So so cute. Authentic and funky. Just how I like it. Had the Argentinian steak lunch. A bit pricey but very good. The tres leches cake is to die for. This is the kind of place I want to try everything on the menu. The exact opposite of a chain restaurant.
(4)
Phillip N.
Holy cow this place is amazing. Had the chicken napoliantana. Monneeyyyyy!!! Shared some of my friends Cuban sandwich. Winning!!! My side of yuka and plantains were very nice as well. I love the homey feel of the store and would love to come back. Great stuff! Oh and the staff is very lively hah
I've had Oakwood Cafe bookmarked for awhile. After looking at Ron W's pictures, I knew I had to get moving and get over there! I went for lunch yesterday. It looks like the building is a converted gas station/convenience store or something. The interior is much nicer than I had imagined tho. Our server was excellent. She got us in and out for lunch without making us feel rushed. I had the Ropa Viega; pulled beef simmered in a savory tomato, meat broth and red wine sauce. It was excellent. I was expecting it to be a little more spicy but, a shot of their house hot sauce took acre of that! Excellent. It was served with black beans and rice and plantains. The plantains were baked or grilled and had a nice sweet flavor..almost dessert-like. My coworker, a Miami native with Cuban family, had the Picadillo. She gave it a thumbs up! A third member of our party had the Beef Milanesa. It was a huge piece of meat and he enjoyed it. Unfortunately, none of us tried dessert so, that will have to wait for the next visit!
(4)
Leo T.
Great Cuban, and Argentine food. I haven't been here in a few months, but it's still delicious. The tostones are usually fried to perfection and cut to a nice thickness where the plantain taste still comes through. The palomilla steak (which is how i gauge Cuban restaurants) is good. Not five star good, but good. I'm giving it 5 stars mainly because of the breakfast... I've been more for breakfast than at lunch/dinner. The Bistec Empanizado with 2 fried eggs is AWESOME! The steak is breaded and fried, but not over done. Pop two eggs on top and use the tostones to get all the extra yolky goodness and that is a ticket to tasting nirvana. The coffee is great too. True Cuban coffee and Cafe con Leche will hit the spot if you have a craving. Overall, the Cuban food is great at Oakwood, that is what I usually get. You won't be disappointed going there for brunch/breakfast either. In fact, you should try it then. The argentine food is equally as delicious. :)
(5)
Matt B.
The wife wanted to go to the "Something Cafe" the other day for lunch. Thank god for Yelp... The place is pretty small, yet awesome. Nice little cozy feel and slightly run-down, just like a good cafe should be. It had the feel of a great little place that's all about the food. The server (who had the whole place to herself) was quite adept and handling it. We ordered the fried yucca for an appetizer. I absolutely loved it. It's probably one of my favorite root veggies to eat. The preparation was a little different than I'm used to, but the chunks were prepared fantastically. I got a Cuban sandwich and the wife got a wrap. Her wrap was one of the better wraps I've had. I really liked my sandwich, but my one complaint is that it wasn't spicy enough (a complaint I have about most sandwiches I don't make myself and not a fault of theirs). Of course, I was able to put hot sauce on it... And the hot sauce was amazing. They make their own hot sauce in house and it's one of the better hot sauces I've had. They don't make it vinegar-based, which is a welcome change from the majority of sauces. It's almost like a cross-between a salsa and a hot sauce. Spicy, but without too much of a kick. Amazing flavor palate. One weird thing - the bathroom. It frightened me. The bathroom is behind a curtain without a door. I was afraid to go in. I think there was a door inside to hide the toilet (I hope - I heard a door), but it seemed a little odd. All in all, I would happily go back. And will. This was a great little place for lunch.
I recently watched the movie Chef and decided I was in the mood for Cuban food. We went here on a Friday night, and for our appetizer we ordered the empanada sampler for $11. You get four giant empanadas (2 beef, 1 chicken, 1 spinach and cheese), and four tostones. The tostones were crispy, soft on the interior, and seasoned nicely with a touch of lemon. The empanadas were fried and the dough is thick, yet soft on the inside. They are different than Calavera's empanadas (and cheaper). The ground beef picadillo was good with nice and juicy beef with olives and peppers inside. The chicken had the most flavor and a mild spice. The spinach and cheese was really cheese and just tasted really fresh with the spinach. They do no skimp with filling here and I love the house made hot sauce they have on the tables. It add's an incredible amount of flavor to the empanadas. For my entree, I went with the baby churrasco ($15) with a side of plantains and yuca fritas. The churrasco was at least 8 oz and I believe the cut was a skirt steak, but it was cooked to a nice medium rare with a great char on the outside. The steak was decently tender, just a little hard cut because of the nature of the cut of meat it is. Nevertheless, it was beautifully marinaded, dripping and oozing with delicious meat juice. The chimichurri really set it over the top, and it was definitely a very flavorful piece of meat. The plantains came out perfect and yuca fritas were also surprisingly very good. I've never had yuca before, and when its lightly fried, it has a similar consistency to fried potatoes, just not as starchy and a lot healthier tasting. Overall, my meal was very good at Oakwood and also very reasonably priced. I don't know how authentic the food is here for traditional Cuban and Argentine food, but it tastes pretty good which is all I care about. I would highly recommend Oakwood and will be back to try more of their delicious food.
(4)
Anne W.
It's a cute little place tucked in downtown with its own small parking lot, which is nice if you can grab a spot. Service was decent for a lunch crowd during the week and it did get packed inside. I was a little disappointed with the Argentinean food. I'm basing my comparison to the only experience I've had with Argentinean food, cooked by an Argentinean friend. We ordered the provoleta which tasted ok (my friend makes it with chimichurri sauce on top which is so yummy). It was only served with four small slices of toasted bread along side, hardly enough for the cheese. I ordered the empanada platter with tostones. This was the first time I have ever tried tostones and they had little flavor, almost like unseasoned fries. The pastry of the empanada was really good, fried perfectly. My favorite filling was the spinach and cheese, the chicken had little flavor. My son ordered the Cuban Steak sandwich and it was full of juicy, thinly sliced steak. Overall kind of unimpressive. If I go back, I think I'll sample the Cuban fare.
(3)
Mark M.
The empanadas were deep fried. I've had some that weren't cooked like that. I had a chicken empanada that was OK. The spinach and cheese had no taste to it, I had to drown it in hot sauce. The black beans were OK. I live in NW Raleigh. I don't think I would come down here just for this restaurant. I came with some coworkers for lunch. Despite the cuisine, the waitresses do not appear to speak Spanish. So much for using my limited tourist Spanish. LOL.
(3)
Brad P.
I was out an about Sunday morning. My wife and I were headed over to the Old International House of Pancakes on Hillsborough street. I remember eating there back in 1980 and it wasn't new then. We saw Oakwook Cafe and decided to give it a a try. I had absolutely no preconcieved notion of what to expect. We just assumed they would have pancakes. I was pleasently surprized with what I found. The atmosphere was plesently divey, the service was freindly, the food was really good, and the prices weren't bad at all. I would like to add that I feel the name qualified as false advertising. Oakwood Cafe is no name for a above par Cuban restaurant. Atmosphere 4 - This is obviously and older place and they emphasized the age in a very hip way. It feel like a hole in the wall that has been around a long time. Service 4 - Our server was prompt and freindly. She took the time to tell us a little about the place and the food they serverd. I did see one thing I saw that did impress me. A table across from me was an elderly couple. The husband clearly had mobility issues. One of the gentlemen from the kitchen came out to help the husband out of the booth and stayed with him until he was properly situated with his walker. Part of what impressed me was that the gentleman from the kitchen clearly did not view helping this man as in interuption to his day. He seemed genuinely concerned and more than happy to lend a hand. Cost/Value 5 - The food quality for the price I paid was a really good value. Food 5 - The Cuban pork sandwich was good and the milanesas sandwich was also well above par. The bread was fresh and crispy on the outside and still chewy on the indie. The plaintains were good as well. The home made hot sauce is definitely worth a try. Very flavorful without being blast your head off hot.
(4)
Will K.
If it wasnt for Yelp, i wouldnt have known about this place! Got the Pork Cuban Sandwich with plaintains. It was excellent!! Will be back to try something different
(5)
Lauryn C.
After numerous recommendations finally I made it a priority to come to Oakwood Cafe. Being that I consider myself from Raleigh how is it that I never walked into this place before? The Argentinean/Cuban restaurant is a tiny little place off the beaten path but close by DTR. My sis and I dropped in late afternoon on a Sat. which worked out perfectly considering I've heard how packed this place can get. Listening to the owner talk to another patron in the restaurant it sounds like to me they get a lot of lunch business during the week from the state offices and it might be tough to get a seat then. Our waitress greeted us and I told her it was our first time and asked for some recommendations. She was so friendly I really enjoyed speaking with her and she pointed out a few popular menu items. We started with a beef and a spinach empanada. The dough and fillings were perfect, very tasty and different then other empanada's I've had around town. I don't want to leave out the super tasty homemade hot sauce they serve with the food here. As a hot sauce fanatic I'm definitely coming back to purchase some soon. It's not the heat in the sauce but the flavor is so good. I figure steak is a good choice at an Argentinean restaurant so I went with the Baby Churrasco; Argentinean style cut steak served with two sides of your choice. When the plate came out it was a huge portion, I ordered the fried yucca, and spinach with rice. The steak came with a side of chimi churri sauce that was also very tasty. My sis and I shared bites and I was able to taste the beef milanesa as well it was delicious. We ate every last bite on our plates and were incredibly full but how can you pass on dessert, especially when it's tres leches cake. Yup we did it we had dessert too. The owner came to the table and chatted with us for a bit and he was very nice. It was a great meal with wonderful service. Next time I come back I'm going to dig into the Cuban side of the menu, Cuban sandwich anyone?
(5)
Julie M.
The spinach & cheese empanadas were wonderful. The chicken empanadas had a seasoning that was delicious! The beef empanadas, not so much. Provoleta was ok; ask a native Argentinian to make you one.
(3)
Jesalyn K.
If you find yourself inside this restaurant, order a Cuban coffee, pay, and leave. That's the only way you'll walk out totally satisfied. We were really pumped about this place - and with an Argentine in tow, we're always seeking out excellent empanadas and milanesas. With shining eyes, we ordered both - and were sorely disappointed. The empanadas are fried and served with what appears to be Tostitos mild salsa - apparently to mask the flavor. The 'beef milanesa' was what appeared to be three (large) slices of roast beef (...? You're as confused as we were!) under a small mountain of breadcrumbs. That fall off. The chicken milanesa was - well, a breaded cutlet. Not a tasty one. We ordered the side salad. Don't. You'll get a better one at any pizza buffet. It was made with the iceberg lettuce ends and some sprinkle cheese. And a crouton. We trudged on - and ordered the flan, with HIGH hopes for redemption. It was overcooked. They slathered on some dulce de leche to mask it. We left it sitting, paid our fifty bucks, and wiped away bitter tears on the way out. Their homemade hot sauce was pretty alright. If you decide to order anything here, go ahead and drench it.
(1)
Todd Y.
Went here for lunch after a morning over at the museum of natural science, and was a little skeptical of a argentine/Cuban place.. But the place doesn't disappoint.. Had the inkling for some empanadas, went to Argentina years ago and took an empanada making class, these were as good.. But they were still very tasty... A bit on the pricy side for empanadas. The Cubans looked very good, as several members got the steak Cuban.. The fries are definitely lacking, but I shouldn't have expected much.. Will be back to try the authentic Cuban..
(4)
Jöshua M.
