth it. The corn pancakes are highly recommended. A good choice of tropical fruit beverages, all of which are quite refreshing. Lots of things on the menu to try out, and trust me, you'll be bursting at the seams when you leave this place!
(5)
Taylor C.

Fantastic restaurant, great service. Make sure to call ahead, though, it's a small place!
(5)
Matt C.

I was in the neighborhood for work and was looking for a good lunch. This place certainly fit the bill. I took my order to go, but I have no idea what Jaymi M. is talking about. While my take out container wasn't overflowing, I am stuffed, and feel like taking a nap. I hope to be back, lunch was good, breakfast sounds fantastic. On a side note, while waiting for my sandwich, I got a kick out of reading all of the pro-Obama, anti-Bush writings in a communist restaurant.
(4)
Jess L.

The food is great, prices are affordable for the quality you get, and the coffee is to die for. I'm not a regular coffee drinker, but I am here! I had brunch today with a friend. We waited a while to be sat, but it's totally worth the wait. Our server seemed a little flaky--we ordered coffee off the bat, and she came back several times without it, until we reminded her. Terrific food, great atmosphere...I'm glad I live in the neighborhood! I went again on 10/12, and the service was unnecessarily slow. The place is not large, and the servers had maybe three tables each. The girl who wasn't our server was attentive to her tables, while our girl seemed lost in space the whole time we were there. Excellent food as always, but slow service for the size of the place.
(4)
Mike H.

How to recognize a good place to eat in Minneapolis: long line to get in at 9:10 AM on Saturday morning, everyone stares at the door, waiting for a table to open, when seated, people focus on eating and enjoying the place. I'm a repeat customer and noticed this time that Victor's 1959 is the only place I've been in other than on an airplane that no one and I mean no one was constantly checking their phone for yet another useless text message. Breakfast was excellent. They have an American breakfast menu for those of you can't handle a salsa-less plate of eggs.
(4)
Jaymi W.

Just a quick note, I'm pretty certain the amount of food they give you when you take out is a lot smaller than the portions you get when you eat at the restaurant. I was super disappointed because I love Victor's food and was looking forward to eating it like a total starving fat kid (not so far from the truth, trust me) the entire ride home. Don't worry Victor's, we're still BFFs.
(3)
Jessie S.

We recently took a trip to Miami and indulged in more than our fair share of legit Cuban food so we decided to go back to Victor's to see how we felt about it in comparison. It was still magically delicious.
(5)
Lorraine T.

Some of the most cramped seating in the city. And, frankly some pretty rude staff. Showed up (2 of us of a party of 3). Waitperson only reluctantly seated us at a table that was barely large enough for 2 and said the 3 rd person could pull up a chair. Food was pretty bland with the only item worthy of praise was the coffee con leche.
(2)
Kristin B.

I LOVE this place! The food is excellent and the staff is out of this world! Traveled here for brunch and got the bistec criollo with cuban toast and guava jam. Finished it off with a tropic guanabana mimosa. Was eyeing the sake bloody mary and decided to split one with my date. Since I was recovering from a cold, we requested two glasses and the waitress actually made us two mini bloodys, it was so cute! Would return here any day of the week. :) It is a small diner, and there is often a wait to get a table. There's seating at the bar that is often open or more fast moving. I also believe there is outside seating if the weather is nice.
(5)
J H.

Despite the hype, this place is just average. We waited 30 minutes for a table on a Sunday morning. When our food arrived it was cold and just OK. The shredded flank steak special was almost un-chewable -- it needed a lot more time in the slow cooker to be tender. The cuban hash was better and the plantains were good. The mango pancake that everyone raves about? A plain pancake with some kind of mango-ish sauce on top and one piece of mango in it that I could find. Meh. If you cook at home you will not bother with this place. Breakfast is so easy to make. If I am going to pay for breakfast food it better be better than this. We didn't bother to take the leftovers home.
(2)
L. D.

Decent Ropa Vieja, with yellow rice and maduros. No liquor means NO MOJITOS. This was ok cuban food. I wouldn't drive across town again to visit, but if I was in the neighborhood I might stop in. This was on my list of places to go from the Diners, Drive-in and Dives shows.
(3)
Scott K.

For some reason I like rice with my breakfast. Many a times I will save my leftover Indian or Thai food for the next morning to mix with my eggs. Finally I found a place that does this for me (and it's close to home). The best way to describe the place is a greasy spoon with a more diverse menu. The inviting sunny patio and very friendly service will bring me back a lot.
(4)
EriK N.

My experiences with Victor's (1959) CafÃ© have all gone down on the weekends and primarily for breakfast/brunch. That being said I cannot really offer any opinion of what this place is like during lunch or dinner. I will be the first to admit that I'm no intellectual when it comes to Cuba. My Grandpa chattered about his "Cuban" cigars and throughout my adolescence every person was sporting a Che Guevara t-shirt because of Rage Against the Machine. A lot can be discovered about Cuba, but if you are short on time why not settle for some Cuban cuisine. Plenty of beans, eggs, creole sauces, plantains, and pancakes. A choice of a small patio outside or being sat in the rather small booths adorned with endless tags amidst Cuban pictures and photos. If lost for what to order, why not check the walls, you will find plenty of opinions. GOOD: * Authentic Cuban food * Enough Coffee and espresso to wake the earliest riser * Affordable, especially with their giant side orders * You can write on the walls * Ummm... it's delicious? BAD: * Sitting near the busy entrance * Customers rudely calling everyone rude. * Too full to move UGLY: * Getting stuck waiting in line and eye balling the Grand CafÃ© Must eat a unique menu item, I personal recommend getting a corn/mango pancake and sharing a side of Yucca with the table. It's an interesting food, and it's served in a sweet and tangy sauce that tastes like lime juice, garlic, and vinegar. Must avoid being rude. Recite, "Patience is a virtue" ad nauseum. Think of it as counting sheep on a sleepless night. If you wait, your hunger will be happily extinguished.
(5)
Zak H.

Good place for weekend brunch. Doesn't hurt that it is within walking distance for me. Get there early and/or expect a wait - but worth it.
(4)
Andy G.

I guess I just expected so much more. Don't get me wrong, it was quite tasty and the place itself was pretty cool. I ordered a scrambled egg type breakfast with chorizo and peppers and what not. It was very flavorful but just wasn't mind blowing. I'm also used to gianormous bar breakfast portions so my fat ass wasn't nearly filled up enough when I was done.
(3)
Katie W.

The Cubano sandwich is amazingly delicious! The pork and ham, pickles, and mustard blended together for the most delightful sandwich washed down with a Red Stripe. Does it get any better? The place is small--in fact we drove right by it--but it's big on taste and style. I felt like I had a little taste of the tropics on a cold winter night, I can't wait to go back and try the brunch.
(5)
Jessica S.

As my two teenagers & I waited to be seated for breakfast, we were entertained by the graffiti covered walls and the large black & white photo of Fidel Castro playing baseball... We all had (and LOVED) the Ranchero Cubanos! The food & the service was great. We'll be back soon!
(4)
Michael C.

Update - Came to Victor's recently for some dinner action. The ropa vieja was just like I used to get in NYC. While a little bit pricey compared to the Puerto Rican place I used to go to in QNS, it is probably the only place to get it in MN so I can put up with the relatively high prices. Also, be sure to try the raspberry lemonade. It's really good. Went to Victor's a few weeks ago for the first time. From the looks of the menu, they specialize in breakfast and Cuban style sandwiches. As much as I was tempted by a sandwich, I was there for breakfast. I got a Ranchero Cubano with a side of sausage. We also ordered a side of cuban toast. The two things that stuck out from this experience in a very positive way were the creole sauce that my breakfast was served with and the cuban toast we ordered on the side. Instead of going into the details of describing a sauce and toast, I think you should go to Victor's 1959 and try them for yourself. I eagerly await my next trip to Victor's when I will try myself one of those Cuban style sandwiches.
(4)
Nita M.

This place used to be great, however the last 4 times I have been here the food has been sub-par. The rice was like day old and dried out. The beans aren't as flavorful as they used to be either. I don't know if they decided to try to make the food more healthy or what but I can't recommend this place any longer.
(2)
Emily A.

Yep -- that's super yum! I love the bright decor and the smallness of the whole place. The food is delicious and they've got plenty of choices (American ones too if you don't feel experimental). I highly recommend the mango mimosa -- it's VERY good. The only downside of it I would say is the service. I wasn't feeling in a hurry at all, but it was still really slow (and I don't want to have to ask twice for more coffee and then still wait a bit more) and one person I was with didn't get a side they ordered. Even so, it's so charming and yummy, I can comfortably give it 4 stars.
(4)
weston w.

Just terrific.. we love the place and plan on taking a trip 1 a month to eat lunch.
(4)
Phil B.

Super tasty! Not the absolute best Cuban food I have ever eaten, but it is up there. Fried plantains and rice adorn many a dish, which is fantastic. Especially if you are looking for a little twist on brunch, visit 1959 and be impressed.
(4)
Yo M.

While we're not thrilled about paying American prices, Victor's is one of those rare international gems that gives you the whole package upon entering (or even standing outside on a scorching summer day). The food is great and the atmosphere is wonderful (although missing the delicious smell of cigar smoke).
(4)
Esther K.

Had the Cuban sandwich it should be illegal it was so good! Tried yuca and sweet fried plantains for the first time; they were excellent! We loved the ambiance of the restaurant felt like we were actually in Cuba.
(5)
Dylan G.

The Cuban Hash (it does not claim to be corned beef hash, not once) is almost definitely the greatest breakfast dish I've ever had in my life. Get your eggs over easy and add an extra order of fried plantains and you've closed the case on the search for the ultimate breakfast. (Not sure if it came with rice, but that was a pretty clutch addition, as well.) Every single flavor note was top notch and exquisite, including their own blend of coffee which they sell by the pound. I almost lost it when a customer waiting for a table asked, after the server brought her a mug of java, "Is this Cuban coffee?" I felt like saying, "Yes ma'am, even though there has been an ongoing trade embargo with Cuba for HALF A CENTURY, Victor's breaks the law every day by importing Cuban coffee beans. Please don't forget to order the Bald Eagle Omelet once you've been seated, dummy." What you most need to know is this: Victor's is TINY. On the morning we went, it was raining, thus eliminating half of their seating by taking the patio tables out of the rotation. If you're hitting this place on a weekend and you're in a rush, forget about it. Otherwise, your patience will be rewarded. In addition to our two plates of hash (my girlfriend and I decided as we waited that we would not be sharing this morning's meal), we also shared a single, massive, delicious mango pancake. We knew damn well we were over-ordering and wouldn't be able to finish everything, but since we essentially drove 350 miles for this breakfast, we were going out in style. The pancake was perfection, crispy on the outside and nice, thick and fluffy on the inside. Tearing off a chunk and noshing it between sips of coffee was a great way to cleanse the palette before diving back into the hash. There are a few dishes in my life that haunt me, that I think about every few days and long for the ability to teleport myself to satiate my desire. My mother's meatballs. The chorizo-stufffed dates at Avec in Chicago. And now, Victor's Cuban Hash. For the less brave of you out there who aren't sure about a Cuban breakfast (or for those of you with children who might prefer less adventurous fare), note that Victor's also serves traditional "American" breakfast items. I'm sure they do those well, but really, why bother ordering what you can get at Denny's when you can enjoy an illegally smuggled Cuban meal?
(5)
Laura C.

I hate to even recommend this place because then the line will be even longer next time I go there for my fix of delicious pork and sweet plantains. I keep hoping they will expand so everyone can enjoy the food. But fair warning any weekend morning or afternoon, you're looking at a 30-40 minute wait, standing outside for half of it.
(5)
Ryan Q.

Went here on a whim one day and turned out to be a delightful surprise. As featured on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, the Sandwich Cubano served with yuca frita (some sort of potato) was excellent. Enjoy some good Cuban food and a decently priced happy hour out on their porch, you won't regret it
(4)
Genevieve R.

The food at Victors is as colorful and amazing as the little shanty the restaurant sits in. I will admit, in the winter this place can be a chilly destination. The summer is the best time to come to Victors. I am a fan of the Cuban Hash. The blend of raisins and olives combined with the eggs, meat and beans is divine. The waitresses are awesome and full of life. This place is priced nicely as well.
(4)
Jennifer K.

Oh, I really wanted to be as in love with this place as everyone else... maybe I just ordered wrong. The woman who answered the phone on Saturday night gave me the low down on Sunday brunch, so my party moved their arrival time up to 9:00am in order to avoid a wait - we didn't wait long, so that was nice. I ordered yuca and eggs with a side of Cuban toast with guava jam. They forgot my toast, but the waitress brought it quickly after I pointed it out and they took it off the bill without me making any mention of that - big plus there, in fact - that's what will get me to come back again in the hopes that the food will be better the second time around! The eggs were ordered over easy, but they came raw. Bummer... and by raw, I mean the egg whites were still transparent throughout the majority of the dish. Ick. The yuca was lackluster... in fact, white eggs, pale yuca and toast don't make for the prettiest plate in the place, perhaps some color? Anyway - two eggs barely offset the mound of starch on the other side of the plate. 4 chunks of yuca would have sufficed, not 2/3 of a plate full. No one can eat that - and no one should. They had a nice amount of acid (lime) on them to counter the starch, but still! You know how that dish could've been better (aside from cooking the eggs) - if it were yuca and eggs with less yuca and perhaps a Tbsp of some of their other selections - perhaps a chunk of plantain? A small scoop of beans? Certainly NOT the toast it normally comes with - there's no reason for bread and yuca to be on the same plate. I ordered a side of Cuban toast out of curiosity, but I was really surprised to learn the dish already came with bread. Truly strange. Atmosphere was adorable, I'll try one more time - hopefully I'll have better things to say!
(2)
Alison M.