I decided to give Oakwood Cafe a try, given its popularity in the Raleigh food scene. I didn't expect it to suck. I was unsure about reviewing this place, given that I don't want Lauryn C. to insist that I return my official foodie card to her. Eh, she'll have to forgive me. I dined here with a few friends for lunch on a weekday. I decided to go with the highly recommended Baby Churrasco steak served with a Chimi Churri sauce for $11.50. The waitress asked how i wanted my steak, and I replied "medium." You don't want to eat your steaks too rare unless you know the meat is high-quality. Most entrees come with two sides, and I decided to go with tostones (fried crispy palntains), and rice with spinach. The food came within a reasonable time frame, and the Chimi Churri sauce was a tad heavy on the acid, but still really good. I wish I had more nice things to write, but that ends the good that I experienced at Oakwood Cafe. What a shame. The Churrasco would not have been edible without the Chimi Churri. While I requested medium, the steak came borderline burnt to a crisp. It had absolutely no juices left, and it was completely devoid of flavor. A steak should not have to depend completely on its sauce. And speaking of tastelessness, the sides were both rather poorly made. Tostones were fried perfectly, but I'm sure they are not meant to be astonishingly bland. The rice with spinach had absolutely no redeeming quality. 2 stars - Lauryn C. have mercy on my foodie career. I've certainly had worse experiences; however, Oakwood lived far below its lofty reputation. One word that never should be associated with Argentinian food is "blandness." With the exception of the Chimi Churri, "blandness" perfectly describes everything about Oakwood.
(2)
Ann Y.
Meh. I was excited to have some tasty Cuban food, but what I ended up with was average. I ordered the picadillo and I've had better. The seasoning was just lacking for a normally very flavorful dish. The side of black beans and rice were pretty standard. With that being said, the plantains were delicious!!! The staff was extremely pleasant and helpful, which was great!
(3)
Lace E.
It hurts a little to give this gentleman 2 stars because he seems like a nice guy. But here goes; I had grilled salmon, with a side of plantains and a salad. Salad was iceberg lettuce which is kind of a bummer (cheap?) and the salmon was way over-cooked and, well...like leather. Plantains left a little something to be desired - I couldn't decide if they weren't ripe enough or if they were too ripe (though I think, with plantains, the latter is better). Reasonably priced, and I still ate my salmon like a good girl but I wasn't thrilled about it. Also, although waitress was welcoming when I came in, she never smiled once and almost had an annoyed disposition. I think the concept of this place is great but my guess is that the owner needs to keep a more careful (close) watch on his cooks and his waitstaff. Bummer.
(2)
Amanda S.
This was an amazing place for a small intimate yet savory meal! My friend and I wanted to go somewhere new and I quickly found this on Yelp with much approval from various friends. It's small and the name like "Oakwood Cafe" doesn't lend it self to sound like a Cuban/Argentinean restaurant but it's absolutely amazing! The restaurant isn't large by any means but they have both inside and patio seating. The menu is cut up into Cuban/Argentinean options although most of them roll over. To start off we had the Provoletta which is fried provolone cheese in a circle shape with cuban bread to go with it. This was the.most.amazing. appetizer I've ever eaten in my life. It tasted like a pizza -- the most flavor and it went in a few seconds! That is an absolute must have! For my meal, I ordered the Beef Milanesa which is seasoned and fried breaded thin cut steak and had black beans/rice mix with fried yucca. I'm Cuban so to have a good meal came with high expectations but without a shadow of a doubt, I would say that they met that for me! I had plenty to take home as well. We both ordered wonderful glasses of wine to pair with our meal too! It's authentic and rich in flavor -- don't wait around to try this place out -- go now!
(5)
Alexa R.
Don't judge this book by its cover! Oakwood is small, dark, unassuming, and looks like it could be a gas station. But they have the best steak churrasco I've ever had! Add a side of plantains and you're home! It is run by a local family, so you see the same faces every time. They may not always act like they remember you, but I go for the food. All in all this is a great Latin American restaurant that won't break your wallet!
(5)
Shantelle M.
Great food, nice and fast service, will be returning! The cuban sandwiches are absolutely delicious. We also ordered the yuca and empanada as appetizers and for as inexpensive as the empanada is it's a great portion size. Since the sandwiches come with a side I'd recommend just ordering yuca for the side though, rather than an appetizer. We were stuffed!
(4)
Lauren R.
This delicious little restaurant made for a lovely lunch outside this afternoon the Cuban roasted pork, tostones and yuca were so yummy! I look forward to coming back!
(5)
Hank D.
My son and I had dinner here on a weeknight. He had churrasco steak with sweet plantains and fried yucca, I had piccadillo with black beans and plaintains. All were very good, however would have wanted more flavor in the black beans. Service was friendly and efficient and a very nice experience in a quaint little place
(4)
Str8 S.
I consider myself an expert on several foods and breakfast sandwiches are one of them. Living in NYC for 8 years spoiled me, since I have left it's rare I find a breakfast sando even worth eating much less writing about. The breakfast sandwich I had here for brunch may be a contender on it's own for best of all time. Add the house made hot sauce and I dare you to find something better. I look forward to coming back for dinner. Great job guys. Only thing keeping you out of the 4/5 star zone is your decor needs updated. But food and service, top notch.
(3)
Bonnie R.
Oakwood Cafe is a true Raleigh gem. And like most gems, it sits on a well-traveled street tucked in a quite unassuming building. I have eaten here twice and had their Cuban sandwich each time. While I do not know much about Cubans, aside from their deliciousness, I *can* tell you they wash down even better with an ice cold Antarctica Guarana. Oakwood Cafe is the ONLY place I know of in Raleigh that sells Antarctica Guarana. And as a Brasilian-at-heart, this place is my solace. Obrigada, Oakwood. Obrigada.
The food here is delicious! I wanted to try Argentinian food and was pleasantly surprised by this gem. We got the fried cheese, yucca, empanadas, sausage and tres leches cake. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is intimate and cute too.
(5)
John G.
Ceci and I dined at the Oakwood Cafe last week and we loved it. This was not her first time there but it was for me. We started out with the Provoletta, grilled and melted provolone cheese served with toasted bread. Mmmm! Very delicious! We shared a mixed grill dinner special (forgot the name) that was a variety of grilled meats, steak, chicken, chorizzo, etc... and it was very good. The rice and beans accompanying the plate were delicious as well as the garden salad! For dessert we shared the tres leches cake and the best coffee I have ever tasted! Yes, we will be returning! Soon!
(4)
Anna O.
Sad to say but if you know good Cuban food, you will not like it here. I went for dinner and the meat was dry and flavorless, kidney beans tasted like the tomatoes they were cooked in, yucca was not fresh, and the portions were sooooo small. The only good thing was the sangria!
(1)
Jen F.
Good simple good. I like how cozy and intimate it is. I had the pulled pork and rise and beans and it was good. Plantains were really good. Would definitely go again.
(5)
Jameson H.
After hearing a lot of hype about this place from friends in the neighborhood, we were finally able to try it, and it did not disappoint. Their lunch menu offered many great choices, and we settled with both Cuban and Argentinian faire. The best thing I can say is they take the ingredients and let them speak for themselves, rather than try to overcomplicate them, and the results are great. I barely took a breath while devouring the pulled pork, fried yuca, and sweet plantains. Now just looking forward to trying their dinner selection.
(4)
Christi L.
Best tiramisu in town! And if I can't get there for lunch, I believe their brunch ia now on Saturday!
(5)
Sarah H.
I had been wanting to try this place for a while but was torn because of the mixed reviews. I'm really glad I did. Everything we had was solid and I would definitely come back. We tried one of each type of empanadas (spinach&cheese, chicken, and beef)--- the chicken was definitely the best. We also had the cuban sandwich and the ropa vieja with sides of plantains and tostones. All of these were awesome! I would definitely recommend getting a bottle of wine and sitting out on the patio while you enjoy the food.
(4)
Brittany F.
This place is a true gem and I can't wait to go back! Hankering for something a bit different, my husband suggested we try this place out. We went early on a Saturday morning to sample their breakfast offerings. I loved the feel of the space and our waitress was so nice and attentive! I went with the empanada platter and Andrew got the Beef Milanesa. Both were so so delicious and reasonably priced. Can't wait to go back to sample more of their menu!
(4)
Beth G.
So I review restaurants elsewhere and my rating includes all the different attributes and then is averaged. Here's how they got such a high score, considering it's not a good restaurant... Food/beverage (3.75 out of 5) had half price wine, very tasty option! Baby currasco steak was PERFECT!! My pulled pork was great but the sides were awful and they used frozen bread and spinach. Yuck. So gross. Ambiance (2) screaming kids standing on furniture and awful elevator music almost ruined the beautiful atmosphere. Service (2) kids were the waitresses so yeah, there's that. She was curt, but was fast with the food Value (4) the prices were good. I paid $30 for half bottle, appetizer, meal and dessert so that's not bad. Overall, I was so sad. I wanted to love this place. If you are a vegetarian and not in the mood for boxed pasta, or rice and beans don't go.
(3)
J M.
Dive place. Plenty tasty, great price and wine was great. Will return.
(4)
Kevin C.
A few hours ago I had the beef milanesa with rice, beans, and the tostónes. I was pretty excited to try this since last time I had the churrasco and it was pretty good. But tonight, I was extremely disappointed...the main entree which was a breaded slice of beef was flavorless. The only good things about the plate were the sides. I can't see myself going back to pay $14 for a flavorless entree. Personally, it was just really mediocre flavor, for something that could be made extremely delicious. Oh, and on top of that, I had to go around the block about 3 times because the parking lot was full.
(3)
VC K.
We ordered the western omelette and Cuban pork sandwich.. The omelette was delicious and came with grits and toast as a side. The Cuban bread of the Cuban sandwich was amazing.. Really tasty. There was also a home made hot sauce on the table that was very tasty... Dog friendly and overall a good experience.. We will visit again..
(4)
Laurie V.
Unpretentious, a little bit off-the-beaten path, and delicious. My friend and I came for lunch the other day for lunch. You get to pick: Cuban or Argentinian cuisine, as the Oakwood Cafe' serves both. I had the Churrosco steak, which was flavored perfectly. It was tender and melted in my moth. For my sides, I chose rice/beans and tostones. Wowza! Tostones took the lunchtime star! They had this mouth-watering vinegar/garlic sauce and I couldn't get enough! My friend had the fried marinated steak and that was pretty delicious, as well. They also have Yerba Mate soda. Yerba mate is an herbal tea, but the soda version tastes similar to cream soda. The only reason I took away the fifth star, is because I found the chairs to be a little bit uncomfortable. I must have been sitting under an a/c vent, as well, because I couldn't get warm! It was a cold and rainy day, so they could have killed the a/c altogether. Other than that, good stuff. Decent service. Solid menu.
(4)
Anthony G.
If Oakwood were in Miami I think someone would've burned it by now. I mean it's a hit or miss. Sometimes it's been good but most of the times it's bad and inconsistent. I went today and ordered the chicken Milanesa and I got this crappy greasy pieces of chicken with a sad serving of white rice and three tostones. Last month I got a huge serving of rice and five huge tostones with a great chicken milanesa. You see the thing here? I also ordered a chirrasco and it was not as good I've had. Maybe because I've gone to really cheap and good Argentinian places in Miami where you can get a nice dish for under ten dollars. Come and experience a moment here it's a crowded lunch spot with colorful people but be prepared to be wowed or powed.
(2)
Travis L.
I remember coming here a long time ago, and wasn't very impressed. It must have been an off day, because recently I returned and lunch was great. We tried each of the empanadas, which were all excellent, along with the cuban pork sandwich and ropa viejo. The portions were definitely worth the money, and had a home cooked feel. Great atmosphere and service, I will definitely be back.
(4)
Auset R.
I have been to this wonderful cozy restaurant a few times, the host are very gracious and I love the decor its like you stepped back in time to cool little Cuban restaurant on the island, the food is wonderful and reasonably priced, the menu has great variety and I love the tostones with that mouthwatering salsa dipping sauce and their hot sauce, my mouth is watering writing this review. you don't have to be a meat eater either I have had the vegetarian dish of rice the delicious black beans with friend sweet yellow plantains. oh and the sangria they make oh man!!! they also make their own hot sauce which is so delicious and flavorful that I have had to buy some to take home with me. good food, gracious host and a nice cozy atmosphere with really cool artwork in a nice location downtown Raleigh what more could one want?.
(5)
Troy B.
Another great meal and great server. I still do not get the negative reviews. Had the steak, shrimp and oxtail with the family and all were great. Miami native and Jamaican born I have had authentic and this is it. Glad we drove the extra miles to stop on here again. Another great meal with great service. O yea the Mojito takes me back to my clevelander days on south beach
(5)
Pythia S.
As someone who works downtown, I've been here quit a few times over the years, mostly because I love this cuisine. It's fairly good, but today may be my last visit. I should qualify that by saying today I ordered food to go. Not wanting to spend a lot, I called and ordered two sides, fried sweet plantains and black beans mixed with rice. Upon pick-up I was charged $7.61, including tax. That seemed high so I asked for clarification on the cost of sides. When I opened the bag back at my office, I had a container with about 2/3 cup of rice and about 1/3 cup of black beans: cost $3.50. The other container held one very small fried plantain cut into four one-inch pieces: cost $3.50. Simple fare with not much flare at too high a price.
(2)
Chris F.
I came here for breakfast and was blown away by the Cuban bacon, egg & cheese sandwich. I didn't expect much -- it sounds like a pretty simple sandwich. But the egg was like a tender omelette and the bread had a firm, chewy texture. It was a pleasant surprise. The service seems a bit slow, though. You might have to flag down your server for the check.
(4)
Liz B.
I always get nervous when driving to a restaurant in downtown Raleigh without a reservation on a weekend night, but thankfully Oakwood Cafe's tables were mostly unoccupied, and we sailed right on to a table. The decor was a little odd, as Y Chromosome Carrier (YCC) immediately noted--not much Cuban flair. The walls were painted maroon, and there were kitchsy objects and various pictures of dancing people. We ordered fried yucca to start, and I ordered the Ropa Vieja (a favorite Cuban dish of mine), and YCC got a Churrasco (Argentinian style) steak. The yucca arrived quickly and was pretty good, but the portion was huge, even for two people. We barely made a dent in it. We also didn't care much for the accompanying mojo sauce. My Ropa Vieja was a major disappointment. The beef seemed tough and overcooked, and the flavor bland. It paled in comparison to the fantastic version at Gregoria's Kitchen. The sides however were great--flavorful black beans with rice, and perfectly cooked sweet plaintains which were slightly crispy at the edges. YCC proclaimed his steak "not bad"; I didn't try it. The items were reasonably priced and the portions were large, and the service was fine. It is certainly convenient for a weekend night dining option in the often crazy busy downtown Raleigh restaurant scene. I've had so many tastier versions of Ropa Vieja that I really can't give Oakwood Cafe more than 3 stars based on this experience alone. However I do want to come back to try their Cuban sandwich (love them) and their brunch, and hopefully I can update with a happier review.
(3)
Jessica P.
Loved it! Went for breakfast on Saturday morning. The waitress was so friendly and quick with coffee. We had pancakes and empanadas and omelette between our party. All of which were amazing!!! Well worth the money and quality of food was awesome! I will be back for sure!
(5)
An T.
We tried Oakwood Cafe on a cold Friday night. The place was packed when we arrived, but our group of 4 was able to be seated right away. The service was a bit slow, but it was understandable as they only had 2 servers working a totally packed dining room. The food was very good. I recommend the Churrasco steak (Argentinian) and the Roast Pulled Pork (Cuban). We ordered a chorizo appetizer, but it was a bit disappointing. It was mostly french fries with a little bit of meat. They do offer a decent alcohol selection with bottles of wine and beer (no taps). Overall, Oakwood Cafe is a nice hole in the wall restaurant with a good selection of Cuban and Argentinian cuisine.
(4)
Ron W.
Cuban pork sandwiches, where have you been all my life?! A layer of tender pork, pressed along with ham, swiss cheese, a bit of mustard and pickle on toasted cuban bread, oh my gosh! Throw in a side of carmelized plantains and a cuban coffee and you're leaving the Oakwood Cafe, fat, full and happy. We're talking major deliciousness for a very small price! Oakwood Cafe has been nailing it for my past eight visits but this sandwich alone puts it in five star territory... I'm just glad I strayed away from my beef milanesa fave (thinly pan fried beef with tomato sauce, ham and mozzarella cheese). Bon appetit!
(5)
Ryan V.
This place is a great go to if you are in the mood for Cuban cuisine or Argentinian style churrasco. Their chimichurri sauce is the most authentic around town and the owners and waitstaff are very amiable. The ambiance is that of a warm South American style neighborhood restaurant with nothing pretentious inside or out. The food is the star of the show here. Some of the high points for me are the sides which include fried yuca, tostones, plantains, and black beans and rice. After recent travels in South America, it's great to have access to the flavors of these countries just around the corner. I would point out that if you are coming here choose either one of the Argentinean steak dishes or one of the Cuban pork dishes. This is what the place is known for and what makes it such a gem. This is South American and Carribean comfort food at its best. I've yet to come for breakfast which they've started serving daily from 8:30am to 12:30pm but seeing as plantains and eggs is one of my favorite breakfast combinations it won't be long. Another menu item I've yet to opt for are the empanadas. These too are a favorite of mine and I'd be glad to give an additional star if they are as good as I hope. Salud!
I had driven by Oakwood Cafe on numerous occasions and never really thought much about stopping in. I wish I hadn't waited so long! Stopped in for lunch on Saturday and had such an awesome experience, I am already trying to plan a trip back this week. This place has a really homey feel to it. Our server was so sweet and personable and offered us plenty of menu suggestions to choose from. The menu here is mainly Argentinian and Cuban. We decided to start with some Empanadas; one spinach and one beef. I wouldn't say I know a whole lot about empanadas, but I do know these were the best ones I've ever had. For my entree, I ordered the Beef Milanesa, a thin fried, breaded steak. I chose Fried Yuca and Plaintains as my sides. This meal was beyond delicious. The steak was just very lightly breaded so it really didn't feel as heavy. I ate the entire thing. The fried yuca and plaintains were both extremely tasty and I am still thinking about them! They also make their own hot sauce here and it is fabulous! I should have bought some while I was there, but next time definitely. We were completely stuffed so when our server asked us if we would like dessert, we politely declined, however as she proceded to tell us about the menu, and gave us a detailed description of the Tres Leches cake we caved. And it was worth it. I may have been in a food coma when I left, but I was happy. And I'm seriously going back this week.
(5)
Fred B.
They do serve a pretty good Cuban Sandwich here, but there is much, much more, and better choices, at least in my opinion. This is a small place, which fills up early for lunch, usually before noon. The parking here is very limited, and most folks have to find something on the street - can be a pain. The Beef Empanadas are excellent, as are the fried Plantains, the Roasted Pork Plate, the Ropa Vieja, and the Picadillo. The Churassco, a small Argentinean style steak, is very good along with the Chimi-Churri sauce - a parsley based sauce with olive oil, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and might include cumin, oregano, paprika, and other spices. This is both a sauce and a mariniade - the version here is excellent. The bean dishes, alone or combined with rice, are bland and need some spicing up with Mojo or hot sauces. The various milanesas entrees (thin cuts of beef, chicken or pork, breaded and then fried) are all good, though the chicken can be dry. And as I said, the Cuban Sandwich here is pretty good, but I find that more often than not, this sandwich is just too dry, not just here, but most places. The service here is not always the best, especially when it gets busy. And you often have to stand in line and dodge orders out of the kitchen while you wait to pay your bill.
(4)
Craig S.
What a let down. Ordered the $22 skirt steak. The steak itself was fine. The chimichurri sauce was brown - not green. Why? My guess is no fresh herbs. It was bland without the fresh POP I expect. The big let down was the sides. I ordered beans and rice and the green beans. The green beens were a faded green (obviously from a can). The black beans - what defines cuban cuisine - were also straight from the can. I would of been fine with the meal if it was $13. I expect canned food at that price. For $22 I expect fresh herbs, love-filled homemade beans and fresh green beans. $60 for two of us to eat a dinner not worth more than $35.
(2)
Steve S.
My wife and I have been coming here at least once a month for the past 6 years. First off, the empanadas are the real deal. Be sure to get their homemade hot sauce on the side. The beef empanadas have great seasoning and some egg and green olives chopped up in the meat-- yum. La Provoletta is fantastic too. For entrees, all the pasta dishes are delish, but the Churrasco steaks are our faves. The chimichurri sauce is ridiculously tasty. And for like $13 or $14 I can get a 10 oz steak + two wonderful sides like yucca al mojo de ajo, sauteed spinach, beans, whatever-- a great value and I prefer these steaks to some $75 steaks I've had at world renowned steak houses. El picadillo, ropa vieja, and Cuban sandwiches are all good too. Another thing that must be mentioned is the wine list. While not immense, the selections are reasonably priced and match well with the fare. I've found the Dante Rubino Malbec to match well with the churrasco. The dining room is rather compact, but it has a warm feel-- that "mom and pop" kinda feel. This is our favorite eating spot.
(5)
Lewis L.
Had the steak churrasco for lunch one day recently, with two sides. Everything was delicious. Can't wait to go back and try more from the menu.
(4)
Bob E.
Loved the food. Had the Baby Churrasco steak with plantains and yuca side dishes. You can select 2 sides with most dinners. They have many sides to choose from. Casual but could be romantic.
(4)
Shruti D.
what a cute and good place! Got the egg and cheese biscuit. Also got the egg, cheese, bacon and a cuban bread. All of it was good. Their homemade red sauce, try that.
(4)
Lisa W.
My favorite restaurant ever. The food is always fresh and delicious. The staff is always friendly. If you have never been there I recommend you go.
(5)
Sheri E.
I must say I hit a home run when I took my family here for dinner Saturday night. My dad and his family immigrated from Argentina when he was small so eating here was like a homecoming for them. I had gone to Oakwood Cafe before and tried their empanadas and couldn't believe how close they were to my grandmother's recipe, I just had to bring the family back when my uncle was in town. As we're of Argentine background, we naturally stuck to that portion of the menu. We started the meal with a sampling of the empanadas (beef and spinach and cheese) and an order of the Provoletta. Seriously, you MUST order the Provoletta. It doesn't get more simple and delicious than provolone cheese grilled with olive oil and some spices! Most of us ordered the Baby Churrasco steak with different sides - if you want some pink in your meat, order it medium-rare. I tried the rice with spinach (you wouldn't expect this much flavor out of just spinach and rice) and the Tostones for my sides. Tostones are fried yuca - much like fried plantains, they were very starchy, much like a potato, but they were accompanied with a vinegar-based sauce at the bottom of the bowl for dipping. My aunt did try one of the fish entrees (Tilapia maybe?) and raved over it as well. I refrained from dessert so I wouldn't be rolling out of the restaurant overstuffed, but my family tried the Flan, Tres Leches, and Tiramisu, raving over everything. The flan and tres leches are both accompanied by a dollop of dulce de leche (sweetened condensed milk that is reduced down to a carmel colored topping). The highlight of the evening was when the owner came out and my grandfather, dad, and uncle got to speak with him. Definitely made the experience that much more authentic when they realized he was also from Argentina. I highly recommend trying Oakwood Cafe - you won't be disappointed!
I hail from the Bronx in NY and Im Puerto Rican so when I moved to the area naturally and thankfully my boyfriend took me here on one of first dates. Oh My Gosh! It's the first place that the vibe reminded me of "home" and thats because its a family owned and ran restaurant! They have arroz/rice and red/black beans, Empanadas, Picadillo and no! Thats not Mexican food its a plate of food served with spices not hot just your basics (garlic, pepper, salt, cilantro) any way its an intimate place but it fills up quick and my only complaints which is why I didnt give 5 stars is because people no the service and food is good and it lacks walking room.....wish they could expand and they other reason is because they break the service hours and I have driven out to find it closed which made me disappointed. Other than that its GREAT!
(4)
Andrew M.
The food is very good. Been going here for about 8? years now. I recommend the Churrasco steak (Argentinian) and the Roast Pulled Pork (Cuban). It's been a while since I was here, but I saw it and had to review, because it was truly some of the best food I've ever had downtown, and the only way you'd ever know about it is by someone telling you about it. Overall, Oakwood Cafe is a nice hole in the wall restaurant with a good selection of Cuban and Argentinian cuisine. Only downside is if you eat there during lunchtime while the legislature is in session, the place is SLAMMED with suits.
(5)
Stephen B.
Always loved this place. The only down side here has been its slooowwww service. Things have changed. We stopped for lunch and our server came right over and we ordered drinks and food. I got the cuban pork sandwich which was great. Not as big as the one you get at the Cuban Cafe in Cary, but equally as good. The beans and rice were good but could have used some more seasoning. The food came out super fast and the service was awesome. We are definetly keeping this place in our lunch rotation.