If you like black beans at every meal (I do!) then Victor's will treat you right. Breakfasts are warm and cozy here, with old Havana tunes playing in the background and your friends snuggled up in a booth together. If you are an idealist, you will actually enjoy the music, the atmosphere, and let it transport you to a simple time of revolution and hope. If you are a realist, try and forget all the violence and discrimination. Embrace Communism as you embrace black beans for just a couple hours. You can pass the time reading the graffiti on the walls...and the tables, and the benches, etc. and feasting on delicious plantains and yucca. My favorite time to go to Victors is on warm afternoons to enjoy the ambiance from outside on their patio. It's a little less cozy than inside this blue hut but in MN, you've got to appreciate the weather while you've got it. Watch the shoppers pass by and if you are waiting on a table, you might as well go shopping yourself. There are a few consignment stores on the opposite corner that are worth perusing. The best way to go on nights like this is to forgo the dinner entrees and order a bunch of sides that you can share with the whole table. Keeps the cost down and if you are honest, you will admit you wanted to try a little bit of everything anyway. Have a glass of wine, close your eyes, and enjoy the 'island' weather for as long as you can. Quizzically, the servers I've had there have never been Cuban (or Latino for that matter) so it took a little bit away from the authenticity but I think they got it right with the food at least.
(4)
Dailyn G.

My favorite restaurant in the Twin Cities! Cuban food is the closes to puertorrican food i can fin in the Twin Cities, and Victor's remind me of growing up in Puerto Rico. The food here is delicious! Ropa vieja and the rice with black bean are my favorites. For breakfast the corn pancakes are a must. I also recommend empanadas, tostones, sweet plantains and yucca. The restaurant is very small with graffiti on the walls and plastic table cloths but this ambiance complete the meal and it will leave you wanting to come back.
(5)
Lori G.

It is a sweet nice little place! I love their omelet most! If you don't want to wait in line. Do go before 8:30am (at least for breakfast)! And your clothes do get stink!
(4)
Zachary S.

a perfect place to hole up on a rainy/snowy april evening, and if I close my eyes, the 4 fire trucks and ambulances blocking 38th and Grand, I can imagine I am in Cuba, in 1959. The chicken perfect tender, the red stripe sweaty cold, and the best plantains I have ever had like 1,000 year old candied king fingers mummified and preserved to last until this moment--a moment balanced on the thin matchstick of time before it ignites and burns this tiny shack to the ground. Which may be the only way I can break this spell cast over my evening, otherwise I would expect to walk outside and feel sand under my toes and a tropical heat beating upon my upturned face. One more beer please.
(5)
Mariel L.

When I moved to Minneapolis a few months ago, this was one of the places I definitely wanted to try out with my folks, since I saw it on DDD. First off, the place is really tiny, so expect a wait during rush hours, like Sunday brunch (which I did the second time I ate there, around 25 minutes). However, the food is worth the wait. I haven't had a lot of Cuban food before, beyond the sandwich, but it was nearly impossible to make up my mind because everything sounded so good. I went for the Cuban hash, which was salty and tangy perfection. It reminded me of a Filipino dish that's also seasoned ground beef with tomato sauce and fish sauce, just a Cuban version. Also, making it definitively Cuban were the sweet plantains and guava jam on the side. I love the jam that they serve with almost everything. The next time I went there was also for breakfast, this time with a friend who was absolutely enthused that I mentioned Victor's existence. For the life of me I can't remember what it was I ordered, but I got to try some of my friend's yuca frita and they were great root crop goodness. Looking forward to eating more Cuban fare from Victor's
(4)
Stephanie A.

Had b'fast w/my roomie there after a sleepless night of drunken adult baby sitting. (no not the fetishy adult babyness...just a drunk person who showed up at 2AM who was hellbent on depriving me of sleep and possibly peeing in my closet.) I had the standard eggs,toast, potatoes & sausage b'fast. It was yummy. My eggs were perfect, the potatoes, just greasy & spicy enough, and the sausage was yum. My roomie got the corn pancake w/walnuts. Which I had a bite of...and it was yummy. Chewy, sweet, flavorful & dense. Delish. I'll go back and I'm totes interested in trying more items on their menu.
(4)
Bigby S.

Mid-priced Cuban-influenced menu that is quite tasty. Both veggie and non-veggie options please most patrons. Sandwiches are not as tasty as the other entrees but do stand on their own. The sides are excellent and the coffee is good. The veggie burger was top notch. The atmosphere is unpretentious (but revolutionary) and cozy on the outside and inside. It can get crowded so prepare to wait for a bit if showing during rush times.
(4)
David M.

Great atmosphere, unique and tasty food (though I'm not convinced it's 100% authentic Cuban). Worth trying. Good place to take friends.
(4)
Bria K.

I love this funky little place with its graffitied walls, lovely wait staff and cheap beers. The highlight of the meal though was dessert. You must try the Xango Chango... cheese cake wrapped in a flakey pastry with delicious sauce. I can't wait to try brunch.
(4)
Jasmine L.

4 1/2 for Victor's. Obviously this place is a MPLS icon and therefore you should go. It is good. I do not know Cuban cuisine but I liked it very much here. Have had both breakfast and dinner. Both were delicious. Plantains, plantains, my god, I looove them. Vegan choices seem somewhat limited. Is a good place to take guests from out of town.
(4)
Margaret O.

Very unique place, the yucca is yummy and pancakes are good. Very crowded, small tables but very charming.
(3)
Kelsey K.

Three for ambiance. Love the look and feel of the place. I wish I liked the food better. I don't know if I just pick the wrong things (breakfast) or maybe I am not meant to love cuban food. I will probably keep trying though cause I think the place is so darn nifty.
(3)
Annie D.

Affordable and so good I suggest going every weekend when my boyfriend asks where I want to go for our Sunday breakfast. We don't actually go every weekend, but we could. I have ordered all kinds of things and not one has been less than perfection in my mouth. I love the fried plantains, corn pancake (so buttery), cubano sandwich (enormous) and pretty much anything on the menu that includes eggs (i.e. everything). I also love that there is plenty to read on the walls and tables if you don't have a newspaper.
(5)
Beth G.

I've driven by here several times, but I had no idea it was this little treasure trove with amazing food. I stopped in here just before the holidays for brunch with a date. The place was packed, but since there were only two of us, the wait wasn't too bad. The only bad thing is they don't really have any place for people to wait so it was rather uncomfortable being crammed into such a tiny place. Thankfully, the food was worth it. The service was great and the food was amazing. We ended up being seated at the counter, which I would advise against if you have a choice. Again, since there's no place for people to wait, we were constantly being bumped into while we ate. I ordered the breakfast special, and I was blown away by the flavors. It was a flank steak with peppers and spices that was served with eggs and toast. I normally wouldn't be able to eat that much food, but it was too good to stop eating. I recommend making a request for the guava jam if you're having toast. It's just as good as the fresh guava jam you get in Central America. It did not disappoint. I don't recall which breakfast dish my date ordered, but he had eaten here several times and loves the food. The only other Cuban food I've had is in New York. The food here was just as good, and it was a fraction of the price.
(5)
Alexandra H.

Love at first lunch! If I could move into this colorful little hut and eat their food every day, I'd be a happy chica. I went with two girlfriends late on a Saturday morning and got to sit on the patio (this was in November, folks, I had to let this review stew) after a 15 minute wait. Not bad, considering the entourage of people who wanted a piece of Victor! I got the veggie burger with the tropical salad. Normally, I don't order salads when I dine out, but I will most definitely be ordering another tropical salad upon return! The mango-garlic vinagrette was excelente and I respect any decision to include avocados! My friend swears by the Cuban sandwich. She (cough cough Allison K.) drives over from Madison frequently "just to visit"...aka "get a Cuban sandwich." The service is also great. The hostess was sweet, and our server brought me a whole pitcher of raspberry lemonade when I asked for a refill! I can't wait to go back for an order of plantains and some quality wall-doodling time.
(5)
Karl H.

This is the kind of place that makes me want to sell my crappy condo in the suburbs and move to Minneapolis. This is such a cool place, very rustic but colorful. My wife and I just feel at ease every time we come here. Add awesome food on top of that and this is what 5 stars are made of. I can honestly say I really really don't like pancakes, BUT, The pancakes here are awesome. Particularly the mango pancakes with fresh mango inside and then mango puree on top that just rounds it out (and looks pretty sweet too, see pics). Oh and if you like pork, that will be an added bonus if you stop by. I tried the Cubano sandwich last time I was here. They call it a sandwich but it's 2 sandwiches, the thing is huge! Plus you get a salad (also awesome, thank you mango garlic vinaigrette) or yucca frittes or something else I don't remember. The time before that I had the ropa vieja and as you can guess, it was terrible. JK, it was some of the best beef I've ever had. Perfectly flavored, mouth watering deliciousness. Alas, I need to stop before I become even more depressed about this suburban condo predicament I'm in.
(5)
Kim R.

It's been years since I ate at Victor's, but I'm glad I was finally able to revisit this joint for lunch this week. Victor's has great breakfast food, and they serve it most of the day. The mango pancake is top notch, but on this trip I opted for the Cuban scrambler. The scrambler came with scrambled eggs topped with black beans and served with plantains and an English muffin. Make sure to ask for the guava jam with your toast. The eggs were super creamy and had a slightly butter flavor. And the black beans had really great flavor. I'm not sure what seasoning they add to them, but they aren't just canned black beans. The real winner for me was the plantains. They were so delicious. I'm pretty sure they were fried, but well worth the calories. I came with a big group, but the tiny restaurant tried their hardest to accommodate our party of 10. Our waitress was great and very helpful. Everyone enjoyed their meal, a top favorite was definitely the Cuban sandwich.
(4)
Lindsay H.

Love their coffee. Love the dining experience. Just go try it :)
(4)
T C.

Excellent Cuban food. Small restaurant but worth the wait - make a reservation. Great service and the Cuban food was top notch. Highly recommend.
(5)
Celeste L.

The main complaint across the board at my table of 3 was that the beans had no seasoning and the rice was overly dry. For a restaurant that serves a lot of rice and beans, this isn't a good thing. They offer a number of sauces to complement the food, all available ala carte, which might have helped matters, but a Cuban restaurant should have their main offering properly spiced. A generous dollop of hot sauce improved matters. The Cuban hash is a fairly flavorless ground beef mixture, with a couple of whole green olives, menu claimed it has raisins in it but not in my portion. The fried plantains were excellent and the overall best thing on our plates. Avoid the up charge for the Cuban toast, much touted by the server. Its simply a thicker slice of Italian type white bread thats grilled. Whoopee. Mimosas ran light on the champagne and were served in regular water type glasses and were not inexpensive. An upgrade to a simple, cheap champagne flute would really help with the presentation. The flan looked like a slice of swiss cheese, cut in a pie shaped wedge with enormous holes in it, was overcooked and lacking any of the usual carmelly topping/sauce and had a small amount of sweetened coconut sauce on top which seemed oddly incongruous. The mango cheesecake had more of an instant gelatin type taste, rather than a proper baked cheesecake texture. Very small place in residential neighborhood.
(2)
Dani I.

Why, oh why did it take me 6 years before I finally made the trek out here? My friends are always talking about VIctor's for brunch. I, being a complete and total moron, smiled, nodded and continued to drink microwaved coffee from the day before and eat a cliff bar as my Sunday ritual. Yes, you heard me, I had never once in my life been to a brunch. Ever. Well, wasn't this the best intro ever? honestly, nothing can even come close at this point. The food? Fantastic. Just... the exact perfect mix of grease, and flavor and taste. Fried yuca with GOBS of garlic? Yes please. An egg any way I want it? Sure! Really good meat? Bring it on. I got Cuban toast, so it was like fried bread with guava jam. I could hae eaten that jam straight out of the little container with a spoon.... but, you know, why not also eat buttery fried delicious carbs? Oh, and did I mention I had the best mimosa ever? And it was made from mango juice? Yeah, that happened. There's 2 other flavors, too. And my friends all got what appeared to be huge and tasty Bloody mary's with lots of stuff in them! The best part? The atmosphere. It was like being in Miami or Cuba, but right in Minneapolis. They have an outisde patio with lots of sun. They bring you coffee while you wait for a table (you always wait, the place is packed on a Sunday). The inside is colorful and exciting. They play music you would expect in a real Cuban place. It just feels like being transported back in time. I almost expected Hemingway to come sit down at the table and make me some absinthe. Srsly. So, yeah, go there. Enjoy brunch. Eat food that is bad for you and drink tasty things. Smile at the staff (they put up with a lot of people, and do it well!).
(5)
Kirsten L.

I love this place. Some of my favorite times this summer have been hitting this place up pre-beach. Chatting on the cute little patio, soaking up the sun, and drinking the best mimosas ever I've ever had.The fried plantains are amazing and their creole sauce is enough to make me give up salsa for life. An important note is that staff. They always have an awesome vibe and a lot of patience. One time a waitress even treated me and my friend to homemade mango and fresh vanilla bean ice cream her boyfriend had made and wanted opinions on. I always leave this place smiling!
(5)
Orange F.

I came in for brunch today (4-27) and had a very unfortunate experience. The red head (Kate/katlyn??) was unbelievably rude to my friend and I. There was no where to stand and she blatantly made us feel like we were just in her way. The other servers seemed to be in control and having fun...but she just couldn't hack it, and looked miserable the whole time, I feel bad for the rest of the staff. It was terribly uncomfortable. Will definitely come back-unless I see her. Then I'm turning around and going elsewhere.
(1)
Sarah S.

I wanted this to be red-hot-love but it was only luke-warm like... I'd been for brunch here ages ago, and remembered it being busy, with acceptable food. Tonight my hubs agreed to go out and I badgered him into trying someplace new- Victor's. We agreed that we liked the atmosphere. We had a lot of fun reading the notes on the walls and although the entire restaurant is painted fairly brightly it still managed to feel relatively cozy for a date night. But the food. We ordered the Picadillo and the Lechon Asado... They were both fine but didn't wow either of us. My husband deemed the Lechon Asado "too limey" (according to him, all of the components of his dish tasted of lime, with little contrasting flavor). The Picadillo lacked the punch of flavor I'd expected. I was hoping for a sweet-savory combo with the raisins, capers and olives... but it was more like tomatoey beef with salsa. Both dishes were fine, but underwhelming I guess. Particularly for the price. I did have two Guava mimosas - excellent. Really, really simple and lovely lovely. We agreed that we were happy to have tried Victor's but sadly, weren't in a rush to come back.
(3)
Firstname L.