(3)
Sookia S.
So apparently, we eat here once a month.My husband recently pointed this out to me. I love this place and it is pretty close to home with good prices. So it is no wonder I eat here so often. Great atmosphere and family friendly. Also a good date night option.
(5)
Ursa M.
What a weird little restaurant. Maybe it's the low ceilings, lack of useful windows, and small space. But damn! The food is amazing! I couldn't believe how good it was. I warmed up to the place quickly. Looking forward to going back.
(4)
Kelly B.
After reading lots of good reviews (including the N&O's Greg Cox) and being a fan of Cuban food, I had high hopes for New Oakwood Cafe. Everything about our dining experience was lackluster -- most particularly the food. Pedestrian salad, so-so Cuban sandwich, ditto on the roasted pork. Sides were not worth their space on the plate. Terrible wine. The folks were very nice, but the food just wasn't worth a second try.
(2)
Scott K.
When I visit North Carolina one of the least types of cuisine I would expect to find was Argentinean / Cuban. But I found Oakwood Cafe and am quite happy I did. I have a Cuban friend who quite often boasts of Cuban cooking and I am one who has wanted something more Cuban than a Cuban pork sandwich which is popular in non Cuban places these days. Oakwood Cafe had me pondering my choice between Argentinean and Cuban and the many entrees within each. Several sounded yum yum for the tum tum. I decided to try the Churassco an Argentinean style cut steak with a side something called chimi-churri sauce and in doing so I found another favorite dish (just what my blood pump Doc didn't wish). The chimi-churri sauce a blend ofolive oil, lemon juice, vinegar and the ever popular ingredient of "spices" was addictive and as I ate my last bite of the steak I was craving for more. My bride had a Cuban entree of a chicken breast marinated in orange and lemon juices , cumin spice, pepper and garlic, sauteed with onions as always she was the ever obliging bride and let me have some (minus the yucky onions of course) and again it was yum yum for the tum tum. We both had the black beans (my Cuban friend tells me if you don't eat black beans your not eating Cuban). They lacked the flavor I was expecting but I'm not a Cuban so I can't say I would know a good black beans if one was to have them. I also had the sweet plantains and again not being Cuban can't say I had some great tasting Plantains but I did truly enjoy mine. We finished off our lunch with something called Tre Leges (three milk cake I think) and Cuban coffee and both especially the Tre Leges topped with whipped creme and a slab of creamy Carmel capped off one of the best meals thus far in my Cary visit and it will be a place I'll whine to dine in future visits to Cary
(4)
Bryan C.
have had lunch many times at oakwood, never a bad meal. it can be hard to find a seat at lunch time, but its worth the wait, wish they were closer to my office. Had the grilled chicken with rice/beans and plantains...very falvorful and hit the spot. Service was friendly and attentive. give them a try
(4)
Heidi L.
My husband and I had a late lunch here today after reading the reviews. Steak was good. My husband enjoyed the Cuban sandwich. Maduros were good. Both rice and beans were bad. Surprisingly bad. Then --- a few hours later - the fun started with stomach pains and feeling crappy. My husband has been puking now for the last hour or so. Thanks Oakwood Cafe - You'll never see us again.
(1)
Rachel C.
I seriously can not understand how I haven't known about this place in the almost 6 years I've lived here. Oakwood is hitting the spot for me! I had a super hard time deciding what to order. Milanesa? Cuban sandwich? Empanadas? I really love a good empanada, so I got those. Delicious! Moist, tasty, crispy outer pastry. I got a side of yuca, which I thought would be boiled (and topped with mojo, one of my favs), but it was fried little chunks. Good nonetheless. I also ordered a side of tostones, another favorite food group. Wonderful again. The hubs and I shared so I got a nice size piece of his milanesa en caballo, which means two fried eggs on top of that little fried steak. Oh yeah baby! Tender steak, beautiful over easy eggs. I'll see you again soon Oakwood.
(4)
Amy K.
Price is right, the food is great. The service is a bit slow but well worth it. The chimichurri sauce with the skirt is amazing.
(5)
Charles B.
I've been eating here since they opened many years ago. It's one of my favorite restaurants ever. I have never been disappointed with anything they have prepared. The food is wonderful, regardless of the ethnic variety you may choose. Their homemade hot sauce has the most delightful blend of pepper flavors (put some in their black beans or rice with spinach....WOW!). Seating is limited (50..?) and the bathroom setup is unique but this place deserves to be on your "Must Go" list.
(4)
Mike R.
This place doesn't look like much on the outside but inside it's really nice. The menu is your traditional American with a bit from Cuba & Argentina. I would recommend this place, it's nice
(3)
Tripp W.
Had lunch here on a random Monday around 12:30. The crowd was light and the service was fast and friendly. Of course, being at a Cuban place, I got the Cuban pork sandwich with a side of plantains. The Cuban was filled with tender tasty pulled pork and a couple slices of ham. Mustard, swiss, and pickles were the only addons (nothing more was needed). This was an amazing sandwich! The plantains were really good as well. They were a little greasy on the outside, but the inside was firm and delicious. I definitely want to come back and try some of the other dishes, but it is going to be hard to talk me out of another Cuban.
(4)
Lee G.
Decided to try this place after reading the reviews. Was a close walk from downtown. I got here too early for lunch, then came back and was too late. Very crowded. Kind of reminded me of a quote from Yogi Berra... "Nobody goes there anymore because it's too crowded." That's about how I felt today. So I decided to keep it simple. Just a Cuban sandwich to go. Jeff H is right about the pork. There was a load of roast pork on this thing. It was more like a barbecue sandwich than a Cuban sandwich. That's not to say it wasn't good. The pork was fantastic. Just not what I'm used to from my days eating Cubanos in Tampa. It was also larger than the Cubans I remember. But wow, delicious. I would for sure go back if I get the chance. Did I mention the crowd? Go early, and go often!
(4)
Jeff H.
Wow! I'm originally from Miami, and I was impressed. The Cuban sandwiches here are excellent. There was more pork than ham on them, and it had an excellent flavor. The bread was great, and it was cooked to perfection on the plancha. The plantanos maduros were very good. They had a nice, solid texture and weren't too mushy. I liked that you had a choice from a wide range of sides when you order the sandwich. I haven't tried any of the Argentine offerings yet, but I can't wait to sample all of the other things on the menu. The previous reviewer is right about limited seating (and parking). This is a fairly small restaurant, but well worth the effort.
(5)
David R.
Excellent Cuban sandwich at lunch! Dinner portions are huge, and the price is right. Highly Recommended.
(5)
Matthew C.
For good reasons, the Oakwood is a frequent lunch destination for many bros and lasses working or living in downtown Raleigh. Every time I've ever been, finding a table has been touch-and-go; for it seems I'm not the only one who tries to beat the lunch crowds by arriving at 11:30 or 11:45. The small space quickly fills up with suits and skirts from nearby government buildings as well as a mixed bag of casually-dressed folks from who-knows-where. I can see why people become regulars here. Portions are ample, and generally everything is very well-prepared and quite flavorful. Meats are tender and the side dishes are satisfying. I tend to get the churrasco steak with a side of black beans and a side of rice with spinach. It's a very filling lunch, as it should be for the price (a little over $10). Sometimes the servers are less than sweet, even a bit rude; when standing in line to pay my check, I often suspect they're covertly making snide comments about customers, perhaps using Spanish or Portuguese. But they know you're probably there for the food, not their good manners. In any event, the Oakwood is a unique lunch spot featuring tasty fare at a reasonable price. Get there with an appetite, and get there early.
(4)
Jason G.
The food is generally good. The desserts are very good. The place is small and gets crowded fast and parking can be a pain.
(3)
Allison M.
I signed up for a Yelp account just for this, so hear me out! This restaurant got amazing reviews here and on Urbanspoon. I was really excited to try it out because I LOVE this kind of food. I spent some time in the Dominican Republic and could live on red beans and rice, and I've had my fair share of the "mojo" lemony sauce. I was expecting regional food that was full of flavor. Unfortunately, what my boyfriend and I got was bland mediocre food. The sangria tasted like fruit punch to me, but my boyfriend said he could taste the white wine in it. I ordered the mojo chicken with black beans and rice & spinach. The rice tasted like Uncle Ben's instant -- not slow cooked rice at all. And there was no salt or seasoning on either the rice or the beans. My mojo chicken, which was promised to be marinated, tasted like it was plain chicken grilled with some barely seasoned onions on top. My boyfriend got the Argentinian steak with red beans and rice & spinach and had the same complaints -- steak not seasoned, no salt anywhere. I ate about half of my chicken, so I wasn't seeking a comp, but I told the waitress at the end of the meal that I was disappointed because I was expecting more flavor. She apologized and asked if I wanted something else, and I said no because I'd eaten a lot of mine and was full enough. I just wanted them to be aware. Then the owner came over and made us feel like we were on an episode of Kitchen Nightmares. He told us that everyone else who makes this food uses MSG and that they only use simple ingredients, so we were wrong. And everyone else but us loves the food. And they don't marinate their chicken overnight, just for a little while. He carried on the argument for at least 10 minutes, and I even told him at one point that I didn't want to argue...I just wanted to let them know. It didn't phase him. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. We paid over $50 for food that was bland and tasteless. I will never be back. I might have given them another chance if not for the owner, who was aggressive and tried to make us feel stupid. To be fair, when I posted this review on Facebook for my friends, someone commented that they'd noticed the restaurant was up for sale a while ago and might be under new ownership. So buyer beware. As for the noise level, I'd say "average" if it hadn't been for the unsupervised children running around and screaming.
(1)
Amanda H.
Spinach and Cheese Empanadas were fantastic. Also liked the plantains and fried yuca. Nice outdoor seating!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Harleysydney C.
So so cute. Authentic and funky. Just how I like it. Had the Argentinian steak lunch. A bit pricey but very good. The tres leches cake is to die for. This is the kind of place I want to try everything on the menu. The exact opposite of a chain restaurant.
(4)Phillip N.
Holy cow this place is amazing. Had the chicken napoliantana. Monneeyyyyy!!! Shared some of my friends Cuban sandwich. Winning!!! My side of yuka and plantains were very nice as well. I love the homey feel of the store and would love to come back. Great stuff! Oh and the staff is very lively hah
(5)Tonya P.
Oakwood Café is known for great comfort, Cuban food, but people need to know they have beautiful southern breakfast too. They have the best biscuits. I mean, light and buttery, blows every other biscuit place out of the water. Good enough to want to buy extra and take them home. Ridiculous. And.... there is also house made hot sauce that makes your toes curl. Beautiful bacon and egg sandwiches pressed on fresh French bread, sausage gravy with large chunks of real sausage. This is the perfect example of an under the radar, unassuming restaurant that rocks. It seems to run on a skeleton crew, so don't expect johnny on the spot service, coffee is average, but it really doesn't matter.
(4)Marc C.
I've had Oakwood Cafe bookmarked for awhile. After looking at Ron W's pictures, I knew I had to get moving and get over there! I went for lunch yesterday. It looks like the building is a converted gas station/convenience store or something. The interior is much nicer than I had imagined tho. Our server was excellent. She got us in and out for lunch without making us feel rushed. I had the Ropa Viega; pulled beef simmered in a savory tomato, meat broth and red wine sauce. It was excellent. I was expecting it to be a little more spicy but, a shot of their house hot sauce took acre of that! Excellent. It was served with black beans and rice and plantains. The plantains were baked or grilled and had a nice sweet flavor..almost dessert-like. My coworker, a Miami native with Cuban family, had the Picadillo. She gave it a thumbs up! A third member of our party had the Beef Milanesa. It was a huge piece of meat and he enjoyed it. Unfortunately, none of us tried dessert so, that will have to wait for the next visit!
(4)Leo T.
Great Cuban, and Argentine food. I haven't been here in a few months, but it's still delicious. The tostones are usually fried to perfection and cut to a nice thickness where the plantain taste still comes through. The palomilla steak (which is how i gauge Cuban restaurants) is good. Not five star good, but good. I'm giving it 5 stars mainly because of the breakfast... I've been more for breakfast than at lunch/dinner. The Bistec Empanizado with 2 fried eggs is AWESOME! The steak is breaded and fried, but not over done. Pop two eggs on top and use the tostones to get all the extra yolky goodness and that is a ticket to tasting nirvana. The coffee is great too. True Cuban coffee and Cafe con Leche will hit the spot if you have a craving. Overall, the Cuban food is great at Oakwood, that is what I usually get. You won't be disappointed going there for brunch/breakfast either. In fact, you should try it then. The argentine food is equally as delicious. :)
(5)Matt B.
The wife wanted to go to the "Something Cafe" the other day for lunch. Thank god for Yelp... The place is pretty small, yet awesome. Nice little cozy feel and slightly run-down, just like a good cafe should be. It had the feel of a great little place that's all about the food. The server (who had the whole place to herself) was quite adept and handling it. We ordered the fried yucca for an appetizer. I absolutely loved it. It's probably one of my favorite root veggies to eat. The preparation was a little different than I'm used to, but the chunks were prepared fantastically. I got a Cuban sandwich and the wife got a wrap. Her wrap was one of the better wraps I've had. I really liked my sandwich, but my one complaint is that it wasn't spicy enough (a complaint I have about most sandwiches I don't make myself and not a fault of theirs). Of course, I was able to put hot sauce on it... And the hot sauce was amazing. They make their own hot sauce in house and it's one of the better hot sauces I've had. They don't make it vinegar-based, which is a welcome change from the majority of sauces. It's almost like a cross-between a salsa and a hot sauce. Spicy, but without too much of a kick. Amazing flavor palate. One weird thing - the bathroom. It frightened me. The bathroom is behind a curtain without a door. I was afraid to go in. I think there was a door inside to hide the toilet (I hope - I heard a door), but it seemed a little odd. All in all, I would happily go back. And will. This was a great little place for lunch.
(4)Kelsey T.
I had a craving for a delicious and cheesy Cuban sandwich, so after browsing yelp for the best cubanos, we decided to give Oakwood Café a try. We came late on a Friday night, so it wasn't busy. But I can imagine that there would be a decent wait at peak times, because it is a pretty small dining room and looks like it would fill up fast. I also suggest parking on the street and walking a bit, because they have very limited parking that doesn't look super organized to me. Looks like an accident waiting to happen. Anyways, even though it is a pretty small restaurant, I love how cozy the atmosphere was. The servers were friendly and you can tell that they care about their customers and that they had some regular customers stopping in. As for the food, everything was delicious. Even the free bread they served was amazing. I'm not sure what it is that they sprinkle on the bread, but I couldn't stop myself from eating it until it was all gone. We wanted to try a variety of items, so we started with the Empanada sampler with tostones. We were served 4 empanadas (1 chicken, 2 beef and 1 spinach/cheese). The spinach and cheese was my favorite, followed by the chicken, then the beef. If you like some heat, make sure you try it with the hot sauce! The tostones were also really good and had a nice crunch. Before we could even finish our sampler, our entrees came out. At this point, I was already getting full, but the Cuban sandwich really satisfied my craving. And I can never pass up on plantains, so I ordered them as my side. Yum! The item that surprised me the most though, was my fiance's yuca. It reminds me a little bit of a French fry, but with a lemon taste to it. So good! There are some other items that I want to try on the menu so I will definitely be back!
(4)Vu N.
I recently watched the movie Chef and decided I was in the mood for Cuban food. We went here on a Friday night, and for our appetizer we ordered the empanada sampler for $11. You get four giant empanadas (2 beef, 1 chicken, 1 spinach and cheese), and four tostones. The tostones were crispy, soft on the interior, and seasoned nicely with a touch of lemon. The empanadas were fried and the dough is thick, yet soft on the inside. They are different than Calavera's empanadas (and cheaper). The ground beef picadillo was good with nice and juicy beef with olives and peppers inside. The chicken had the most flavor and a mild spice. The spinach and cheese was really cheese and just tasted really fresh with the spinach. They do no skimp with filling here and I love the house made hot sauce they have on the tables. It add's an incredible amount of flavor to the empanadas. For my entree, I went with the baby churrasco ($15) with a side of plantains and yuca fritas. The churrasco was at least 8 oz and I believe the cut was a skirt steak, but it was cooked to a nice medium rare with a great char on the outside. The steak was decently tender, just a little hard cut because of the nature of the cut of meat it is. Nevertheless, it was beautifully marinaded, dripping and oozing with delicious meat juice. The chimichurri really set it over the top, and it was definitely a very flavorful piece of meat. The plantains came out perfect and yuca fritas were also surprisingly very good. I've never had yuca before, and when its lightly fried, it has a similar consistency to fried potatoes, just not as starchy and a lot healthier tasting. Overall, my meal was very good at Oakwood and also very reasonably priced. I don't know how authentic the food is here for traditional Cuban and Argentine food, but it tastes pretty good which is all I care about. I would highly recommend Oakwood and will be back to try more of their delicious food.
(4)Anne W.
It's a cute little place tucked in downtown with its own small parking lot, which is nice if you can grab a spot. Service was decent for a lunch crowd during the week and it did get packed inside. I was a little disappointed with the Argentinean food. I'm basing my comparison to the only experience I've had with Argentinean food, cooked by an Argentinean friend. We ordered the provoleta which tasted ok (my friend makes it with chimichurri sauce on top which is so yummy). It was only served with four small slices of toasted bread along side, hardly enough for the cheese. I ordered the empanada platter with tostones. This was the first time I have ever tried tostones and they had little flavor, almost like unseasoned fries. The pastry of the empanada was really good, fried perfectly. My favorite filling was the spinach and cheese, the chicken had little flavor. My son ordered the Cuban Steak sandwich and it was full of juicy, thinly sliced steak. Overall kind of unimpressive. If I go back, I think I'll sample the Cuban fare.
(3)Mark M.
The empanadas were deep fried. I've had some that weren't cooked like that. I had a chicken empanada that was OK. The spinach and cheese had no taste to it, I had to drown it in hot sauce. The black beans were OK. I live in NW Raleigh. I don't think I would come down here just for this restaurant. I came with some coworkers for lunch. Despite the cuisine, the waitresses do not appear to speak Spanish. So much for using my limited tourist Spanish. LOL.
(3)Brad P.
I was out an about Sunday morning. My wife and I were headed over to the Old International House of Pancakes on Hillsborough street. I remember eating there back in 1980 and it wasn't new then. We saw Oakwook Cafe and decided to give it a a try. I had absolutely no preconcieved notion of what to expect. We just assumed they would have pancakes. I was pleasently surprized with what I found. The atmosphere was plesently divey, the service was freindly, the food was really good, and the prices weren't bad at all. I would like to add that I feel the name qualified as false advertising. Oakwood Cafe is no name for a above par Cuban restaurant. Atmosphere 4 - This is obviously and older place and they emphasized the age in a very hip way. It feel like a hole in the wall that has been around a long time. Service 4 - Our server was prompt and freindly. She took the time to tell us a little about the place and the food they serverd. I did see one thing I saw that did impress me. A table across from me was an elderly couple. The husband clearly had mobility issues. One of the gentlemen from the kitchen came out to help the husband out of the booth and stayed with him until he was properly situated with his walker. Part of what impressed me was that the gentleman from the kitchen clearly did not view helping this man as in interuption to his day. He seemed genuinely concerned and more than happy to lend a hand. Cost/Value 5 - The food quality for the price I paid was a really good value. Food 5 - The Cuban pork sandwich was good and the milanesas sandwich was also well above par. The bread was fresh and crispy on the outside and still chewy on the indie. The plaintains were good as well. The home made hot sauce is definitely worth a try. Very flavorful without being blast your head off hot.
(4)Will K.
If it wasnt for Yelp, i wouldnt have known about this place! Got the Pork Cuban Sandwich with plaintains. It was excellent!! Will be back to try something different
(5)Lauryn C.
After numerous recommendations finally I made it a priority to come to Oakwood Cafe. Being that I consider myself from Raleigh how is it that I never walked into this place before? The Argentinean/Cuban restaurant is a tiny little place off the beaten path but close by DTR. My sis and I dropped in late afternoon on a Sat. which worked out perfectly considering I've heard how packed this place can get. Listening to the owner talk to another patron in the restaurant it sounds like to me they get a lot of lunch business during the week from the state offices and it might be tough to get a seat then. Our waitress greeted us and I told her it was our first time and asked for some recommendations. She was so friendly I really enjoyed speaking with her and she pointed out a few popular menu items. We started with a beef and a spinach empanada. The dough and fillings were perfect, very tasty and different then other empanada's I've had around town. I don't want to leave out the super tasty homemade hot sauce they serve with the food here. As a hot sauce fanatic I'm definitely coming back to purchase some soon. It's not the heat in the sauce but the flavor is so good. I figure steak is a good choice at an Argentinean restaurant so I went with the Baby Churrasco; Argentinean style cut steak served with two sides of your choice. When the plate came out it was a huge portion, I ordered the fried yucca, and spinach with rice. The steak came with a side of chimi churri sauce that was also very tasty. My sis and I shared bites and I was able to taste the beef milanesa as well it was delicious. We ate every last bite on our plates and were incredibly full but how can you pass on dessert, especially when it's tres leches cake. Yup we did it we had dessert too. The owner came to the table and chatted with us for a bit and he was very nice. It was a great meal with wonderful service. Next time I come back I'm going to dig into the Cuban side of the menu, Cuban sandwich anyone?
(5)Julie M.
The spinach & cheese empanadas were wonderful. The chicken empanadas had a seasoning that was delicious! The beef empanadas, not so much. Provoleta was ok; ask a native Argentinian to make you one.
(3)Jesalyn K.
If you find yourself inside this restaurant, order a Cuban coffee, pay, and leave. That's the only way you'll walk out totally satisfied. We were really pumped about this place - and with an Argentine in tow, we're always seeking out excellent empanadas and milanesas. With shining eyes, we ordered both - and were sorely disappointed. The empanadas are fried and served with what appears to be Tostitos mild salsa - apparently to mask the flavor. The 'beef milanesa' was what appeared to be three (large) slices of roast beef (...? You're as confused as we were!) under a small mountain of breadcrumbs. That fall off. The chicken milanesa was - well, a breaded cutlet. Not a tasty one. We ordered the side salad. Don't. You'll get a better one at any pizza buffet. It was made with the iceberg lettuce ends and some sprinkle cheese. And a crouton. We trudged on - and ordered the flan, with HIGH hopes for redemption. It was overcooked. They slathered on some dulce de leche to mask it. We left it sitting, paid our fifty bucks, and wiped away bitter tears on the way out. Their homemade hot sauce was pretty alright. If you decide to order anything here, go ahead and drench it.
(1)Todd Y.
Went here for lunch after a morning over at the museum of natural science, and was a little skeptical of a argentine/Cuban place.. But the place doesn't disappoint.. Had the inkling for some empanadas, went to Argentina years ago and took an empanada making class, these were as good.. But they were still very tasty... A bit on the pricy side for empanadas. The Cubans looked very good, as several members got the steak Cuban.. The fries are definitely lacking, but I shouldn't have expected much.. Will be back to try the authentic Cuban..
(4)Jöshua M.
I decided to give Oakwood Cafe a try, given its popularity in the Raleigh food scene. I didn't expect it to suck. I was unsure about reviewing this place, given that I don't want Lauryn C. to insist that I return my official foodie card to her. Eh, she'll have to forgive me. I dined here with a few friends for lunch on a weekday. I decided to go with the highly recommended Baby Churrasco steak served with a Chimi Churri sauce for $11.50. The waitress asked how i wanted my steak, and I replied "medium." You don't want to eat your steaks too rare unless you know the meat is high-quality. Most entrees come with two sides, and I decided to go with tostones (fried crispy palntains), and rice with spinach. The food came within a reasonable time frame, and the Chimi Churri sauce was a tad heavy on the acid, but still really good. I wish I had more nice things to write, but that ends the good that I experienced at Oakwood Cafe. What a shame. The Churrasco would not have been edible without the Chimi Churri. While I requested medium, the steak came borderline burnt to a crisp. It had absolutely no juices left, and it was completely devoid of flavor. A steak should not have to depend completely on its sauce. And speaking of tastelessness, the sides were both rather poorly made. Tostones were fried perfectly, but I'm sure they are not meant to be astonishingly bland. The rice with spinach had absolutely no redeeming quality. 2 stars - Lauryn C. have mercy on my foodie career. I've certainly had worse experiences; however, Oakwood lived far below its lofty reputation. One word that never should be associated with Argentinian food is "blandness." With the exception of the Chimi Churri, "blandness" perfectly describes everything about Oakwood.