This was surprising. I arrived after lunch hour on a Sunday, in the middle of a hailstorm in Jan 2013. I expected the place to be empty. To the contrary, it was packed full and there was a line out the door. I ended up putting my name on the list and waiting in the car since the waiting area was full and I didn't want to stand in the storm). I asked them to call my cellphone when a table opened up and they did. I got a Cuban sandwich and tostones. They were perfectly executed. I would love to have the opportunity to come back here several more times and try several different dishes. (It would also be nice to be here in the summer and sit outside :-) Patrons write on the walls (and other surfaces) here with markers and leave little notes etc. I would have left a hand-scribbled note but I didn't have a marker. Waitress was friendly and accessible, despite the huge crowd of customers.
(5)
Salinee H.

I've been on a beans and rice kick lately, and this place definitely satisfies any hankerings for that. Unfortunately for me, I wanted to try so much that I left overly full.
(4)
Pamela H.

Food was delicious. The building is tiny. The cortadito was awesome. The service was very friendly and helpful with the menu items that we were unfamiliar with.
(4)
Darrell G.

Great little place made even better by recent remodeling to add individual seating. Whether you sit on the left wing or right wing the food is delicious, appropriately sized and affordable. Well known for years for their great breakfasts (get there early on the weekends to avoid waiting in line) they have added dinner in recent years. Recommended for breakfast are Dia y Noche, Mango Pancakes, Corn Pancakes and the Professor. Most anything on the dinner menu is going to be great.
(5)
Katie C.

Delicious Empanadas! I ordered the chicken empanadas and they were amazing. Pickup was very fast for ordering in and staff was friendly! I would definitely go back.
(4)
Susan H.

I've been to many authentic Cuban restaurants in Miami, and I still list Victors among the top on my list. Definitely go for breakfast and try the guava jelly and a tropical mimosa, but the real magic lies in their slow roasted meat dinner entrees. My favorite dish is the "lechon asada"--pulled pork loin slow roasted in lime juice & garlic, with grilled onions and served with yuca frita. It's amazing. I always finish my meal off with a Cafe Cubano (very sweet, very strong espresso drink), since I haven't found anywhere else in the Cities that makes them like they do in Miami. (If anyone knows of any coffee shops that do a good job with this, please let me know!)
(5)
Chris W.

We have been here many times. We love the place. Walk ins are hard to get here. Great cubano! You must have it! The shrimp are great. The staff is very nice and helpful. The misses: The avocado appetizer was smaller than normal. Great flavor just moving it down here for the portion size. The flan was too dense and jelly like. The new salmon dish was good but very soft flavors and if you want big Cuban flavors stay away. If you like MN spice then this one is for you.
(4)
Daniel L.

A prolonged craving for Cuban cuisine brought me to this neighborhood in search of an authentic fare. Fellow Yelper Fia R and I arrived at opening for dinner and were very fortunate to snag the last table after all others had already been reserved. The venue reminded me of a wooden shack with sharp and contrasting colors adorned from the inside out. The few posters, light bulbs, and flags were overshadowed by handwriting of all possible fonts at every turn. We started with the Tostones ($4.75) that came with green plantains smashed, fried, and sprinkled with mojo, garlic, and green onions. The Tostones were unevenly fried, causing a mix of stiff and hard textures that were difficult to bite into. This is a stark contrast to those I had at Flor De Mayo, and thought the subtle hint of garlic could be more pronounced. The highlight of the meal was the Ropa Vieja ($14.95). As one of their signature dishes, the shredded flank steak was tender and juicy. The red sauce did a great job at keeping it moist and the mix of peas, garlic, onions, green and red peppers created some depths in the flavor. The plantains and mango salad were deliciously addictive, but the black bean rice was too dry and flavorless. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the Lechon Asado ($13.75) since the pulled pork wasn't as juicy as the previous dish. The pork had a nice mix of savory and lime flavors but I wished the onions could be better integrated to add complexity. The choice of white rice covered with black beans was spot on moist and delicious, and the fried yucca had some stiff spots and mango salad was again irresistible. I advice interested customers to make observations in advance. They have four choices of rice so I recommend people to opt for white rice covered with black beans over the one that is cooked together. People should also be aware that ventilation isn't the best so it's easy to walk out with the fantastic food smell that lingered for us. Service was very cheerful and friendly, but dwindled once the place became super busy. The ingredients were very fresh and conceptually sound. I only wished the execution was more thoughtful and consistent. I'd be interested in coming back to try their breakfast items.
(3)
Marlena T.

So happy I found this place! I was in Minneapolis on vacation and found this place on Yelp. Given my Cuban heritage, i am often very leery of Cuban restaurants, but not this one! Great atmosphere, the waitresses were superb! Neat little place, doesn't seat many but its totally worth it. I had the Cuban sandwich, sweet plantains and cafe con leche. Everything tasted great! I was very impressed.Cant wait to come back!
(5)
Bucky V.

To an out of towner, looking inside could scare you. But once I sat down, the waitress was super kind and informative of the menu. The uniqueness of this place is the "graffiti" on every inch and crevice of the restaurant. Food was good.
(4)
Ken W.

Food was great (excluding the Yuca)! Atmosphere is great in a fun Key West quirky kinda way! Staff on the other hand ranges from surly to completely uninterested in being there at all. Sometimes rude. So rude 3 stars is being more than fair!! Hours of operation a bit more flexible and axe the rude, surly staff and you just might have something!
(3)
Wes S.

Disappointed...the food is good but the service was marginal at best...my wife and I went there to have lunch and I wasn't exactly happy with my table location...so I thought I would just grin and bear it, but the a booth opened up and I inquired about moving to the open booth...well I was told that it was already reserved. While this situation passed I noticed another booth opening up and I was told that they wanted me to stay at original table because they might get a larger party in...mind you...all the other booths were occupied by two or less people at the time...well I will sum this up by saying...They don't have to worry about me, my family or friends ever coming back...goodbye to Victors Cafe
(1)
Sara G.

I went here many years ago for lunch and had an amazing Cuban sandwich. I recently moved to the neighborhood and made it a point to return after remembering how good it was last time. I went for Sunday brunch this time and although I was tempted to get a Cubano again, I got eggs with rice, plantains and yuca frita. It was a great decision! We had a bit of a wait but it was well worth it. I will be back now that this place is so close!
(5)
Randall N.

Soooooo glad I got brunch here. It's been years since I've been here. Like pre-DDD long. Brunch was nearly perfect. The person in control of the seating was a little loopy/high strung/confusing but other than that I loved it here. I had the bistec encebollado....onioned steak. It was fantastic. A little sweet from the caramelized onion, meaty, a little salty, buttery....delish. Served with some fried platain that was perfectly cooked with just a touch of char on the edges to give it some texture. (I don't know why more restaurants don't use this veggie/fruit. It's so tasty and you can do so much with it). Plus they make EXCELLENT moros y crisitanos (rice and beans). This is such an easy dish yet because it is a side so many people ignore it.,..big mistake...huge. Beans are a staple for many cultures and should never be a second thought when you can do so much to them and they are so cheap to serve your patrons while filing them up. The rice is flavorful. The beans are flavorful and together they are super tasty. I also had a guava mimosa. It was just ok. HUGE serving. Didn't really taste the guava though. The price was also a little jarring ($7.50) since I didn't remember seeing the price on the menu but I guess since the glass was so large I shouldn't have been surprised. Excellent food. I only wish they did a buffet so I could try everything on their menu.
(5)
Rain G.

They've been understaffed with only 2 servers the last couple times we've walked over- BUT, the food..... Ooooooh the food! The flavor is authentic, flavorful and delicious. Although they were short staffed, the servers were friendly and as attentive as possible. I highly recommend- I also highly recommend making a reservation. The dining room is pretty tiny, and it's a popular joint.
(5)
Jocelyn G.

Adorable adorable atmosphere. Staff great. Food fun and tasty!
(5)
Juliana F.

I love going here in the winter (but really I love it all the time!) When you walk in its warm, there's fun salsa music and the staff is so cheery! Pretty much like walking into Cuba but you're in Minneapolis...and its -7 outside. Everything taste so good and has such great flavors. The Cuban bread is homemade and is a must have! The black beans are like flavor heaven. Yucca is the best I've ever had! I loooove Victors!
(5)
Gene H.

Had an awesome Ropa Vieja on our second trip to Victors1959 Cafe! Our first trip was for dinner and the Cubano sandwich was just as tasty...service matched the excellence of the food as well, they made my birthday trip there a great day!
(5)
Angie D.

My husband is a cuban from Miami and I'm a puerto rican so it's safe to say we know cuban food. Amazing!!! Everything was so deliciously amazing. From the empanadas to the croquettes to the lechon. We were very impressed and so happy to have a place to go to for cuban food so far away from home. We will definitely be back for more!!!
(5)
Rebecca A.

Worth the wait! The cafÃ© con leche was THE best I've had in years. I got the Arroz a la Cubana. Rice isn't my first choice when it comes to breakfast but I wanted to try something new and it was a good choice. I would recommend getting the traditional Cuban bread as your choice of bread and also get the guava paste on the side. Delicious. I tried a bite of the Cuban Sandwich and wow. I will be getting that next time and not sharing. The guanÃ¡bana juice was better than expected. Overall, great place and great food. VERY small dining area but who cares when the food is so good?
(5)
Sarah S.

My out of town guests suggested Victor's 1959 after watching an episode of DDD on the Food Network and I honestly have no idea how I didn't know about it before. We put in our names around 12:00pm on a Saturday and waited 15-20 for a table. We had to wait outside but It was only a mild inconvenience and soon forgotten as soon as I took my first bite of Cuban Hash. I was skeptical at first about the combination of beef, capers, raisings, sauce, etc but thank goodness for my open minded attitude. I requested the corn tortillas as a side and skillfully crafted my Cuban Hash and egg tacos. We ordered a side of plantains and considered picking up another for the road. They are a sweet, caramelized bite of plantain goodness. Even the coffee was phenomenal. The family next to us seemed annoyed by the cramped space but I loved the charm and cozy feel. I will be back again and again and again......
(5)
Mike K.

Love this place!!! It's pretty small, but the whole in the wall kind of place I like, very polite staff and very friendly. The best Cubano Sandwich I have had in North America, having spent two years in Central America. Beans and rice are on point!
(5)
Megan F.

I absolutley LOVE Victors! The service and food are outstanding every single time we eat here!! I have had a variety of menu items and so has my husband, we are always impressed and leave so excited to come back. Victors is a must. Victors is a restaurant we gladly return to, time and time again. I love Victors 1959 Cafe! The Xango! Chango! Dessert is to die for.... so amazing. And the plantains.... omg the plantains!
(5)
Manny S.

I have been to a lot of cuban restaurants and this by far has been the worst ever. Not what I expected the food was bland and overpowered with cumin. Looks better than what it tastes.
(1)
Amber H.

I always go for breakfast on a weekday so its not packed in that tiny place! Their breakfast is amazing, so so good and nice big portions. I love the mango pancake, which is huge, but everything we've had there has been great. Service is wonderful too. We had to wait about 10 minutes one day and were brought out free coffees due to the wait. Highly recommend this place.
(5)
Toney J.

Pretty decent Cuban food. Really nice place to come for something other than your traditional American breakfast. Only gave 4 stars because they could work on the beans a little.
(4)
Emily L.

I love this place. I went there with my mom aunt and sister on Saturday. I had the ropa vieja special and it was fabulous. It included fried plantains, rice & black bean. It was amazing. I server was amazing and hilarious. Everything was amazing except the wait, but we knew that was possible since they only have 10 tables. It is worth the wait!
(5)
Anne T.

Went here with my family a year or two ago. I spent some time down in Haiti and the fried plantains from Victor's bring me right back there. I thought the food was great - not something I can get elsewhere in the Twin Cities. I just wish it was a bit cheaper and there was more room. The restaurant is adorable, but very tiny, which makes it hard to get in at times.
(4)
Erin M.

Amazing, unique food, but the wait to sit was insane. Not sure if I'd go back because of that, but it's definitely worth going once.
(4)
Jack F.

Having recently seen the movie Chef, I wanted to try a decent Cuban sandwich. After some googling and Yelp research it seems like Victor's is the place to go in Minneapolis. I arrived for lunch solo at about 12:30 on a weekday and was greeted by a cheery waitress who told me to sit anywhere I would like in the tiny restaurant which was about half full. Immediately upon entering the restaurant I was taken far away from the dark and cold fall day that is typical of Minneapolis this time of year. The two things that really stick out about the atmosphere inside is the small size, I would guess it can hold about 25 people tops, and the eclectic island vibe of the place. Very cool tiki bar feel, but the excessive writing all over the walls borders on an unsanitary mojo but it is comfortable and fun and islandy. My order was taken promptly by the aforementioned waitress and arrived shortly thereafter. For $12 you get a very large Cuban sandwich served with a side of beans and rice. The sandwich was good but I found the pork to be dry and pretty flavorless , and the ham pretty generic. The pickles were right out of a jar of oblong presliced sandwich pickles and the mustard was standard yellow table mustard. Overall, the sandwich was good but on the dry side with the real standout being the "Cuban style bread". It was warm and soft yet crisp on the outside. The beans and rice were extremely disappointing; as a matter of fact, it's almost like they take undrained, canned black beans, heat them up a little bit and pouredvthem over some rice requiring liberal doses of salt, pepper and hot sauce just to be edible. 2 stars for being a unique, original place with ok food.
(2)
Fia R.

In the midst of our Easter weekend vacay, Daniel L and I were famished for a Cuban dinner & decided to parallel park so close to the slushy snow-covered sidewalk across a colorful shack-looking cafÃ©, where 5 cars could realistically fit easily into their boxed up parking lot. Once opening the light turquoise-framed door (while watching your step, btw), a likewise small, dive-y bar faces you, with stools that can comfort maybe 4-5 guests. Immediately to your left are tiny booths and tables, particularly with yellow-base walls infiltrated with previous guests' innumerable & overlapping handwritings of differently colored & textured writing implements, doodles, even little notes that reminded me of secretly passing them to your targeted classmate in elementary/high school. We were surprised to see that reservations were highly recommended; we luckily got seated right away at dinner opening b/c it was the only one that didn't display the "Reserved" tab. Additionally we didn't fully realize that Victor's was presented on Triple D in '08 until we were straight-up convinced to see a few foods on their menu stamped with DDD's showcase--which likely makes sense for these rec'd reservations. Regardless, we told our helpful & cheery waitress that we wanted to be initiated w/ 5 pieces of Tostones ($8.95). Then, we ate off our Fieri-featured Ropa Vieja ($14.95) w/ Moros y Cristianos--which figuratively mean black rice and beans mixed together--and fried Sierra Maestra plantains, and Lechon Asado ($13.95) w/ Arroz con Frijoles. Finally onto edible analysis, the Tostones were my 1st try, eating flattened, fried plantains topped with minced garlic & scallions. The immediate flavor coming through was lemony, but I noticed at how dry and slightly stiff were these "cakes" for every bite. Only reason I finished these sand dollar-reminiscing discs was that for the lemon & garlic safely playing in. Conversely, I ordered a Mango Mimosa that cost $4 during Happy Hour, & I was pleasantly surprised that this strong drink was served in a 12-oz glass typical for, say, mango juice--so that's at least a "yes" to their HH. Our main entrÃ©es, though, delivered mixed reactions. The Sherry-soaked flank steak nicely called Ropa Vieja offered tenderness & solid flavor with barely minimal hint of garlicky. Personally speaking, though, the beef was a little too sweet for me and--now putting personal palate aside--its richness wasn't as bold as one, exact platter that I've consumed in the OC (Hi, Bella Cuba!). Along with the meat, the salad greens were actually yummy thanks to their citrusy dressing. The sautÃ©ed plantains were quite addictive to me, though I would desire them more if their caramelized texture had a slight exterior crisp. The cupful of mixed black beans & rice, however, was so average that I didn't care finishing, except that it was served warm. The onion-topped Lechon Asado was mainly the dish that we both were ogling on the most before heading there. Tender was also extant in this slow-roasted pork loin, but even though lime was mentioned in the menu, we felt there's more of a lemony kick--well more like a lemony roundhouse kick--than the essential porky taste. Personally I was fine with this citrusy-infused meat, but it wasn't so impressive for DL that we switched our plates so that he ate more of my sweet Ropa Vieja & I ate more of his pork. As for the beans topped with rice, it was flavorfully more enjoyable than the Moros y Cristianos, and--with yucca-munching experience--the fried starches were plain-tasting & were as rigid as those Tostones. If Guy Fieri and the Food Network crew really want to (& bothered to read my review =P), I'd probably--probably--request them to visit this OC restaurant to taste for themselves, too. I am content that Victor had the vibrant opportunity to shine in Fieri's episode, but like any mature-minded individual I thought our Twin City dinner was honestly a borderline satisfying, 2.5-star feel. At least the Happy Hour deal isn't at all shabby.
(3)
K D.

Great value for amount of food! There was like 3 waitresses for our table which was a little weird but we got our food quick which was good enough for us! Very cool atmosphere with writings everywhere...regretfully I did not bring a pen.. The yuca was so simple but SO addicting!! Though, the steak sandwich was pretty much 70% bread which was a little annoying considering it was a $8.50 sandwich. The guava jam was VERY hard to spread..you couldn't spread it at all!!! It was just a bunch of lumps on my toast and spreading it crushed my sad toast..oh well, it's just jam!
(4)
Joe P.

Take a piece of beef with a certain volume in this physical universe. Its well known in Meat World that the surface of a meat is the easiest and most logical portion to flavor; its the first to touch and linger against sauces and other such concoctions. Thus, it's the outer 'skin' of a steak--the surface area--that provides the bulk of the flavor. That's why Victor's shredded beef entree was so delicious--the increased surface area (to flavor) ratio. Not only did they--or Cubans in general?--combine such interesting flavors on one plate, everything is designed to absorb all the amazing and strong flavors Cuba has to offer. Shredded beef in sauce; fried plantains in honey; black been sauce in rice. Great value that lets you write anything you want on their walls, chairs, and foreheads, 5 stars to Victor's.
(5)
Holly P.

I likes the atmosphere and the food was good, but not amazing. I had a brunch item, ranchero something (sorry, I forget the rest of the name). It was corn tortillas with cheddar cheese, two over easy eggs, ranchero sauce, and black beans. What was most missing was the flavor!! I covered my meal in pepper and still wanted something else to give my food more flavor. I may had made a mistake not ordering meat though. Guava jam was lovely!!
(3)
The Decide R.

Wow. Hands down best Cuban sandwich I've had outside of Miami. In fact it gives most of the little mom n pop joints in south Florida a run for their money. Order with the chorizo, it makes the sandwich. Then top off with some of the fried yuca...... Mmmmmm... You'll be happy the rest of the day
(5)
Shawn W.

Best Cuban sandwich I've ever had. Definition of a dive. Long waits on Sat and Sunday morn so try to come on an off hour or just prepare to wait.
(4)
Tim R.

Nice ambiance and help. The food is good but not amazing. I got the Mango Pancake, the Cuban Hash and the Cuban coffee. The coffee was very sweet but flavorful in a unique sort of way. The Mango Pancake was good but nothing special. The Cuban Hash had a very odd, kind of watery, consistency in comparison to most hash. The prices were a bit on the high side for breakfast food.
(4)
Trish S.

Came here for lunch with a co-worker, based on his curiosity and his love of finding unique food spots in the Cities. I have to admit, he's really good at this sort thing. I wasn't to sure about the place form the outside, but it's somehow larger inside than the exterior would suggest. The service was terrific and expertly answered our questions about the menu. I started with the Cafe Con Leche and could start every day with that beverage! My companion ordered the Picadillo and was very pleased with his selection. I had the Sandwich Cubano and could not get over how big it was. Our server suggested having half for lunch, and have the other half topped with a fried egg the next day; yum! I clearly have to return to Victor's multiple times - and probably bring a few friends - as there are a number of other menu items that I want to try for myself!
(4)
Anya A.

Fun atmosphere full of friendly wait staff and patrons enjoying delicious food. They have a wide range of menu items ranging from more breakfasty (mango waffles) to lunch or dinner (rice and bean dishes and sandwiches). The walls are covered in pictures and sharpie signatures of customers. This is a great place for casual dinning. Fun for all ages and something on the menu for everyone. Be prepared to wait for a table though, it is a small establishment.
(4)
Dawn S.

Very good experience. I'm glad that we found a nice Cuban restaurant in Minneapolis. We ate here about 1pm on a Sunday. The place is small and probably only seats 20 people. We had to wait about 25 minutes for a table. I would consider the atmosphere divey - walls (and every other surface) covered in writing from past customers. Super tiny restroom. There are a lot of stickers promoting typically left-wing agendas - so if that type of thing offends you - pick another place to eat. We tried: Cheese Croquetas $6.50 Sandwich Cubano w/Chorizo $10.95 Fricasee de Pollo $9.75 Plato Vegetariano $8.75 Jupina pineapple soda $2.95 The cheese croquetas were like breaded and deep fried cheese sauce, creamy and soft inside. I was expecting more of a potato flavor, but these were rich and sweet. The cuban sandwich was very good, the chorizo added excellent flavor; definitely would order this again. The chicken stew was flavorful, sort of like eating italian red sauce with chicken. The vegetarian plate was good, the yucca is served with mojo sauce which is sour and tangy. The creole sauce made everything more exciting. This whole dish wasn't very filling. The rice and beans that came with the cuban and vegetarian plate were good, they did not have overpowering flavor; average plain black beans and white rice. I'm glad I gave the cuban soda a try, it was super sweet and tasty.
(4)
Rick T.

The pulled pork pretty good w the plantains and the black beans were tasty too. The atmosphere was really cool, but people hyped this place up to much for me. I saw it on a travel show, so you win and you lose some. But I'll be back for lunch again for a different dish!
(3)
Halina Y.

Walking into Victor's 1959 Cafe was perfect for a chilly spring night! The space is tiny, but the aroma of the food and the nice warm environment make it cozy! I've heard rave reviews but also 'warnings' of how hard it is to get a table here. I highly recommend making an Open Table reservation there (for dinner, not sure if they have avbl for brunch). I ordered the Vegetarian Criollos with Yellow Rice. Ample serving that I couldn't even finish. A great mixture of sauteed squash, carrots, zuchinni, red onions, pea pods in their red creole sauce. Not spicy at all. Served with tostones, reminds me of friend Yuca. My friend had their famous pulled pork option Lechon Asado- also quite the serving. Definitely filled us up. We also treated ourselves to splitting the pina colada cake. Wowzas. If you have room or just want to go all out then order this, a bit heavy so splitting was perfect! Now I just have to try their Brunch!
(4)
Chris L.

I'm a sucker for black beans, rice and fried plantains for breakfast so it doesn't get better than Victor's. Too crowded on weekends (I'd never try to dine with more than 4 in my party), but the service is fast and professional and the kitchen cranks out the hits. It's a dive so don't come expecting decor...expect good Cuban breakfast food done right.
(4)
Tino K.

Victor's is such an unassuming place, but I guarantee if you give it a shot you won't be disappointed! Serving up delicious Cuban eats, Victor's is a super cute, super tiny hole-in-the-wall type of place with bright, festive decor and an adorable patio. Grab a marker when you first come in and leave your mark on their walls. The service is always delightful. The staff knows their menu, offering helpful suggestions or answering questions about menu items. On to the food. I've eaten brunch and dinner here and everything I've had has been wonderful. The breakfast scramblers are tasty, as are the mango pancakes. The crab cakes are some of the best I've had in the Twin Cities; they really prepare their seafood dishes well. And great food for the price! If you're jonseing for a Cuban sandwich, come to Victor's. Accept no substitute.
(5)
Jason G.

I really like this place! What a cool atmosphere....Minneapolis could use more places like this. We had the chips and salsas...very good! We also had the Cuban....best I've had. I would recommend sharing though...the food is heavy and large portions. Loved the yucca fries. Great wine selection and the Cuban coffee is a must . My only disappointment....wish I could have ordered a Cuban Libre cocktail! Awesome place...go there!!!
(5)
Rob M.

Good food, could have been a little better service and there was a weird smell inside.
(4)
Amy J.

Everything was great, and the atmosphere was very cozy and welcoming! I'd especially recommend the mango and passion fruit cheesecake.
(4)
Valerie H.

Jeepers, somehow I haven't yet written a review for one of my favorite restaurants in Minneapolis! We came here for an early dinner last night, good timing for two reasons: seating was abundant on the patio, and happy hour drink specials go until 6pm even on Saturday. Four dollar tropical juice mimosas and beers in the sunshine, anyone? Dinner options range from the trademark Cuban sandwich to ropa vieja, shrimp dishes and pork roast. However, I think I like Victor's breakfast options even more. Be sure to get Cuban toast with guava jam, yucca frita, and mix your eggs with the black beans. In warmer months the capacity doubles due to the patio, but it's still a tiny place so if you don't come early for dinner make a reservation, and be prepared to wait for breakfast (no reservations for that.) It's so worth it.
(5)
Fiona R.

Holy cow! We were there this evening with our two boys (they're young, 4 and 1) and could NOT have asked for a better experience! There's no special kids menu, but the sides available on the regular menu can be nicely cobbled together to make something that any kid will enjoy, and the plates lend themselves nicely to sharing. I had the cubano (delicious!) with rice and beans (which could have used a little more flavor, but I dressed them up with Tabasco and all was well) with a mango mimosa, all absolutely delicious and you can bet we'll be back. (Service, although we were apologized to over and over for being slow, was fabulous. Don't know what they thought the problem was! We were happy, kids were happy, good time all around.)
(4)
Risa Y.

One of my favorite places for brunch, a great "neighborhood " restaurant, tasty, fresh, authentic Cuban food, that always hits the spot! The small, fun atmosphere is a great place to go with a friend or two. it's not a place to go with a group- since the space is so smail..but the small space is also what adds to the charm of this restaurant - inside seating or outside on the patio . Had brunch there on a Saturday with a friend who I hadn't seen in 2 years, and it was such a perfect place to catch up. The food and service whenever I go there is always outstanding! Definitely a fan.
(4)
On The Road A.

First of all, it wasn't a long line for a Saturday morning! The food is amazing! The mango pancakes are delicious. Order the sub Cuban toast with Guava jam. :)
(5)
Mustafa J.

Great food. it's very hard to get a table on the weekends mornings.
(5)
Catherine P.

The breakfasts here are delicious and affordable but I'll think twice about going back solely due to the unbelievably rude hostess. She snipped at us and at others, was very condescending and annoyed, and was generally quite a sour puss. This was especially hard to take when there were open tables and she wouldn't seat our small party. Inside, the waitress was quick and very nice.
(3)
Abbey M.

Food was good, but was expecting better given some of the reviews. Great atmosphere. Sat on the patio and enjoyed people watching.
(3)
Janna A.

Great cuban style food, amazing mimosas, guava is my favorite! Staff is pretty laid back yet they do things in a professional manner, Victor's always seemed to be busy, its small but the staff really does stay in good spirit! If you want brunch on a weekend and you want it here be prepared to wait. Its well worth it, but i've also been here plenty of times mid week and gotten brunch (they even have an early morning happy hour) with little to no wait! With nicer weather, having the patio open helps, but I wish this place was bigger!
(5)
Jonathan E.

Ever since seeing Victor's 1959 Cafe on the Food Network, I make a point to dine here whenever I have a craving for Cuban food--it's the best Cuban in the Twin Cities. Victor's is a really small, divey looking blue building along Grand Avenue in Minneapolis that turns out some flavorful Cuban favorites. I absolutely love the Cuban Hash, but I dont think Ive tried anything that hasnt been super tasty. Dont expert a 5-star dining experience or culinary school inspired presentation... Expect hearty plates of food and flavorful dishes. Pros: Best Cuban food in the Twin Cities, fantastic atmosphere (indoors and outdoors), it's just a fun place to eat, very affordable menu items that cover breakfast/lunch/dinner Cons: VERY small dining space, VERY small parking lot (recommened street parking)
(4)
Mike T.