(2)Ann Y.
Meh. I was excited to have some tasty Cuban food, but what I ended up with was average. I ordered the picadillo and I've had better. The seasoning was just lacking for a normally very flavorful dish. The side of black beans and rice were pretty standard. With that being said, the plantains were delicious!!! The staff was extremely pleasant and helpful, which was great!
(3)Lace E.
It hurts a little to give this gentleman 2 stars because he seems like a nice guy. But here goes; I had grilled salmon, with a side of plantains and a salad. Salad was iceberg lettuce which is kind of a bummer (cheap?) and the salmon was way over-cooked and, well...like leather. Plantains left a little something to be desired - I couldn't decide if they weren't ripe enough or if they were too ripe (though I think, with plantains, the latter is better). Reasonably priced, and I still ate my salmon like a good girl but I wasn't thrilled about it. Also, although waitress was welcoming when I came in, she never smiled once and almost had an annoyed disposition. I think the concept of this place is great but my guess is that the owner needs to keep a more careful (close) watch on his cooks and his waitstaff. Bummer.
(2)Amanda S.
This was an amazing place for a small intimate yet savory meal! My friend and I wanted to go somewhere new and I quickly found this on Yelp with much approval from various friends. It's small and the name like "Oakwood Cafe" doesn't lend it self to sound like a Cuban/Argentinean restaurant but it's absolutely amazing! The restaurant isn't large by any means but they have both inside and patio seating. The menu is cut up into Cuban/Argentinean options although most of them roll over. To start off we had the Provoletta which is fried provolone cheese in a circle shape with cuban bread to go with it. This was the.most.amazing. appetizer I've ever eaten in my life. It tasted like a pizza -- the most flavor and it went in a few seconds! That is an absolute must have! For my meal, I ordered the Beef Milanesa which is seasoned and fried breaded thin cut steak and had black beans/rice mix with fried yucca. I'm Cuban so to have a good meal came with high expectations but without a shadow of a doubt, I would say that they met that for me! I had plenty to take home as well. We both ordered wonderful glasses of wine to pair with our meal too! It's authentic and rich in flavor -- don't wait around to try this place out -- go now!
(5)Alexa R.
Don't judge this book by its cover! Oakwood is small, dark, unassuming, and looks like it could be a gas station. But they have the best steak churrasco I've ever had! Add a side of plantains and you're home! It is run by a local family, so you see the same faces every time. They may not always act like they remember you, but I go for the food. All in all this is a great Latin American restaurant that won't break your wallet!
(5)Shantelle M.
Great food, nice and fast service, will be returning! The cuban sandwiches are absolutely delicious. We also ordered the yuca and empanada as appetizers and for as inexpensive as the empanada is it's a great portion size. Since the sandwiches come with a side I'd recommend just ordering yuca for the side though, rather than an appetizer. We were stuffed!
(4)Lauren R.
This delicious little restaurant made for a lovely lunch outside this afternoon the Cuban roasted pork, tostones and yuca were so yummy! I look forward to coming back!
(5)Hank D.
My son and I had dinner here on a weeknight. He had churrasco steak with sweet plantains and fried yucca, I had piccadillo with black beans and plaintains. All were very good, however would have wanted more flavor in the black beans. Service was friendly and efficient and a very nice experience in a quaint little place
(4)Str8 S.
I consider myself an expert on several foods and breakfast sandwiches are one of them. Living in NYC for 8 years spoiled me, since I have left it's rare I find a breakfast sando even worth eating much less writing about. The breakfast sandwich I had here for brunch may be a contender on it's own for best of all time. Add the house made hot sauce and I dare you to find something better. I look forward to coming back for dinner. Great job guys. Only thing keeping you out of the 4/5 star zone is your decor needs updated. But food and service, top notch.
(3)Bonnie R.
Oakwood Cafe is a true Raleigh gem. And like most gems, it sits on a well-traveled street tucked in a quite unassuming building. I have eaten here twice and had their Cuban sandwich each time. While I do not know much about Cubans, aside from their deliciousness, I *can* tell you they wash down even better with an ice cold Antarctica Guarana. Oakwood Cafe is the ONLY place I know of in Raleigh that sells Antarctica Guarana. And as a Brasilian-at-heart, this place is my solace. Obrigada, Oakwood. Obrigada.
(5)Christina C.
You wouldn't think that a place called Oakwood Café would provide some amazing Cuban cuisine but boy oh boy, they've got it nailed down pretty solid. My boss took our team out to Oakwood for lunch and I was pretty skeptical when I pulled up. I ordered the charred-grilled chicken with black beans and rice and got a side order of tostones. Everything was so good! I had the bar set pretty high for tostones since the first time I had them, my cousin's Cuban wife cooked them for me and I've been comparing every batch to hers since then. These were spot on! I also tried a bite of the Cuban sandwich and it was also on par with what you might find in Miami...
(5)Dina D.
The food here is delicious! I wanted to try Argentinian food and was pleasantly surprised by this gem. We got the fried cheese, yucca, empanadas, sausage and tres leches cake. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is intimate and cute too.
(5)John G.
Ceci and I dined at the Oakwood Cafe last week and we loved it. This was not her first time there but it was for me. We started out with the Provoletta, grilled and melted provolone cheese served with toasted bread. Mmmm! Very delicious! We shared a mixed grill dinner special (forgot the name) that was a variety of grilled meats, steak, chicken, chorizzo, etc... and it was very good. The rice and beans accompanying the plate were delicious as well as the garden salad! For dessert we shared the tres leches cake and the best coffee I have ever tasted! Yes, we will be returning! Soon!
(4)Anna O.
Sad to say but if you know good Cuban food, you will not like it here. I went for dinner and the meat was dry and flavorless, kidney beans tasted like the tomatoes they were cooked in, yucca was not fresh, and the portions were sooooo small. The only good thing was the sangria!
(1)Jen F.
Good simple good. I like how cozy and intimate it is. I had the pulled pork and rise and beans and it was good. Plantains were really good. Would definitely go again.
(5)Jameson H.
After hearing a lot of hype about this place from friends in the neighborhood, we were finally able to try it, and it did not disappoint. Their lunch menu offered many great choices, and we settled with both Cuban and Argentinian faire. The best thing I can say is they take the ingredients and let them speak for themselves, rather than try to overcomplicate them, and the results are great. I barely took a breath while devouring the pulled pork, fried yuca, and sweet plantains. Now just looking forward to trying their dinner selection.
(4)Christi L.
Best tiramisu in town! And if I can't get there for lunch, I believe their brunch ia now on Saturday!
(5)Sarah H.
I had been wanting to try this place for a while but was torn because of the mixed reviews. I'm really glad I did. Everything we had was solid and I would definitely come back. We tried one of each type of empanadas (spinach&cheese, chicken, and beef)--- the chicken was definitely the best. We also had the cuban sandwich and the ropa vieja with sides of plantains and tostones. All of these were awesome! I would definitely recommend getting a bottle of wine and sitting out on the patio while you enjoy the food.
(4)Brittany F.
This place is a true gem and I can't wait to go back! Hankering for something a bit different, my husband suggested we try this place out. We went early on a Saturday morning to sample their breakfast offerings. I loved the feel of the space and our waitress was so nice and attentive! I went with the empanada platter and Andrew got the Beef Milanesa. Both were so so delicious and reasonably priced. Can't wait to go back to sample more of their menu!
(4)Beth G.
So I review restaurants elsewhere and my rating includes all the different attributes and then is averaged. Here's how they got such a high score, considering it's not a good restaurant... Food/beverage (3.75 out of 5) had half price wine, very tasty option! Baby currasco steak was PERFECT!! My pulled pork was great but the sides were awful and they used frozen bread and spinach. Yuck. So gross. Ambiance (2) screaming kids standing on furniture and awful elevator music almost ruined the beautiful atmosphere. Service (2) kids were the waitresses so yeah, there's that. She was curt, but was fast with the food Value (4) the prices were good. I paid $30 for half bottle, appetizer, meal and dessert so that's not bad. Overall, I was so sad. I wanted to love this place. If you are a vegetarian and not in the mood for boxed pasta, or rice and beans don't go.
(3)J M.
Dive place. Plenty tasty, great price and wine was great. Will return.
(4)Kevin C.
A few hours ago I had the beef milanesa with rice, beans, and the tostónes. I was pretty excited to try this since last time I had the churrasco and it was pretty good. But tonight, I was extremely disappointed...the main entree which was a breaded slice of beef was flavorless. The only good things about the plate were the sides. I can't see myself going back to pay $14 for a flavorless entree. Personally, it was just really mediocre flavor, for something that could be made extremely delicious. Oh, and on top of that, I had to go around the block about 3 times because the parking lot was full.
(3)VC K.
We ordered the western omelette and Cuban pork sandwich.. The omelette was delicious and came with grits and toast as a side. The Cuban bread of the Cuban sandwich was amazing.. Really tasty. There was also a home made hot sauce on the table that was very tasty... Dog friendly and overall a good experience.. We will visit again..
(4)Laurie V.
Unpretentious, a little bit off-the-beaten path, and delicious. My friend and I came for lunch the other day for lunch. You get to pick: Cuban or Argentinian cuisine, as the Oakwood Cafe' serves both. I had the Churrosco steak, which was flavored perfectly. It was tender and melted in my moth. For my sides, I chose rice/beans and tostones. Wowza! Tostones took the lunchtime star! They had this mouth-watering vinegar/garlic sauce and I couldn't get enough! My friend had the fried marinated steak and that was pretty delicious, as well. They also have Yerba Mate soda. Yerba mate is an herbal tea, but the soda version tastes similar to cream soda. The only reason I took away the fifth star, is because I found the chairs to be a little bit uncomfortable. I must have been sitting under an a/c vent, as well, because I couldn't get warm! It was a cold and rainy day, so they could have killed the a/c altogether. Other than that, good stuff. Decent service. Solid menu.
(4)Anthony G.
If Oakwood were in Miami I think someone would've burned it by now. I mean it's a hit or miss. Sometimes it's been good but most of the times it's bad and inconsistent. I went today and ordered the chicken Milanesa and I got this crappy greasy pieces of chicken with a sad serving of white rice and three tostones. Last month I got a huge serving of rice and five huge tostones with a great chicken milanesa. You see the thing here? I also ordered a chirrasco and it was not as good I've had. Maybe because I've gone to really cheap and good Argentinian places in Miami where you can get a nice dish for under ten dollars. Come and experience a moment here it's a crowded lunch spot with colorful people but be prepared to be wowed or powed.
(2)Travis L.
I remember coming here a long time ago, and wasn't very impressed. It must have been an off day, because recently I returned and lunch was great. We tried each of the empanadas, which were all excellent, along with the cuban pork sandwich and ropa viejo. The portions were definitely worth the money, and had a home cooked feel. Great atmosphere and service, I will definitely be back.
(4)Auset R.
I have been to this wonderful cozy restaurant a few times, the host are very gracious and I love the decor its like you stepped back in time to cool little Cuban restaurant on the island, the food is wonderful and reasonably priced, the menu has great variety and I love the tostones with that mouthwatering salsa dipping sauce and their hot sauce, my mouth is watering writing this review. you don't have to be a meat eater either I have had the vegetarian dish of rice the delicious black beans with friend sweet yellow plantains. oh and the sangria they make oh man!!! they also make their own hot sauce which is so delicious and flavorful that I have had to buy some to take home with me. good food, gracious host and a nice cozy atmosphere with really cool artwork in a nice location downtown Raleigh what more could one want?.
(5)Troy B.
Another great meal and great server. I still do not get the negative reviews. Had the steak, shrimp and oxtail with the family and all were great. Miami native and Jamaican born I have had authentic and this is it. Glad we drove the extra miles to stop on here again. Another great meal with great service. O yea the Mojito takes me back to my clevelander days on south beach
(5)Pythia S.