It's all great food. Be sure to get the Cuban toast with whatever breakfast you order. I haven't been there lunch or dinner, but it'll happen soon I promise. Atmosphere is casual and fun and the service is the same.
(4)
Jer N.

Awesome cuban food, great for breakfast, good for families, A Must for Breakfast, get there if you can. So tasty and spicy. --Jer
(4)
Keith F.

This is a teriffic dining spot. It's a Cuban diner with a great menu and an unusual beer and wine menu. Small (approx. 34 seats at ten tables plus a four stool bar), funky and delicious. A popular item is the Sandwich Cubano, featured on the Food Network but last time I had the Lechon Asado, a moist and tasty pork treat. My daughter had a sneak preview of an item soon to appear on the menu, a pork tenderloin dish. that I will definitely get it next time. Victor's is small and very popular so reservations are strongly suggested. Even for breakfast. It's not surprising to see people standing outside in all kinds of weather, waiting to get in.
(5)
Alycia M.

I have heard so many people rave about Victor's so I had to check it out! As you walk inside, you feel as though you have been transported to Cuba. It has a tropical feel and the tables are covered in a tropical floral design and there is writing all over the ceiling, walls, booths, and lights. I must have missed the memo to bring my own sharpie. We went for breakfast and I had the eggs havana, which was very good. It came with yuca frita, yuca is my new favorite side. More restaurants should offer it on their menus. One of my friends swears by their ranchero cubano, which looks very tasty and I will have to try it the next time I go back for breakfast. The service was great! I never went thirsty since they were constantly topping off my coffee and water. I cannot wait to go back.
(5)
Tony B.

I was not terribly impressed with the food the first few times I went to Victors, but I wanted to give it another shot. Unfortunately my last experience was the worst. Rice, beans, and eggs are not difficult foods to make, however Victor's seems to miss the mark. The beans were bland, the scrambled eggs were just not good. I ordered an avocado ( 1/2 "fresh" avocado for $2.50) on the side and they actually served an over ripped avocado . It was rubbery and just not good. Its hard to critic foods that does not require a lot of effort to be decent. I was with one other person and it took over an hour to get our food. A group of 5 who sat after we order received and ate their food before we received our food. The service was overall poor. ( it as not that busy at the time I was there). Overall, if you have eaten authentic Caribbean food, you will most likely be disappointed at Victors. If this type of food is new to you, you may like it, but it below average. The only redeeming quality is the yuca frita.
(1)
S W.

God, is this place pleasing. I'm not sure what it is, but for a while years ago, I just wasn't "feeling it" - if you've drifted - go back to Victors. The Cubano is definitive (well, for Minneapolis anyway) , the salads are simple but so so good, the Lechon is simple and great and even close to healthy, so lean, so nice - it's more than just breakfast. But the breakfast knocks it out of the park too. By all means, get the traditional savory stuff with yuca frita or tostones or sweet plaintain. But the sugary treats are calling and you should answer. Banana pancakes are not a food that excites me normally - here you have reason to treat them like a dessert and get stupid over them like a hipster with a bacon donut.
(5)
Randy K.

Yes, yes, YES! This is the spot. You can either hop a plane and jump the Gulf to Cuba, or visit Victor's in Minneapolis for the authentic experience. Times are hard people, take the cheaper route (for now). Dining here for dinner on Saturday night was among my most fun restaurant experiences. Seriously. Company is important, but so is seating placement and staff. For whatever reason my stars aligned and I found favor with the winning combination. Seated at the bar stools (there may be 8 tables total in the cozy spot) immediately lightened the mood and helped the experience feel casual. Not to mention all the writing on the wall. The three waitresses we encountered that night were SO fun. Lots of joking, dancing around, and laughing with us; the perfect personality of a wait staff for a place like this. I haven't even mentioned the food. I can't get over it. It was so delicious! I had the Picadillo (ground beef + peppers, olives, capers, raisins) with Moros (black beans and rice cooked together). The fun didn't stop there. It was served with fried sweet plantains, a Latin American staple. The whole dish was bursting with flavor, I was so happy with life in that moment. I can't wait to go back to this place and bring a new friend. Under $20 for a taste of Cuba? Count me in.
(5)
Christina R.

This place is great for all of the right reasons. The decor has that "come as you are" comfort and while you're at it, carve your name somewhere in the joint so that everyone knows you were there. I ALWAYS get the ham and cheese croquettes followed by an order of some delicious french toast accompanied by endless cups of Victor's Private Blend coffee. And since you can now purchase bags of their whole bean coffee to go, I typically tack on two or three to my bill so that I can enjoy that robust, bold flavor every morning. It's always at the top of my list for breakfast spots on the weekend but reader beware, parking can get a bit tricky so plan accordingly.
(4)
Keith S.

How was this off the radar to me for so long? A friend was coming to town and suggested this spot for a small group of us. We made our way over for a late morning weekend breakfast. I was afraid of a lengthy wait but it only took around 20-30 minutes which wasn't bad given the timing. Location is easy to get to and there is decent street parking. Building is great, atmosphere galore. Very authentic feeling without seeming to try hard. I like to try new things but just wasn't in the mood. I went for a safe bet, the breakfast sandwich. Cuban bread, egg, cheese & choice of meat. Also ordered a blueberry pancake. All my friends ordered authentic inspired choices. My sandwich was phenomenal. The bread tastes like someone combined hawaiian bread, egg bread, french toast and who knows what else. The cheese, you could actually taste the cheese. Great stuff. The pancake. Whoah. Might be the best place to get pancakes, tremendous flavor. Who knew? My friends had a variety of things ranging from hash, omelets, tamale and much more. We all tried each others food and they were all fantastic. Truly fantastic. Mix this with very reasonable prices and good service: you have five stars.
(5)
Wendy H.

Just had dinner here for the first time. LOVED the food and the atmosphere. Fun, casual, small restaurant. Great cuban food. So nice to have a different food option and have it done so well. I'll definitely return!
(5)
Alexander J.

Delicious and filling! I went here for brunch with a group of friends. We loved the food and the atmosphere/vibe of the restaurant is great! The restaurant has 10 tables. The walls are covered in names and messages of previous diners (it was a lot of fun reading and seeing them). I ordered a special (ropa veija); it was shredded steak marinated in cuban sauce with bell peppers (served with two over easy eggs and AMAZING plantains). I also got a side of black beans. The plantains were so good...I wish there were more than two on each plate. I walked out very satisfied...the 45-minute wait for a table was well worth it. If you're in the area this is a great (local) joint, Check it out for breakfast or lunch on the weekend.
(4)
Barb G.

Great funky little place with excellent food and an unbelievable waitress. She made the experience over the top. The four of us all tried something different and share. Each dish was excellent. We were the last to leave and they didn't mind us staying past closing to finish our coffee.
(5)
Laura M.

Victor's is one of my absolute favorite breakfast spots in town. Always packed, always fast service. The mango pancakes, $3.50 each, are as big as a plate - such a good deal and awesome with their strong coffee. I always get sides of plantains - both the sweet and crispy fried. The cuban hash is also excellent - sweet and savory - perfect in the winter! Dinner is great too - love just the standard rice and beans - but the breakfast vibe at this place is what makes it for me.
(5)
BK J.

I went to Victors for Dining Out for Life and loved the food. I will be back to Victors for the excellent wait staff that was the whipped cream on top of the coffee! If you haven't been to Victor's, be warned it is small and on weekends it can be jammed. But if you like to eat food with flavor, Victors will make you happy. The best part is the wait staff cares about how well they take care of you. It is not about if they are your waiter, it is about you. All the wait staff will check in on you to make sure you are enjoying your meal. It doesn't matter if you are sitting at their table, it matters that you are having a good experience. Top notch wait staff and top notch cooks...good job Victors!
(5)
Troy M.

I don't get all the fawning over this place. It gets hipster points for the grungy, original interior. But that's were the attraction ends for me. Have been here for brunch a couple of times and found the food to be very average, along with overpriced. The menu is original but not executed in the kitchen very well. Service is adequate but nothing special. No need to return.
(2)
Matt M.

Of course I am going to try anything my food network idols tell me to because I am a sucker. I like Cuban food (not love) so I was open to an experience that might surprise (or disappoint me). The small little diner was neither here nor there for me. I have to admit that the single bathroom and the dirty hippy deciding that breastfeeding in a 15 person dining room as she sat down was a great idea - really got me off on the wrong foot here. The plantains were mediocre and small compared to other cuban fair I have eaten. The rice was nothing special and the meat was just average. I really feel this place is neither here nor there and is selling an image rather than food.
(3)
Erica R.

Growing up in a densely populated area full of great Cuban food, I feared I would try the food and be disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised! The empanadas (I tried the beef and chicken) were seasoned just right and not greasy. The ropa vieja was delicious, and the moro and sweet plantains were great accompaniments. I sat at the counter, where the was funny and extremely entertaining (very down to earth girls). This place was packed considering it's a Wednesday. Couldn't give it 5 stars because it's a little warm inside, but I'm sure people won't mind that on a cold MN night.
(4)
Chipy B.

Everything was delicious and the staff was amazing. I will recommend this place to everyone :)
(5)
Elyse M.

After having lived in South Florida for 15 years, I know a thing or two about Cuban food. On this frosty winter day I was up early enough before work that I wanted to grab breakfast. I was weighing my options when my friend suggested Victor's. I was a bit hesitant to go here on my friend's suggestion. I've been disappointed in the past when people have talked up certain places that Florida obviously does 100x better and more authentically. (Note I am not talking down about Minnesota.... I LOVE Minnesota. Florida is an awful swampy wasteland of... ick. However, as far as Cuban food goes, you can't get any better except IN Cuba.) I looked at the menu online and was flooded with memories of my relationship with a guy whose mom was from Cuba. The first time I had black beans and rice with an over-easy egg on top was at his mother's house. She wasn't sure what she could make me that was vegetarian (since I was one at the time), and that's what she served. I wasn't too thrilled with the idea until I tried it. MAN was it good. I still make it all the time when I want something cheap and delicious. Anyhow, back to Victor's. If it wasn't for the snow on the ground around it, I would've thought I was back in Florida. Just the atmosphere and decor was enough to make me forget that I had just ridden my bike over packed snow in 20 degree weather. I had trouble deciding what I wanted to order. First time ordering is very important to me. If I happen to order the wrong thing, something I don't like, I may never return to an otherwise fantastic restaurant! I figured I couldn't go wrong with fried sweet plantains. Pretty much, if a Cuban restaurant can't make a good plantain there's absolutely no reason for me to return. I also got the Eggs and Yuca because I needed something less sweet, too. In hindsight I should've just ordered the Dia y Noche because that has plantains AND eggs AND yuca. But I guess that just means I need to go back soon! My friend ordered the Ranchero Cubano, which I also tasted. Everything came out SUPER fast. Seriously I would say five minutes after ordering we had our food in front of us. And let me tell you: We devoured it! There wasn't one thing that wasn't great. This place is authentic as they come. The yuca was cooked perfectly and had the perfect amount of lemon zest. The plantains were fabulous. The eggs were eggs (you can't really mess up an egg so long as it is cooked the way I asked). The coffee is also really, really good. I'm not a big coffee snob but I do appreciate good coffee, and Victor's has it. Good portions and good price. The service was prompt and friendly but not overbearing. I texted my boyfriend the minute I got home and told him we NEED to go here so that I can try some of the other incredibly tempting menu items. My only complaint is that it took me four years to discover this place!
(5)
Meghann F.

Really good food at a really good price! It's not anything over the top , just well done Cuban food. Staples are rice and beans, so there you go - add in some yucca fries or plantains and we'll done sauces and you have quite a meal! The mango pancakes are really spectacular as well. I tried the red espresso drink - which is fabulous if you aren't into coffee but think coffee type drinks are fun! Also upgrade to the Cuban toast , griddle pressed, white bread goodness.
(5)
Alina A.

Victor's Cafe is of "Diners DriveIns and Dives" fame, being featured in and episode of this popular Guy Fieri show. TINY TINY PLACE, but friendly staff and fabulous food! Stopped in for breakfast/brunch and had the scrambled eggs with chorizo, Cuban Toast and guava jelly. Holy smokes it was good! Prices are very reasonable, average $10 for breakfast entrees (or less!). The coffee to me wasn't exactly "Miami grade" but I took it happily :) I'll be back to Minneapolis....and back to Victor's no doubt!!!
(5)
A C.

I wanted to give 3.5 stars but there' no option for that, so I ended up giving 3. I had Ropa Vieja and I was very happy with my choice! Highly recommend it. My fried had pulled pork and that was not as good. They don't have full liquor license, so they only have wines and beer. Some cocktail drinks made from sparkling wines. Casual atmosphere. Good service. Nice for casual dinner.
(3)
Jonathan T.

I've visited several times for brunch, and I have mixed feelings about Victor's. On one hand, there's so much to love: +Vibrant murals on the buildings and adjacent walls. +Graffiti tags throughout the inside. +The servers are incredibly sweet, and they will call you "honey," if you' are appreciative of their service. +Free parking on the street. +They play Stan Getz and other type of Latin jazz-y, lounge-y type of music, and it totally parallels the vibe of the dÃ©cor. What I dislike: -Even on a weekday, it gets packed. Seating inside is limited. -The food takes very long to come out. -The types of bits they serve are just A-OK. Noting mind blowing. Overall, it's okay. I wouldn't go out of my away to eat there. I would've another place for Saturday morning brunch.
(3)
Abby B.

Great food, service and vibe! The food is delicious, especially the plantains, which were just the right amount of sweet. I'm definitely not an expert in Cuban cuisine, but the menu items are simple and done right. I ordered steak and onions (though not the technical name for it!) and it was ridiculously good. Not too heavy and just the right amount of spices. I hate feeling super stuffed after a meal and at Victor's, I felt satisfied, not disgusting, after my meal. Great place, would definitely frequent if we lived in the area.
(5)
Marisa R.