As someone who works downtown, I've been here quit a few times over the years, mostly because I love this cuisine. It's fairly good, but today may be my last visit. I should qualify that by saying today I ordered food to go. Not wanting to spend a lot, I called and ordered two sides, fried sweet plantains and black beans mixed with rice. Upon pick-up I was charged $7.61, including tax. That seemed high so I asked for clarification on the cost of sides. When I opened the bag back at my office, I had a container with about 2/3 cup of rice and about 1/3 cup of black beans: cost $3.50. The other container held one very small fried plantain cut into four one-inch pieces: cost $3.50. Simple fare with not much flare at too high a price.
(2)Chris F.
I came here for breakfast and was blown away by the Cuban bacon, egg & cheese sandwich. I didn't expect much -- it sounds like a pretty simple sandwich. But the egg was like a tender omelette and the bread had a firm, chewy texture. It was a pleasant surprise. The service seems a bit slow, though. You might have to flag down your server for the check.
(4)Liz B.
I always get nervous when driving to a restaurant in downtown Raleigh without a reservation on a weekend night, but thankfully Oakwood Cafe's tables were mostly unoccupied, and we sailed right on to a table. The decor was a little odd, as Y Chromosome Carrier (YCC) immediately noted--not much Cuban flair. The walls were painted maroon, and there were kitchsy objects and various pictures of dancing people. We ordered fried yucca to start, and I ordered the Ropa Vieja (a favorite Cuban dish of mine), and YCC got a Churrasco (Argentinian style) steak. The yucca arrived quickly and was pretty good, but the portion was huge, even for two people. We barely made a dent in it. We also didn't care much for the accompanying mojo sauce. My Ropa Vieja was a major disappointment. The beef seemed tough and overcooked, and the flavor bland. It paled in comparison to the fantastic version at Gregoria's Kitchen. The sides however were great--flavorful black beans with rice, and perfectly cooked sweet plaintains which were slightly crispy at the edges. YCC proclaimed his steak "not bad"; I didn't try it. The items were reasonably priced and the portions were large, and the service was fine. It is certainly convenient for a weekend night dining option in the often crazy busy downtown Raleigh restaurant scene. I've had so many tastier versions of Ropa Vieja that I really can't give Oakwood Cafe more than 3 stars based on this experience alone. However I do want to come back to try their Cuban sandwich (love them) and their brunch, and hopefully I can update with a happier review.
(3)Jessica P.
Loved it! Went for breakfast on Saturday morning. The waitress was so friendly and quick with coffee. We had pancakes and empanadas and omelette between our party. All of which were amazing!!! Well worth the money and quality of food was awesome! I will be back for sure!
(5)An T.
We tried Oakwood Cafe on a cold Friday night. The place was packed when we arrived, but our group of 4 was able to be seated right away. The service was a bit slow, but it was understandable as they only had 2 servers working a totally packed dining room. The food was very good. I recommend the Churrasco steak (Argentinian) and the Roast Pulled Pork (Cuban). We ordered a chorizo appetizer, but it was a bit disappointing. It was mostly french fries with a little bit of meat. They do offer a decent alcohol selection with bottles of wine and beer (no taps). Overall, Oakwood Cafe is a nice hole in the wall restaurant with a good selection of Cuban and Argentinian cuisine.
(4)Ron W.
Cuban pork sandwiches, where have you been all my life?! A layer of tender pork, pressed along with ham, swiss cheese, a bit of mustard and pickle on toasted cuban bread, oh my gosh! Throw in a side of carmelized plantains and a cuban coffee and you're leaving the Oakwood Cafe, fat, full and happy. We're talking major deliciousness for a very small price! Oakwood Cafe has been nailing it for my past eight visits but this sandwich alone puts it in five star territory... I'm just glad I strayed away from my beef milanesa fave (thinly pan fried beef with tomato sauce, ham and mozzarella cheese). Bon appetit!
(5)Ryan V.
This place is a great go to if you are in the mood for Cuban cuisine or Argentinian style churrasco. Their chimichurri sauce is the most authentic around town and the owners and waitstaff are very amiable. The ambiance is that of a warm South American style neighborhood restaurant with nothing pretentious inside or out. The food is the star of the show here. Some of the high points for me are the sides which include fried yuca, tostones, plantains, and black beans and rice. After recent travels in South America, it's great to have access to the flavors of these countries just around the corner. I would point out that if you are coming here choose either one of the Argentinean steak dishes or one of the Cuban pork dishes. This is what the place is known for and what makes it such a gem. This is South American and Carribean comfort food at its best. I've yet to come for breakfast which they've started serving daily from 8:30am to 12:30pm but seeing as plantains and eggs is one of my favorite breakfast combinations it won't be long. Another menu item I've yet to opt for are the empanadas. These too are a favorite of mine and I'd be glad to give an additional star if they are as good as I hope. Salud!
(4)Andrea S.
As an former South Floridian in search of real Cuban food, I was so excited to try Oakwood for a good friend's birthday. We ordered sangria which was delicious and both the guys ordered beers. For an appetizer I thought the fried yuca would be a hit and it was! Unfortunately, that was the end of the good. My husband and his friend had that one beer. No offers for more beer. Not even water refills. Thankfully we had a pitcher of sangria and I shared my water with our friend. I ordered the roast pork with black beans, sautéed spinach and plantains. The spinach was frozen as were the plantains which blows me away. Spinach is simple to make? Why is it frozen? Plantains are harder to cook well (you have to keep the oil temp just right) but when they taste like freezer what's the point of having them at all? The biggest disappointment? The beans. My family is Cuban, I lived in S. Florida and I KNOW beans. Those beans? From a can. There was no sofrito, no bay leaves but plenty of preservatives. Again - beans? Take some time but aren't hard to make. Why would you use CANNED BEANS? The pork lacked flavor but was fine. Cuban pork is spectacular when made right. I really really hoped that this would be the place where I could find un pedacito of home but I guess I will have to keep searching.
(1)Kristy T.
I had driven by Oakwood Cafe on numerous occasions and never really thought much about stopping in. I wish I hadn't waited so long! Stopped in for lunch on Saturday and had such an awesome experience, I am already trying to plan a trip back this week. This place has a really homey feel to it. Our server was so sweet and personable and offered us plenty of menu suggestions to choose from. The menu here is mainly Argentinian and Cuban. We decided to start with some Empanadas; one spinach and one beef. I wouldn't say I know a whole lot about empanadas, but I do know these were the best ones I've ever had. For my entree, I ordered the Beef Milanesa, a thin fried, breaded steak. I chose Fried Yuca and Plaintains as my sides. This meal was beyond delicious. The steak was just very lightly breaded so it really didn't feel as heavy. I ate the entire thing. The fried yuca and plaintains were both extremely tasty and I am still thinking about them! They also make their own hot sauce here and it is fabulous! I should have bought some while I was there, but next time definitely. We were completely stuffed so when our server asked us if we would like dessert, we politely declined, however as she proceded to tell us about the menu, and gave us a detailed description of the Tres Leches cake we caved. And it was worth it. I may have been in a food coma when I left, but I was happy. And I'm seriously going back this week.
(5)Fred B.
They do serve a pretty good Cuban Sandwich here, but there is much, much more, and better choices, at least in my opinion. This is a small place, which fills up early for lunch, usually before noon. The parking here is very limited, and most folks have to find something on the street - can be a pain. The Beef Empanadas are excellent, as are the fried Plantains, the Roasted Pork Plate, the Ropa Vieja, and the Picadillo. The Churassco, a small Argentinean style steak, is very good along with the Chimi-Churri sauce - a parsley based sauce with olive oil, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and might include cumin, oregano, paprika, and other spices. This is both a sauce and a mariniade - the version here is excellent. The bean dishes, alone or combined with rice, are bland and need some spicing up with Mojo or hot sauces. The various milanesas entrees (thin cuts of beef, chicken or pork, breaded and then fried) are all good, though the chicken can be dry. And as I said, the Cuban Sandwich here is pretty good, but I find that more often than not, this sandwich is just too dry, not just here, but most places. The service here is not always the best, especially when it gets busy. And you often have to stand in line and dodge orders out of the kitchen while you wait to pay your bill.
(4)Craig S.
What a let down. Ordered the $22 skirt steak. The steak itself was fine. The chimichurri sauce was brown - not green. Why? My guess is no fresh herbs. It was bland without the fresh POP I expect. The big let down was the sides. I ordered beans and rice and the green beans. The green beens were a faded green (obviously from a can). The black beans - what defines cuban cuisine - were also straight from the can. I would of been fine with the meal if it was $13. I expect canned food at that price. For $22 I expect fresh herbs, love-filled homemade beans and fresh green beans. $60 for two of us to eat a dinner not worth more than $35.
(2)Steve S.
My wife and I have been coming here at least once a month for the past 6 years. First off, the empanadas are the real deal. Be sure to get their homemade hot sauce on the side. The beef empanadas have great seasoning and some egg and green olives chopped up in the meat-- yum. La Provoletta is fantastic too. For entrees, all the pasta dishes are delish, but the Churrasco steaks are our faves. The chimichurri sauce is ridiculously tasty. And for like $13 or $14 I can get a 10 oz steak + two wonderful sides like yucca al mojo de ajo, sauteed spinach, beans, whatever-- a great value and I prefer these steaks to some $75 steaks I've had at world renowned steak houses. El picadillo, ropa vieja, and Cuban sandwiches are all good too. Another thing that must be mentioned is the wine list. While not immense, the selections are reasonably priced and match well with the fare. I've found the Dante Rubino Malbec to match well with the churrasco. The dining room is rather compact, but it has a warm feel-- that "mom and pop" kinda feel. This is our favorite eating spot.
(5)Lewis L.
Had the steak churrasco for lunch one day recently, with two sides. Everything was delicious. Can't wait to go back and try more from the menu.
(4)Bob E.
Loved the food. Had the Baby Churrasco steak with plantains and yuca side dishes. You can select 2 sides with most dinners. They have many sides to choose from. Casual but could be romantic.
(4)Shruti D.
what a cute and good place! Got the egg and cheese biscuit. Also got the egg, cheese, bacon and a cuban bread. All of it was good. Their homemade red sauce, try that.
(4)Lisa W.
My favorite restaurant ever. The food is always fresh and delicious. The staff is always friendly. If you have never been there I recommend you go.
(5)Sheri E.
I must say I hit a home run when I took my family here for dinner Saturday night. My dad and his family immigrated from Argentina when he was small so eating here was like a homecoming for them. I had gone to Oakwood Cafe before and tried their empanadas and couldn't believe how close they were to my grandmother's recipe, I just had to bring the family back when my uncle was in town. As we're of Argentine background, we naturally stuck to that portion of the menu. We started the meal with a sampling of the empanadas (beef and spinach and cheese) and an order of the Provoletta. Seriously, you MUST order the Provoletta. It doesn't get more simple and delicious than provolone cheese grilled with olive oil and some spices! Most of us ordered the Baby Churrasco steak with different sides - if you want some pink in your meat, order it medium-rare. I tried the rice with spinach (you wouldn't expect this much flavor out of just spinach and rice) and the Tostones for my sides. Tostones are fried yuca - much like fried plantains, they were very starchy, much like a potato, but they were accompanied with a vinegar-based sauce at the bottom of the bowl for dipping. My aunt did try one of the fish entrees (Tilapia maybe?) and raved over it as well. I refrained from dessert so I wouldn't be rolling out of the restaurant overstuffed, but my family tried the Flan, Tres Leches, and Tiramisu, raving over everything. The flan and tres leches are both accompanied by a dollop of dulce de leche (sweetened condensed milk that is reduced down to a carmel colored topping). The highlight of the evening was when the owner came out and my grandfather, dad, and uncle got to speak with him. Definitely made the experience that much more authentic when they realized he was also from Argentina. I highly recommend trying Oakwood Cafe - you won't be disappointed!
(5)Ruben G.