This place is the bomb! Food, service, location and service! My friends and I went for lunch on a Friday. I've tried to go for breakfast however the wait has been way too long. I've never thought anywhere is worth more than a 10-15 minute wait. And while I've given Victor's 5 stars I wouldn't wait. The service was wonderful. The waitress was friendly and answered all questions regarding what we were ordering. She was darling. The size of Victor's is small and now I understand why the wait is so long. However the decor is Caribbean and colorful. LOVED IT! The food was off the hook. Almost as flavorful as mine. If you're a fan of lechon asado like I am then definitely a must. The yucca frita and white rice and black beans amazing. This is a place you should try and go back again. I certainly will but still won't wait more than 10-15 minutes!
(5)
Erin G.

I was randomly craving a Cuban sandwich the other day. This never happens. I'm not much of a sandwich person. But, the craving was there so I went for the place that I thought would obviously have the most legit Cuban. The place is tiny and super cute, writing all over the walls! I ordered my sandwich to go and waited. The bathroom is also tiny, FYI. It was a little expensive, but when I got it, that bad boy was HUGE. And good! I lvoed it and I ate the whole thing. The salad that came with it was okay- it was very fresh but the dressing was too sweet for me and I mostly skipped it. But that sandwich though... mmmmm. So flipping good.
(4)
Stephanie M.

As someone from Florida, I have had excellent Cuban food and have become a snob when it comes to it. I was skeptical but definitely impressed by Victors. I got the pork with rice and beans and it tasted like home. I also got a cortadito for old times sake and it also tasted like the coffee I know and love. The server was extremely attentive, and our food came out really fast. This place is small so there might be a wait, but I'd say it is worth the wait.
(4)
Kyle G.

This place is great. I have had the pleasure of eating here several times over the years for breakfast; haven't tried dinner yet, but the food is awesome. You could pour their creole sauce over just about anything - and it would make it taste amazing. Highly recommend Victor's 1959. Each time I've been to Victors we've had a group of 15 or more - and they performed magically.
(5)
Katrina O.

I really wanted to like this place! I've been meaning to try it for the longest time and finally decided to get off my ass and try it! Well, it was a disappointment... I had the cubano sandwich, which was pretty flavorless and very flat. Hubby had a full plate of empanadas and it came with a salsa that tasted like marinara sauce. The only high point was dessert. We had the xango chango which is pretty much a deep fried cheesecake with guava puree. Dessert was very good, but really deep fried anything will taste good!
(2)
Humberto M.

Let me start by saying I'm not an export chef or an experienced food critic but was born and lived nearly all of my 29 years in Miami and raised in a Cuban household so I have a strong sense of what Cuban food is or supposed to be. Ive been to Victor's 1959 Cafe twice and it is a great restaurant. The food is tasty and comes out quickly, the staff is friendly and responsive, and the prices are relatively fair however a bit more than what they are in Miami. I gave the restaurant three stars for those very reasons and I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. However, for those who know and are looking for Authentic Cuban food this is not the place. There is no authentic Cuban bread/toast, no Croquettas, no palomilla, no tres leches and the few things on the menu that are authentic/traditional have a refined taste and Cuban food is not to be refined. Put it this way when I asked for a cafÃ© cubano the waitress asked if I wanted it with or without sugar... So all in all a great restaurant to eat good food on any occasion but still lacking that authenticity.
(3)
Melissa T.

Brunch here is fab, fun and affordable! We got the Cuban hash with egg whites and a mango pancake with a side of bacon. All wash delish!! @minneapolisfoodiegirl
(5)
Alan Y.

Cubano and XANGO CHANGO are awesome! Paella was good, but not great...
(4)
Albert C.

My friend and I stopped in on a wednesday morning. We got seated promptly and given our menus. From what I could see, there didn't seem to be a lot of indoor seating. I can see that being a problem if I ever come back and it's either cold or raining. By the time we were done our meal, there was already a line out the door. The decor was interesting, there were some great old photographs of what looked like local Cuban culture. Almost every surface was covered in customer graffiti, so if you like that sort of thing, bring a marker of some kind! I ordered the Bistec Criollo. I added a scoop of rice and upgraded the toast to the cuban toast. The toast was amazing, buttery and soft. The guava jam gave it a nice sweet touch. I had two issues with my meal, the beef must have been sautÃ©ed with the peppers at the same time, causing them to be steam cooked instead of sautÃ©ed. So there wasn't enough of a char to the beef for my liking. The rice was also a bit crunchy, I don't believe that was the intended texture of the rice. I'll have to go back once more to test the other menu items.
(3)
Kaverne A J L.

I love having the Ropa Vieja here. Soft and tenderly stewed beef, with rice and beans. Not to mention, served with plantains that was delicious. It's just my go to on the menu because it's too good.
(5)
Brian K.

Just go there, it's delicious. You will likely have to wait for a table but it is definitely worth it. Everything I've had on the menu is outstanding.
(5)
J. C.

Reckon I saw this place on the tee-vee set. I rolled in late in the evening, sat at the counter, and tried the Lechon Asado. I'm thinking it came with black beans and rice. The server recommended ordering the beans over the rice, which worked well. Did I say it was nicely done? Service was a team effort, friendly, and smooth. My receipt says Ellie was my server but everyone helped. Parking was tight. I parked in front of a martial arts place across the street that looked like a telephone central office. The restaurant is not truly accessible. Those in wheelchairs can possibly get into the front door. The restroom is out of the question. It's really small. You couldn't even get a wheelchair into the restroom, so a transfer is out of the question. I'd go back to try other stuff on the menu!
(4)
Rob B.

Victor's has been on my hot list ever since I walked in over a year ago and couldn't get a seat because the place is freakishly tiny and I didn't have a reservation. So right away, it was a "must go" place for me - this is probably one of the great things a small successful business should never change, because every time they do they lose some of the magic. Anyway, I digress. So on this occasion I made reservations 3 weeks in advance. Initially it was to be a Valentine's dinner for me and the wife, but after multiple failing attempts to get a babysitter, it turned into a Valentine's dinner for me and my three women - wife and two little girls. We sat in a tiny booth in the tiny restaurant sitting shoulder to shoulder. Thank goodness one of my kids is no bigger than a squirell or else they have never fit on their side of the table - I will say I think we had the smallest table in the entire restaurant. And normally I can't get my kids to eat anything except chicken fingers and pizza, I told them that to go out with their parents on our date they HAD to try something new. They both split the tilapia entree and absolutely loved it! I couldn't tell you what I had or my wife ate but we also loved it. And the waitress was so warm and friendly that we just really all enjoyed this little adventure to Havanna and can't wait to go back. Victor's has some notoriety from the Food Network. And coming from Memphis where there is at least a couple dozen unique restaurants that hold this same claim to fame, I can say that they don't all deserve the unanimous praise that seems to follow this endorsement. But Victor's on the other hand is well deserving. Partly because the food is unique and flavorful it's a great change-up from all the variations on the Juicy Lucy and tater tot hot dishes. But it's also because the atmosphere is fun and the wait staff really make it a unique and enjoyable dining experience. I can't praise it enough. Even my kids want to know when we can go back!
(5)
Brian S.

Oh man, this place is AMAZING for brunch! From the Cuban-style coffee drinks (try the Cortadito!) to the Ropa Vieja and fried plantains, to the home made guava jam, to the service, to the rustic atmosphere, Victor's is the best Cuban restaurant this side of Miami! Yum!
(5)
Adrian B.

I lika da coffee. Da coffe was good. It was so good I like they call it cafe. And the service. The service was a nice. I lika da service. And also da frenchy bread toast. Day was a good too. I lika da sauce. And easy peasy on a weekday mornin. And a lotta cafe refills. I comma back.
(4)
Angela R.

YUMMMMMM! Love this place, the pancakes are to die for! Huge... I always get banana walnut. Everything is quaint, authentic and delish. A must try, but you will be back trust me!
(5)
J. M.

I love this place! The food is always awesome! I smile just thinking about the Lechon Asado. So yummy! I have been many times and it has always been good. With that in mind, it is a very casual place, not formal and definitely not a chain. If you are looking for a more generic, casual dining place (e.g. Applebees), this is definitely not the place for you. If though, you want a place that is a bit different, funky, and serves really, REALLY good food, you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Zoe D.

This might be my new favorite brunch place, and I consider myself somewhat of a brunch expert here in the Twin Cities. Craving brunch and something new last Sunday, I tried coming here after striking out at Our Kitchen with a long wait. I was already at the point of being hangry, and when I arrived here only to be greeted with cute decor, delicious smells, the thought of mango pancakes (I'd been on a pancake binge all weekend), and A LINE NEARLY OUT THE DOOR, I actually screamed. I couldn't wait any longer to be fed. Luckily I was able to return the next day and experience it without the wait. Considering that I consider myself a brunch expert, I don't know why I thought it would be easy to get into a popular brunch spot at noon on a Sunday. But I don't think clearly when I'm starving. Anyway, I couldn't have been more impressed with this place. First of all, I love cramped little restaurants with counter seating. I love even more restaurants with graffiti on the wall to keep you entertained for hours. My friend and I took places at the counter, with people waiting in line squished in only inches behind us, especially since everyone was twice as large as normal bundled up in Minnesota winter gear. The two servers working that day were awesome. So friendly, full of energy, and welcoming. It's nice being around people you can tell genuinely love what they're doing. As a sever myself, I know that feeling. The menu is a little overwhelming, considering that it's not particularly extensive. All the breakfast items sound different enough where you want to try them all, but not different enough where you can really choose between them. I ended up ordering the Dia y Noche (eggs, rice, black beans, salsa, and plantains, and a side of Cuban toast), my friend ordered the sweet plantain omelette, and we shared a mango pancake twice the size of my abnormally large head. It was all spectacular. The plantains were sweet and cooked perfectly (only wish the entrees came with more than two chunks!) and the sauce in the plantain omelette was the right amount of sweet. It was also very much worth the dollar or so to upgrade to the thick toasted white bread Cuban toast, which they served with a delectable guava spread that had a hint of cinnamon flavor. The pancake was epic for only $4.50, filled with mango chunks, drizzled with mango syrup, and topped with butter and whipped cream. Definitely one to share, as it is giant and quite rich. The best part is, this place is really reasonably priced, especially for brunch! Not a single breakfast entree cost more than $8.00, and they are all decent portions as well. Can't wait to go back and try some new things, maybe explore the lunch menu next time!
(5)
Will R.

I had a fun Friday night dinner here with friends. The atmosphere is relaxed and quirky, with graffiti on the walls and Cuban music playing in the background. I loved sitting on the patio. It was clear that the servers like working there and take pride in what they do. Our server nailed it - her recommendations were highly descriptive and helpful. The empanadas were savory and delicious - I liked them so much that I ordered a second plate. I had the lechon asado with yuca frita, which proved to be a hearty and satisfying entree.
(4)
Trey C.

Great authentic Cuban with an authentic, beach-feel atmosphere. I sat on the outside patio and it has a great vibe. The ceviche is not to be missed.
(4)
Jessica S.

Victor's had initially earned a 5-star rating, largely a result of their tropical mojito specials during HH. I'd been hesitant to try any of the "real" Cuban offerings on the menu, as everything seemed too heavy on the meat and oil--neither of which entice me. But, I gave in. Sampled a few dishes. Unfortunately, this led to a downgrade. The food was really only 3-star worthy. Averaged together with my initial "perfect" (an overly generous rating) 5-star review, I'll begrudgingly settle on a 4 though I'm not sure it's warranted given the only so-so quality of the food [UPDATE: After several weeks of ruminating on this topic, I've gotta go with my gut and finally downgrade to a 3.]: *Fricasee de pollo - chicken stew in a tomato-based sauce served with rice (we selected yellow), a petite salad (just a few spinach leaves), and fried sweet plantains. My BF was impressed by the stew and the moistness of the chicken, but I've enjoyed better poultry dishes. The flavor and the texture of the chicken simply remained too dominant, not melding well enough with the other ingredients. *Crab cake. I prefer some chunk to mine, detectable lumps of crustacean. But, wimpy little things these were, the crab so finely shredded, over-processed. The taste was also not particularly memorable either. *Yucca fritas. For all intents and purposes, potato cubes with a cotton ball-like texture and taste. Much too dry and white-tasting, despite a meager attempt by the chef to sauce 'em up with a single inadequate squirt of garlicky, lemon sauce. A bath in Heinz would have done these tubers some good. Clearly, I wasn't dazzled by the food. But, I do like the cozy, Havana-esque space, the summer-time patio, the hospitable service, and most notably the mojitos tropicales.
(3)
Wang C.

Such a cool place. This place seems like something you would find in Miami, including graffiti. The staff is really friendly and helpful. The food is tasty, and hot. The cook is really quick also. Glad this is my first restaurant I have been to since visiting the area. The following places I go have a lot to live up to!
(4)
Richard B.

We recently moved to the Twin Cities from California, and set aside expectations for a lot of categories of food, especially Cuban. Second time at Victors, the first time was for breakfast, which I remember being good. Tried dropping in multiple times, but the restaurant was packed during the winter. Ended up making a reservation in order to take my significant other, as we heard only good things. The staff is incredibly friendly. Unfortunately the food was not so friendly. The pork was quite dry, which for Cuban food, should be a cardinal sin. Shredded beef was incredibly tough and chewy - it made me think of my mother's food (she's not Cuban and doesn't cook meat well). Beans were dry as well, so there wasn't much of a refuge from the dry or chewy meat. Very disappointing, as it's a cute restaurant with incredibly gracious people working there.
(2)
Nic M.

Great atmosphere and staff. We went on a Saturday for brunch and had a short wait. There were three of us, and we sat at the bar comfortably. I ordered the plantain omelette and coffee - both were wonderful.
(5)
Victoria S.

This place has only one downfall- it's so small do not go with a group of friends. I went with 5 friends and we waited nearly a hour for a table. We saw groups come and go and never got a table or were able to squeeze in. I won't come back during the winter since we stood outside and there isn't a heater (there was something that looked like a heater but a waitress came out and turned it off after telling us it shot fire at people???) so we continued to stand outside, debating whether or not to leave. We had planned on going here and it fell through multiple times before so we thought since we finally had the gang all together to hit it. When we finally were able to get inside we waited a while longer. But when we finally sat down, we were served pretty quickly. We all ordered drinks and food quickly and then had a fairly short wait for that. I had the Cuban scrambler, a banana pancake, a cafe de leche (Cuban style) and a Guanabana mimosa. I just wish there was more than two slices of fried plantains, because they are so good. The Cuban toast is fantastic. The black beans are the best ever, the eggs were fluffy and the salsa was not over whelming but complimentary to the whole thing. I couldn't make it into the pancake but was able to swallow down a bite and that was fantastic. They quickly brought me a box and everything was great. I will say that the waitress made a pointed comment about them being closed. Since we'd been there since before 1 and hadn't been able to get seated and started eating until well after 2, I thought that was a little rude. I understand, coming from a previous history of retail and wait history that there's only so much you can control, but if they weren't able to seat us, they just should have told us. All-in-all the food was great, the service was good, the seating was tight, so just never go with more than 2 or 4 people. I'll go back but during the summer with just one friend.
(4)
Josh K.

Ever wake up and say, "ya know, I'm craving some Cuban." I did on Saturday morning, and after pulling up my snazzy Yelp app found this place in my bookmarks. Done deal. Short drive down 94 to 35w and we're there. There is a couple of private lots, very very small, maybe 4-5 cars max for each, so expect to park on the street. Walk in, welcomed and offered the patio. Took up residence at the bar instead and proceeded to look things over. Coffee was very tasty as I looked over the menu and came to an agreement with myself, Bistec Criollo and a Mango Pancake. A very short wait for the food allowed me to look over the very cool interior of the place. Names, messages, and some rather unsavory things are scribed all over the place, which was pretty entertaining to read before my chow arrived. My Bistec was incredible. The thin sliced steak in lime, onions and peppers was cooked to perfection. It's a tough thing to cook too, given how thin the steak is and how easy it would be to slightly over cook into shoe leather. My over easy eggs and multi-grain were a good set of eggs and toast. But, here's the kicker, the yuca's that come with this dish are dynamite. Perfectly crunchy on the outside while still being fluffy and perfect inside. The lime juice these are cooked with sets everything off and definitely completes the ensemble of "hell yeah this is good." Then... the mango pancake eyes me up and says he's waiting. Challenge accepted. It's done perfectly. Great crispy edges and a nice subtle crunch to the cake. However, for a specialty pancake, it was rather blah in flavor. I'm not saying it was bad or not good, but, just blah. Some bites where the cream, butter and mango were concentrated were good. But, for a cake put on a pedestal as one of the better cakes in the state, I wasn't displaced from the bar stool over it. Average I'd say, and a specialty cake that legitly (made up word I know) needs maple syrup to be good... ehhhh, we've got a miss. Never the less, I mow it down. Service was spotty. I didn't get asked how my chow was the entire meal, nor was I asked if I needed anything. Which was odd considering I was the only person sitting at the bar, right in front of 3 workers. Place filled up quickly right after 8 when it opened, so, plan for a wait I'd say if you come after 9'ish. Good Cuban fix though, solid 4/5 joint.
(4)
Samantha S.

Came to Victor's on a Sunday afternoon. Be prepared for a wait. But the music is super catchy if you are a fan of Latin like I am! The wait time allowed me to analyze the menu 5 times over and redecide 5 times what I wanted to eat since so many things looked so good. Got the ropa vieja special which was delicious. 2 eggs, toast which I upgraded to Cuban. Be sure to ask for the guava jam! A side of rice and beans. If your plate comes with plaintains it's about two pieces so of if you want more be sure to ask for a side. The only thing I was maybe not a big fan of was the yuca frites. They seemed a tad dry. The staff here is so amazing. Everyone is kind and patient event with all the hustle and bustle. They made the wait a lot less painful.
(4)
Immaculate I.

I saw so many great reviews and I really wanted some great food so I had to try this spot. Warning: parking sucks, and it is REALLY busy around 1pm on Sunday! We waited for 47 minutes before we got to sit. At the counter. I didn't realize just how quaint this place is. I ordered the professor Stavrou special. 2 Eggs & seasoned house potatoes spiced up with cayenne pepper & grilled onions, served with toast. Eggs were medium and I added chorizo and opted for the Cuban roast with guava jam. Yummers. It was so delicious I finished everything on my plate. My companion had the Bistec Encebollado which was sliced steak in a lime & garlic marinade grilled with onion & served with rice, black beans & sweet plantains. He hates onions so this wasn't the best dish to choose but he helped me finish my Cuban toast. Service was amazing and the waitresses have us some tips for next time. Definitely recommend to my fellow Yelpers
(5)
Cj J.

Very Tasty food. I would absolutely go again.
(4)
Julie M.

We only generally go here for breakfast, and we are always thrilled with our food and the staff. It's a cool dive atmosphere. Ask for markers to sign the wall. This visit we were happy with the Spanish omelet, ranchero Cubano, scrambled eggs with yucca, fried plantains and mango waffle. Always good coffee and just a fun spot. Not good for groups. Our table of five consists of a booth for 4 with a chair on the end. More than that and you will likely split up. In the summer there is outdoor seating.
(5)
Peter L.

My very honest opinion? Victor's is like Cuban food catered towards the American palate. The dishes here lack flavor and are bland and not very bold. The Cuban restaurant inside Miami's airport (La Carreta) serves better food than Victor's.
(2)
Alice Y.

Awesome, cheap brunch. The wild rice and banana porridge was unique and delicious! They had several Americana options as well as Cuban options for meals. It's small, but they have patio seating, so you can't go wrong if it's nice out.
(5)
Heather M.

Both the food and the atmosphere were wonderful! I had a hot chocolate with a shot of espresso that was incredibly smooth and velvety. I thoroughly enjoyed the rice porridge (I added mango) and the Cuban toast was delightful. Be sure to ask for a side of the guava jam.
(4)
Josh S.

Best Cuban sandwich in town. Friendly staff, neat establishment.
(5)
Cassandra B.

The food, the coffee, the atmosphere, this place is the bomb! I'm not a huge breakfast person so I go for the sandwiches, and the Cuban is perfection. There's a reason it was featured on the Food Network. I'm also a huge fan of the Cuban Pork BBQ sandwich--the mango guava BBQ sauce is like no other. My man often gets the Cuban Hash and is a huge fan, and the mango pancake is similarly delicious. As for the atmosphere, they play mid-century Latin music and it's cozy and welcoming. Nostalgia of a place most of us haven't been (and would prefer not to go) is the driving force. The walls are filled with some retro Cuban artifacts and covered floor to ceiling with customer etchings. This place is crowded for weekend brunch, and you will likely see a crowd standing out front waiting. Some tips: -They do not give you a time estimate. Just hang out and get to know your party, as they're pretty good at keeping things moving. -They're able to keep things moving because they do not seat partial parties. You may find this irritating if you thought you could leave a representative while the rest of your party explores the neighborhood or whatever, but it's for the common good. No one hogging a table waiting for stragglers to show up and order! In conclusion, this place is the best.
(5)
Grace R.

Great food and great vibes! They take reservations for outdoor seating. I would definitely come back here for a laid-back casual dinner. Also an extensive menu leaves me wanting to try other dishes! The empanadas were fantastic as were the drinks. I would recommend this as a great neighborhood spot
(4)
Deirdre L.

An absolute go to for breakfast. Cuban? yes!but standard options as well. Corn pancakes are to die for and ranchero cubano with a side tostones are my fav! You'll have to WAIT for a table but the very funky atmosphere, great coffee make it well worth the time.
(5)
Alexander M.

Such a surreal experience eating here! Food was great and for a moment I almost forgot I would be walking out the door into frozen tundra and not a tropical oasis, oh well win some lose some!
(5)
Dave L.

Let's just say a corn pancake @ $4.50, rice, beans & over easy eggs at just another couple of bucks is easy on the pocket. It's also tasty. It's got a very unique feel inside, as you could probably read the walls for the entire day. Great for a first date because you can just read the walls if things get awkward.
(4)
Garry W.

Never heard of this place until a biz meeting was set up. Watched the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives clip on YouTube to prepare. Had the Picadillo that Guy Fierri recommended and was not disappointed but would like it a bit spicier. Colleagues all had fantastic meals and I was coveting the pulled pork and Cuban sandwich. Love the slice of Havana atmosphere and can't wait to return for the pulled pork with lemon.
(5)
Ben B.

Everything is awesome!!!!! I don't know why haters are giving this place anything less than 5 stars. Decor is cool, servers are nice and good, and the food will make you weep tears of joy. This hipster approves.
(5)
Kurt M.

It's past time for an update on my original, minimalist review of Victor's. As a semi-frequenter of this spot for breakfast, my endorsement hasn't changed. I'll add that the corn pancakes are delicious and frankly I can't imagine the hungriest of souls who wouldn't be filled by a stack of two of these tasty flapjacks. For me one is more than satisfying. The Professor Stavrou is a favorite as are the Cuban Scrambler and Cuban Hash. The Rancho Cubano is also a solid choice. The other night I stopped here with a couple of buddies for dinner. I should come here more often. I ordered the Lechon Asado, pulled pork roasted in garlic and lime topped with grilled onions. It came with yuca frita, a great alternative to potato fries and black beans and rice. Wonderfully flavorful, fresh and filling. FYI, Cuban food is not typically highly spiced so I added generous dollops of hot sauce to bring up the heat. One friend ordered the Fricasee De Pollo, chicken breast pieces stewed in a savory tomato based red sauce with onions, red & green peppers. The other friend had the Bistec Encebollado, strip steak marinated in lime mojo, topped with grilled onions & served with tostones. From the general lack of conversation, the periodic nodding of heads and the occasional grunt of satisfaction I gathered that they found their dishes much to their liking. For dessert we decided to share an order of Xango Chango (think of this as a lighter, non-greasy, more evolved form of churros filled with custard and served with a guava puree) and a slice of Passion Mango Cheesecake (rich, dense, sweet without being cloying). Added three cups of Cafe Cubano and we were campistas muy felices! Service at the counter was fun and friendly. Prices very reasonable. They do take reservations and on most nights you'd be well advised to make them. Couldn't plan ahead? Put your name on the list when you arrive and if it's a nice night (we do have those occasionally I'm told), just relax, sit outside until called and your patience will be rewarded.
(4)
Erica E.

Unique options. Many Cuban options, as well as more traditional American choices. Service is good and staff is friendly. Prepare for wait because this place is small and popular. Outdoor seating available when the weather is nice.
(4)
Brady K.

You got to love the small restaurant atmosphere of this place. The small kitchen has resulted in some long waits for our food on a few occasions though. So the smallness has some good & some bad. As for the food: Mango Pancakes & Fried Plantains are phenomenal. Sandwich Cubano is excellent. Empanadas, Yuca Fritas, & Beans/Rice are good. Shredded Pork not so good - dry both times I've tried it.
(4)
Richard Y.

Had a great breakfast here and enjoyed the "red espresso." It is some of the best Cuban food I've had outside of Key West and I'm looking forward to their dinner menu. I wouldn't recommend replacing toast with their Cuban bread, it tasted like a hamburger bun.
(4)
Kathy S.

Victor's has got to be one of my favorite places in the Cities, hands down. I can't believe I haven't reviewed it yet! This was where I celebrated my 21st birthday dinner with a few of their absolutely delicious mojitos. This was where my roommates and I toasted the end of our college years together. This is where my friends and I go for dinner after a long, hard week. This tiny little place has a piece of my heart! (Speaking of tiny, if you plan on going with more than 3-4 people, you'll want to call ahead and make a reservation.) I've never really gone wrong with anything on the menu, but my favorites include the yuca (though it still doesn't beat Brasa's for me), empanadas, lechon asado, ropa viejo, and the ensalada tropical. As for drinks, any of the tropical mimosas or mojitos are excellent. Victor's is one of the places that I make sure NOT to skip dessert either: their passion mango cheesecake blew my mind and I always have it when I'm there. Although I just saw that they do have a mojito sorbet...considering that I am in love with Sebastian Joes + mojitos at Victors + mojitos in general, this may be my new dessert order. If it's any kind of good weather, you MUST get out on the patio! Though there are often plenty of bugs flying around and trying to nom on some of your delicious meal, it's a cozy little patio that has a really great energy and people-watching as well. Also make sure to to take a bathroom visit at some point - the writing on the walls is fun to read.
(5)
Billy D.

I think this place got ruined buy the publicity of whatever food network show they were on. The food was surprisingly bland overall (like they forgot to season the meat and beans) and the price is about 30% too high on everything. The interior is kind of interesting, but not worth a visit IMO.
(2)
Jane D.

Love this funky diner in the winter and the patio is the best in the summer! Small and cute neighborhoody place.
(4)
Melissa S.

I spent many summers visiting an aunt in Key West, where I developed my love for Cuban food (and music!). I've tried every Cuban restaurant in Chicago, Washington DC & Charlotte, NC looking for nostalgia - but Victors is the only one that did it. It is by far the best Cuban restaurant outside of Florida. It's also one of my favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities. Atmosphere: Fantastic. It's fun, colorful, intimate and not too loud. It embodies summer. I've always had great service, both dine-in and to-go. Food: As I mentioned above, it's incredible. It took me back to Key West. I think the best time to go is dinner (though brunch is fun!). I always order the lechon asado - flavorful and tender. The yuca, beans and rice are standard. The plantains are excellent. Try the 'red espresso' My only complaints are: they don't have Sangria or guava pastries, and the Cuban Bread is subpar; it was basically a hamburger bun :(
(5)
Pinarello R.

Great Cuban breakfast, authentic food and amazing service. The atmosphere is great with bold colors and hey write your name on the wall.
(5)
Miguel S.