We went to Oakwood Café a couple of Saturdays ago after having read Rachel E.'s review. The fact that my sweetie was officiating a wedding a few blocks away made it easy to get to. Having been born in Cuba and grown up in the States, my idea of Cuban food is that which most resembles what I had in my uncles' homes. The food, the aromas, the gallon jugs of 'vino tinto' on the table... that's Cuban. (...at least to me.) That said, most 'Cuban' restaurants have to live up to quite a bit. For me, the 'telling' dish is either ropa vieja or the picadillo... and so that's all I've ordered for years now, since few places can pass muster on those and rarely get a return visit. But as this place had come pre-screened (thanks again, Rachel!) I opted for another all-time favorite, the lechón asado. Ay-ay-ay!!! It was MAGNIFICENT! The flavors, the juiciness, the"mmmm" factor... they were all there! The rice was also just like home - very flavorful and tender - and the maduros added just the right amount of sweetness to offset the other flavors. What's more, the tres leches was decent and the cafecito drove it all home. I'm REALLY looking forward to a return visit!
(4)Ames E.
Savored the empanadas from the Argentinean side of the menu for a delicious meal. Big lunch crowd = energetic buzz in this little restaurant. Be sure to bring a jacket/sweater/scarf as this café can be mucho frio if the A/C is blowing!
(4)Carolyn P.
I hail from the Bronx in NY and Im Puerto Rican so when I moved to the area naturally and thankfully my boyfriend took me here on one of first dates. Oh My Gosh! It's the first place that the vibe reminded me of "home" and thats because its a family owned and ran restaurant! They have arroz/rice and red/black beans, Empanadas, Picadillo and no! Thats not Mexican food its a plate of food served with spices not hot just your basics (garlic, pepper, salt, cilantro) any way its an intimate place but it fills up quick and my only complaints which is why I didnt give 5 stars is because people no the service and food is good and it lacks walking room.....wish they could expand and they other reason is because they break the service hours and I have driven out to find it closed which made me disappointed. Other than that its GREAT!
(4)Andrew M.
The food is very good. Been going here for about 8? years now. I recommend the Churrasco steak (Argentinian) and the Roast Pulled Pork (Cuban). It's been a while since I was here, but I saw it and had to review, because it was truly some of the best food I've ever had downtown, and the only way you'd ever know about it is by someone telling you about it. Overall, Oakwood Cafe is a nice hole in the wall restaurant with a good selection of Cuban and Argentinian cuisine. Only downside is if you eat there during lunchtime while the legislature is in session, the place is SLAMMED with suits.
(5)Stephen B.
Always loved this place. The only down side here has been its slooowwww service. Things have changed. We stopped for lunch and our server came right over and we ordered drinks and food. I got the cuban pork sandwich which was great. Not as big as the one you get at the Cuban Cafe in Cary, but equally as good. The beans and rice were good but could have used some more seasoning. The food came out super fast and the service was awesome. We are definetly keeping this place in our lunch rotation.
(3)Sookia S.
So apparently, we eat here once a month.My husband recently pointed this out to me. I love this place and it is pretty close to home with good prices. So it is no wonder I eat here so often. Great atmosphere and family friendly. Also a good date night option.
(5)Ursa M.
What a weird little restaurant. Maybe it's the low ceilings, lack of useful windows, and small space. But damn! The food is amazing! I couldn't believe how good it was. I warmed up to the place quickly. Looking forward to going back.
(4)Kelly B.
After reading lots of good reviews (including the N&O's Greg Cox) and being a fan of Cuban food, I had high hopes for New Oakwood Cafe. Everything about our dining experience was lackluster -- most particularly the food. Pedestrian salad, so-so Cuban sandwich, ditto on the roasted pork. Sides were not worth their space on the plate. Terrible wine. The folks were very nice, but the food just wasn't worth a second try.
(2)Scott K.
When I visit North Carolina one of the least types of cuisine I would expect to find was Argentinean / Cuban. But I found Oakwood Cafe and am quite happy I did. I have a Cuban friend who quite often boasts of Cuban cooking and I am one who has wanted something more Cuban than a Cuban pork sandwich which is popular in non Cuban places these days. Oakwood Cafe had me pondering my choice between Argentinean and Cuban and the many entrees within each. Several sounded yum yum for the tum tum. I decided to try the Churassco an Argentinean style cut steak with a side something called chimi-churri sauce and in doing so I found another favorite dish (just what my blood pump Doc didn't wish). The chimi-churri sauce a blend ofolive oil, lemon juice, vinegar and the ever popular ingredient of "spices" was addictive and as I ate my last bite of the steak I was craving for more. My bride had a Cuban entree of a chicken breast marinated in orange and lemon juices , cumin spice, pepper and garlic, sauteed with onions as always she was the ever obliging bride and let me have some (minus the yucky onions of course) and again it was yum yum for the tum tum. We both had the black beans (my Cuban friend tells me if you don't eat black beans your not eating Cuban). They lacked the flavor I was expecting but I'm not a Cuban so I can't say I would know a good black beans if one was to have them. I also had the sweet plantains and again not being Cuban can't say I had some great tasting Plantains but I did truly enjoy mine. We finished off our lunch with something called Tre Leges (three milk cake I think) and Cuban coffee and both especially the Tre Leges topped with whipped creme and a slab of creamy Carmel capped off one of the best meals thus far in my Cary visit and it will be a place I'll whine to dine in future visits to Cary
(4)Bryan C.
have had lunch many times at oakwood, never a bad meal. it can be hard to find a seat at lunch time, but its worth the wait, wish they were closer to my office. Had the grilled chicken with rice/beans and plantains...very falvorful and hit the spot. Service was friendly and attentive. give them a try
(4)Heidi L.
My husband and I had a late lunch here today after reading the reviews. Steak was good. My husband enjoyed the Cuban sandwich. Maduros were good. Both rice and beans were bad. Surprisingly bad. Then --- a few hours later - the fun started with stomach pains and feeling crappy. My husband has been puking now for the last hour or so. Thanks Oakwood Cafe - You'll never see us again.
(1)Rachel C.
I seriously can not understand how I haven't known about this place in the almost 6 years I've lived here. Oakwood is hitting the spot for me! I had a super hard time deciding what to order. Milanesa? Cuban sandwich? Empanadas? I really love a good empanada, so I got those. Delicious! Moist, tasty, crispy outer pastry. I got a side of yuca, which I thought would be boiled (and topped with mojo, one of my favs), but it was fried little chunks. Good nonetheless. I also ordered a side of tostones, another favorite food group. Wonderful again. The hubs and I shared so I got a nice size piece of his milanesa en caballo, which means two fried eggs on top of that little fried steak. Oh yeah baby! Tender steak, beautiful over easy eggs. I'll see you again soon Oakwood.
(4)Amy K.
Price is right, the food is great. The service is a bit slow but well worth it. The chimichurri sauce with the skirt is amazing.
(5)Charles B.
I've been eating here since they opened many years ago. It's one of my favorite restaurants ever. I have never been disappointed with anything they have prepared. The food is wonderful, regardless of the ethnic variety you may choose. Their homemade hot sauce has the most delightful blend of pepper flavors (put some in their black beans or rice with spinach....WOW!). Seating is limited (50..?) and the bathroom setup is unique but this place deserves to be on your "Must Go" list.
(4)Mike R.
This place doesn't look like much on the outside but inside it's really nice. The menu is your traditional American with a bit from Cuba & Argentina. I would recommend this place, it's nice
(3)Tripp W.
Had lunch here on a random Monday around 12:30. The crowd was light and the service was fast and friendly. Of course, being at a Cuban place, I got the Cuban pork sandwich with a side of plantains. The Cuban was filled with tender tasty pulled pork and a couple slices of ham. Mustard, swiss, and pickles were the only addons (nothing more was needed). This was an amazing sandwich! The plantains were really good as well. They were a little greasy on the outside, but the inside was firm and delicious. I definitely want to come back and try some of the other dishes, but it is going to be hard to talk me out of another Cuban.
(4)Lee G.
Decided to try this place after reading the reviews. Was a close walk from downtown. I got here too early for lunch, then came back and was too late. Very crowded. Kind of reminded me of a quote from Yogi Berra... "Nobody goes there anymore because it's too crowded." That's about how I felt today. So I decided to keep it simple. Just a Cuban sandwich to go. Jeff H is right about the pork. There was a load of roast pork on this thing. It was more like a barbecue sandwich than a Cuban sandwich. That's not to say it wasn't good. The pork was fantastic. Just not what I'm used to from my days eating Cubanos in Tampa. It was also larger than the Cubans I remember. But wow, delicious. I would for sure go back if I get the chance. Did I mention the crowd? Go early, and go often!
(4)Jeff H.
Wow! I'm originally from Miami, and I was impressed. The Cuban sandwiches here are excellent. There was more pork than ham on them, and it had an excellent flavor. The bread was great, and it was cooked to perfection on the plancha. The plantanos maduros were very good. They had a nice, solid texture and weren't too mushy. I liked that you had a choice from a wide range of sides when you order the sandwich. I haven't tried any of the Argentine offerings yet, but I can't wait to sample all of the other things on the menu. The previous reviewer is right about limited seating (and parking). This is a fairly small restaurant, but well worth the effort.
(5)David R.
Excellent Cuban sandwich at lunch! Dinner portions are huge, and the price is right. Highly Recommended.
(5)Matthew C.
For good reasons, the Oakwood is a frequent lunch destination for many bros and lasses working or living in downtown Raleigh. Every time I've ever been, finding a table has been touch-and-go; for it seems I'm not the only one who tries to beat the lunch crowds by arriving at 11:30 or 11:45. The small space quickly fills up with suits and skirts from nearby government buildings as well as a mixed bag of casually-dressed folks from who-knows-where. I can see why people become regulars here. Portions are ample, and generally everything is very well-prepared and quite flavorful. Meats are tender and the side dishes are satisfying. I tend to get the churrasco steak with a side of black beans and a side of rice with spinach. It's a very filling lunch, as it should be for the price (a little over $10). Sometimes the servers are less than sweet, even a bit rude; when standing in line to pay my check, I often suspect they're covertly making snide comments about customers, perhaps using Spanish or Portuguese. But they know you're probably there for the food, not their good manners. In any event, the Oakwood is a unique lunch spot featuring tasty fare at a reasonable price. Get there with an appetite, and get there early.
(4)Jason G.
The food is generally good. The desserts are very good. The place is small and gets crowded fast and parking can be a pain.
(3)Allison M.
I signed up for a Yelp account just for this, so hear me out! This restaurant got amazing reviews here and on Urbanspoon. I was really excited to try it out because I LOVE this kind of food. I spent some time in the Dominican Republic and could live on red beans and rice, and I've had my fair share of the "mojo" lemony sauce. I was expecting regional food that was full of flavor. Unfortunately, what my boyfriend and I got was bland mediocre food. The sangria tasted like fruit punch to me, but my boyfriend said he could taste the white wine in it. I ordered the mojo chicken with black beans and rice & spinach. The rice tasted like Uncle Ben's instant -- not slow cooked rice at all. And there was no salt or seasoning on either the rice or the beans. My mojo chicken, which was promised to be marinated, tasted like it was plain chicken grilled with some barely seasoned onions on top. My boyfriend got the Argentinian steak with red beans and rice & spinach and had the same complaints -- steak not seasoned, no salt anywhere. I ate about half of my chicken, so I wasn't seeking a comp, but I told the waitress at the end of the meal that I was disappointed because I was expecting more flavor. She apologized and asked if I wanted something else, and I said no because I'd eaten a lot of mine and was full enough. I just wanted them to be aware. Then the owner came over and made us feel like we were on an episode of Kitchen Nightmares. He told us that everyone else who makes this food uses MSG and that they only use simple ingredients, so we were wrong. And everyone else but us loves the food. And they don't marinate their chicken overnight, just for a little while. He carried on the argument for at least 10 minutes, and I even told him at one point that I didn't want to argue...I just wanted to let them know. It didn't phase him. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. We paid over $50 for food that was bland and tasteless. I will never be back. I might have given them another chance if not for the owner, who was aggressive and tried to make us feel stupid. To be fair, when I posted this review on Facebook for my friends, someone commented that they'd noticed the restaurant was up for sale a while ago and might be under new ownership. So buyer beware. As for the noise level, I'd say "average" if it hadn't been for the unsupervised children running around and screaming.
(1)Amanda H.
Spinach and Cheese Empanadas were fantastic. Also liked the plantains and fried yuca. Nice outdoor seating!
(4)