3.5 Stars. Great Cuban food prepared sometimes a little differently than what I'm accustomed to in south Florida where I'm from and the largest Cuban population outside of Cuba. I am a Cuban-American so I like the Cuban food with a slight twist (with American & Greek offerings). My biggest gripe is they're not accommodating if one person in your party is running late they won't seat you (it happens!). And as I mentioned I am Cuban American so I find it pretty offensive they have glorifying pro-Castro & pro-Che propaganda (who've most Cubans in the US escaped that communist dictatorship). I really wish they'd take it down; that is if the Greek owner isn't communist. I don't think she knows how hurtful it is for a Cuban-American to walk into an American restaurant that glorifies a communist regime with a dictator of 5 decades (not cool!). But I suppose only an actual Cuban (and not a Greek-American) understands the Cuban refugee strife Castro & Che caused. So that docks a full star. 4.5 stars food minus 1 star for offensive propaganda and not willing to accommodate a party that has someone running late.
(3)
Aaron S.

The food is a midwestern take on Cuban cuisine. It is not authentic Cuban food. If you know and love Cuban food, you might be disappointed. If you've never had Cuban food, this Disneyland version will probably be OK. Decor is fun and unique.
(3)
Jennifer S.

Back once more after a long hiatus. Arriving around 7:45 pm, we waited just a few minutes in order to sit at a table instead of the counter. We received prompt and pleasant service, enjoyed a hard-to-find wine and also some very tasty food. All this, contained within a small space that's near to bursting with "energy". I think eating with the enemy has its perks. Seeing they had a "Bonarda" wine on their menu, and having had a Bonarda recently (and really liking it), we ordered the bottle. It's difficult to find this wine around town. We also requested a half order of empanadas - with cheese and roasted red pepper. Moments later, our wine arrived. A few minutes later, our empanadas arrived with a little cup of a dipping sauce. They were very good and very hot. Flaky pastry folded around oozing hot white cheese studded with bits of roasted red pepper. The dipping sauce was served hot, too, and was similar to a marinara sauce, but different. Yum! They went well with our wine. Next, we each ordered a Cuban sandwich. My companion has never ordered anything else at Victor's and loves them. So I ordered one, too, because I've never eaten a Cuban sandwich here. When our sandwiches arrived I was surprised by their size. Seems as though we could have easily been satisfied with a half of a sandwich. The combination of ingredients and the taste were delicious. I especially appreciated the smooth, thin, and lightly- toasted bread. I had planned on eating just half my sandwich. However, since I was drinking wine and enjoying myself listening to the peppy Latin rhythms, I ended up eating the whole thing. I can't believe I ate the whole thing. Remember that commercial?
(4)
Mon P.

What a vibrant little cafe! I love this place!! Just like other already mentioned, it's like going on a vacation when you step inside this little vibrant restaurant. Though my experience was based on only a single visit with one dish, everything was pretty damn good. I love love love the inside decor and the outside patio. All the writings and scribbling on the wall give this place such a personal touch. The music was also so much fun and the service was good. On to the food, I only had the picadillo, and it was excellent. It came out fast and was very tasty. I was full half way through the dish but I just couldnt stop eating it. Cant wait to go back and try something else on the menu.
(5)
Emily B.

Loved the super small space and decor, sat at the bar so didn't necessarily see the nicest side of the waitstaff, but always appreciate seeing the "real side" of life. :) I was expecting much more, extra side of black beans and taste of my friend's yucca were great, didn't love the hash. Great cup of coffee!
(3)
Becky S.

Victor's is a fun place to eat. There is writing all over the walls and the food is good. I didn't try any of the 'Dinners, Drive-Ins and Dives' food, so maybe those are mind blowing but what I had was very good. The staff is friendly and if you're looking to try something new, I think Victor's might just be the place.
(4)
Steven R.

One of my favorite restaurants. I'm VERY envious when another member of my family is going and I can't. In addition to dozens of wonderful Cuban dishes, they also have a number of gringo dishes for the less adventuresome. There's a nice outdoor seating area with a dozen or so tables. Inside tables and booths are small and cramped but somehow we never mind as it just suits the atmosphere.
(5)
MN Ad Man Z.

We've been here a couple times and tried a few things. it's ok, but pricey for some items. The best is breakfast on a weekend sitting outside on a nice day. First item we sampled was the "Bay of Pigs Sandwich", and it's pretty plain. it was a touch on the dry side. says on the menu drenched in sauce. could not see any nor taste any sauce. and @ $8.50 for some pulled pork on a bun it's not only plain and boring, it's over priced. it needs some cilantro or slaw or something else on it. and it needs to be juicy. so skip the Bay of Pigs. We also got the signature "Sandwich Cubano". This is a much better sandwich, but still nothing amazing. it basically tastes like decent meat, with pickle and mustard. nothing special. For better sandwiches, try Cheeky Monkey in St Paul. Another member of our group got the "Cuban Hash" breakfast. it was pretty good. the has is good but if you are not sharing/sampling as we all did, you make get tired of the hash taste before you finish. We also ordered a single "Mango Pancake" for us all to try as people online seemed to rave about them. well, pancake was also bland, and the mango pieces & sauce was only ok. I wouldn't order that again either. Overall after two visits, it's just is nothing special. sitting outside on a beautiful morning and eating only breakfast items while enjoying the Cuban music playing is probably the only reason to go again.
(2)
Bridget L.

I went here on a recommendation from a friend and wasn't disappointed. We didn't realize they'd be so busy but they managed to squeeze us in before the dinner rush. The servers were all very nice and helpful when it came to picking out entrees. The food was good but it didn't blow me away like many of the other reviewers have mentioned. I did love the fried plantains though! I was kind of disappointed by the portions. For the price I was expecting a bit more on my plate. To be fair, I do really like large servings. All in all, the decor is nice, staff is friendly, and food is pretty good. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here but I might stop by if I was in the area and had a craving for Cuban.
(4)
Sonja R.

Just finished breakfast at Victors with one of my girlfriends. Totally a breakfast worth waiting for! The food was outstanding. It's a little Cuban hole in the wall with about 10 tables inside. Looks like a shack and decorated in bright colors. Staff was friendly and on top of things. My coffee was never empty. Ate a corn pancake and went to heaven! My egg dish was also outstanding, black beans cheese egg and tortillas. One can't go wrong! Go here! It's great
(5)
Jeff K.

I went there after searching The City Pages for a good breakfast place and after reading about it, I drove 30 minutes to get there. I recognized the place from driving past it before but have never stopped it because it looked a little tattered from the outside. I went in, and was immediately seated. The first thing I noticed was all the writing on the walls, seats, ceiling of past guests. It was a nice change from your typical local cafe. The waitresses were 10/10 gracious. The menu had a nice variety of breakfast with having a Cuban and American breakfast menu. I went with an Cuban style omelet with chorizo and cheese and a glass of their tropical styled mango lemonade (free refills). I waited about 20 minutes to get my food after entering inside. It was delicious. Loaded with thinly sliced potatoes, chorizo, peppers, cheese and a red sauce that gave it a nice finish. I also ordered their Cuban toast, which I highly suggest. Overall, a great experience, from the music to the wait staff, the freshness of the food, and the cozy but authentic interior. I'll definitely be making the drive there at least once a month.
(5)
Laura P.

Whenever I see that disgusting cretin Guy Fieri cramming his enormous pie-hole full of greasy food I usually make a silent resolve to never been seen in the same place. I'm glad that I was brought to Victor's before I ever knew it was on DDD otherwise I would have missed out on some great food. We came to Victor's at about 2 PM on a Sunday and every table in the little restaurant was full. The staff and the air conditioner were working overtime to ensure everyone was well-fed and comfortable. From all the etchings on the walls to the colorful clientele there was more than enough to entertain us as we waited for our plates. I shouldn't by any means like a Cuban sandwich. I don't like hot pressed sandwiches and I REALLY don't like Swiss cheese but this Cuban sandwich made me shut up. It was exactly what a Cuban should be. They didn't mess around with fancy mustard or pickles. Just the plain old yellow stuff and a thin sliced kosher dill. Order it with chorizo and you won't be disappointed. If you're a coffee drinker you'll want to grab a bag of beans to go.
(4)
Eric B.

Eating With The Enemy.... Gayle, Meg, Ron, and I stopped here for Lunch yesterday after a nice hike around Lake Calhoun. The neighbourhood around Victor's 1959 Cafe has seen better days, but this funky property (old gasoline station?) was hopping yesterday. The outdoor tables were pretty much full, so we took a cozy booth inside, and admired the graffiti on the walls, and other aspects of this slanted, creaky, and funky interior. I really enjoyed my Sandwich Cubano, while Gayle enjoyed her Lechon Asado (pulled pork loin). Ron had that too and Meg opted for the Picadillo. It was all delicious, with the only false note being the Croquetas, which were a bit cold on the inside and maybe under nuked in the microwave? In any event, all the food went down well with copious amounts of black beans and rice, raspberry lemonade, and Negra Modelo beer. We also enjoyed our friendly and well-spoken server, and commented that we would love to come back here for breakfast and/or the patio. Viva la Revolucion!
(5)
Patrick H.

Victor's is a solid restaurant, offering a consistently satisfying menu and level of service for the price. Bedrock reliability is an often overlooked attribute when judging an eatery, especially an "ethnic" one, but it's important. Would you like some mildly seasoned syncretic food? Would you like it served pleasantly and quickly? And would you like these things to cost not very much? Victor's can do all these things for you. You're welcome, comrade. I imagine that for hardcore fans of Cuban food, a suggestion to try the cubano sandwich is somewhat akin to raving about the pad thai. But I'm going to do it. Lots of places in the TC offer a version, but this one is probably the benchmark by which their relative merits should be judged. The serving is substantial, but not overwhelming, and the ingredients are perfectly balanced; from a sandwich science perspective, this might be equivalent to a "grand unified theory". You get some tender, slow-cooked pork in every bite. You get some sweet/salty ham in every bite. You get some Swiss cheese and mustard in every bite. And perhaps most importantly, you get some pickle in every bite. All of these bites are supported by a bun/bread that is crusty yet yielding, and that remains structurally sound throughout. (You will also want to add the optional Spanish-style sliced chorizo, for a hint of spiciness, and because why would you limit yourself to two kinds of pork WHEN YOU COULD HAVE THREE.) If you like rice, Victor's has rice for you. Four kinds! Despite our general association of Cuba with sultry romance, this is not the place for a quiet, intimate date night. The decor and ambiance are LOUD (although the outdoor seating -- making up about half of the restaurant's total area -- is less so). All of the surfaces are covered in customer graffito, giving the option to avoid conversation or spark it, depending on one's mood. (Some of these scrawlings are NSFW, in case this sort of thing is a concern.) A tiny, accurately rendered version of the internet's famed "troll face" leered at me from above my girlfriend's shoulder on a recent visit, which was mildly disconcerting. But the overall vibe is one of colorful, ramshackle charm. I have never tried the breakfast options at Victor's, sadly, if only because it's hard to get in. A weekend morning is likely to see a line snaking through the small parking area and partway down the abutting residential street. That a neighboring private home has seen fit to post a "stay off my lawn" sign should indicate just how chronic Victor's brunch-time popularity remains. Maybe someday... (Given the restaurant's small footprint, reservations are not a bad idea for any time of day, any day of the week.)
(4)
Brian M.

Channeled my inner Hemmingway and when here for breakfast - well three breakfasts actually. Ordered sooooo much food just to taste it as it all looked great. Looks like a dive from the outside and the writing on the wall on the inside adds flavor. Seriously good eats. Really. Try the mangopancakeseggswithavacadospanishchorizohotchocoÂlate.... an amazing mix of flavors. Order SOMETHING with the special sauce. Capers for breakfast? Why not. Good service with a wait staff that seems to like hating each other or hate liking each other - hard to tell. Regardless, order what they suggest and you will be happy.
(4)
Anna P.

This is my new favorite breakfast spot. There are a lot of gluten free options. GFers can't have the fried stuff because it's all in a fryer shared with evil wheat, but the meat-egg-corn tortilla-licious options are excellent. The space is awesome. I flash-back to my NYC days....sigh....
(4)
Kelly G.

My first experience with anything Cuban was as a four-year-old listening to my mother sing Barry Manilow. "Copa! Copa CabanasomethingsomethiHavana!" My second was watching Desi Arnaz in "I Love Lucy." Third was Elian Gonzalez floating to Florida and it ended there. I am CLEARLY multicultural. My date was a little apprehensive walking up to this place in the dark. Make no mistake, this is not Cosmos at Graves. It is built to look and feel like a beach shack in Cuba in the 50's. Walking in, I felt like I should be in flip flops and slipping on sand in between the bricks on the floor. Tabletops were like grandma's plus some sweet graffiti. I was a huge fan. The boy got more nervous. Chicken Empanadas are yummy, Sandwich Cubano was to die for. Thick, juicy, ham, 1500 calories. Oh, so good. Boy preferred my Cubano to his Lechon Asado, as did I. A little too mild in flavor. Yuca Fritas were alright, but did more to fill up the acreage I wish I'd reserved for the Cubano. Service was good: not overbearing, but attentive. This place closes around 9PM, which is definitely you want to keep in mind, especially if, like myself, you get late night cravings...(White Castle...little less satisfying). Apparently the place is notorious because I got angry texts from friends for not picking up takeout...for all of them.
(4)

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Address : 3756 Grand Ave S
Minneapolis, MN, 55409
Phone (612) 827-8948
Website https://www.victors1959cafe.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :8:00 am - 2:3
Mon : 8:00 am - 2:3

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Victors 1959 Cafe

3756 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55409

Victors 1959 Cafe Menu

Appetizers

Side Salads

Our House Specialties

Vegetarian Entrees

Vegetarian Side Dishes

Life Is Sweet (desserts)

Healthy Meal suggestions for Victors 1959 Cafe

Appetizers

Side Salads

Our House Specialties

Vegetarian Entrees

Vegetarian Side Dishes

Life Is Sweet (desserts)

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Michael C.

Nita M.

Emily A.

weston w.

Phil B.

Yo M.

Esther K.

Dylan G.

Laura C.