La Isla Restaurant
104 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ, 07030
La Isla Restaurant Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Hoboken for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Hoboken for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
104 Washington St
Hoboken, NJ, 07030 - Phone (201) 659-8197
- Website https://www.laislarestaurant.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 10:00pm
- Mon : 7:00 am - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Roland N.
La Isla Went for lunch and had the Bacalao (Codfish and Potato Stew). Now I am expecting to have a bold Bacalao flavor in a tomato based with potatoes that have absorbed the flavors. This one was bland with no depth I had to add salt to the Bacalao just to get some of the flavor out if it. I don't remember when was the last time I had to add salt to a salty fish like Cod. The rice this time was plain but cooked well. I also had to add some salt and let me say I am not a salt person. It was just missing in my meal this time around. I would give this experience a 3 but being that I have been coming for some time now and have enjoy the food in the past, I am going with a 4. This place is a BYOB but this time around we just went to one of the many local places for a beer after. Hoboken is one of those places I wish I could come more often but with my schedule it will just have to be visited on the occasional circuit. Remember to always drink responsibly Crazy Cubano Out.
(4)Monique R.
Some friends who love Throwdown with Bobby Flay saw this place was known for their stuffed French Toast. When they invited me to join in on their adventure to Hoboken, I thought WHY NOT? It was a Sunday morning around 10:30am. We had a party of 8 and had to be seated separately in groups of 4. Claustrophobes BE WARE! this place is TINY. The staff move at lightning sped. If they come to your table and you're not ready, they move on. There were plates and plates of amazingness coming from the kitchen and I had a hard time deciding. Our group decided to try one order of the french toast and split a few sandwiches. We also caught the empanadas and got a few of those too! I started my morning like any other with a huge mug of their cafe con leche. Strong coffee with hot foamy milk. A touch of sugar and I'm home! Delicious. The empanadas were huge and at $3.50 a pop, i expect them to be. They were filled to capacity but the beef empanadas were much better than the chicken- because the chicken was DRY. I ordered a Media Noche which is shredded roast pork, drenched in Mojo, pickles, ham on sweet bread pressed in the plancha... or the panini press. The french toast was quite a sight. two thick slices of bread dredged in sweet egg mixture and then pressed into corn flakes and griddled. the innards are stuffed with cream cheese and guava and the whole thing is drizzled with guava and dusted with powdered sugar. It was delicious but far too rich to be enjoyed alone. I ate 1/4 of it and it was the perfect amount to taste... a whole order to myself and I would be in a diabetic coma. The service was quick. But this place is small. Beware if you: -hate crowds -tight spaces -have a big butt -have friends with big butts. Just saying.
(4)Akhil B.
I've been here twice already since I moved to Jersey City (a month ago). Almost definitely going to be my favorite brunch spot. Please go on a completely empty stomach (preferably with a hangover) and order their famous french toast. You'd think you died and went to heaven. Gigantic bread slices stuffed with strawberry and guava cream cheese dipped in eggs, corn flakes and almonds and fried. With a gigantic cup of coffee, hardly anything better to start off a lazy weekend. If you're in the mood for a spicy start, go for the Huevos Rancheros. The spicy tomato sauce has a beautifully orchestrated kick to it. Eggs were poached well (could've been better according to my girlfriend). I've also tried some of their regular menu items - shrimp in spicy tomato sauce (this tastes different from the one in the huevos rancheros), the roast pork and the chicken in garlic sauce were all uniformly excellent. The pork especially, with no sauce, still managed to be flavorful in all kinds of delicious ways. The place is small and can mean some wait times, but walk around and gaze the hundreds of people lining up for the Cake Boss' shop right across and come back for the amazing food!
(5)J D.
Took a trip down to Hoboken to try this place, because everyone said I needed to. I'm glad I did, I've only been there once but the food was delicious. I got the papa rellena, and a churrasco. It was glorious. I will definitely be returning soon.
(5)Jess F.
I've had my share of amazing meals, but no one has ever come close to replicating my grandmother's Cuban cooking like La Isla. Their chicken soup, papa rellenas and tres leches cake(heavenly sweet, orgasmically good) are some of my favorites! However, EVERYTHING is good and worth the price.
(5)Krista K.
I grew up in New England, but we spent a couple years when I was a kid living in Coral Gables, FL. At the age of 4 I became hooked on guava, avocados and all things Cuban. Those early, amazing food memories were so strong that 30 years in Massachusetts did nothing to dim them. When I was an undergrad I took a couple of Cuban cooking courses in Harvard Sq. So while not Cuban by blood, I'm pretty well-versed and very much in love with this cuisine. And I love love love La Isla. This tiny kitchen turns out some amazingly big, bright flavors. The decor is kitschy, which works perfectly. There's a long counter with swivel stools that runs the length of the place (perfect if dining alone, or if you just don't want to wait for a table). There are only a few tables, inside and out. Expect a wait on the weekends for their delicious brunch. The iced Cuban latte is really good. There are a couple of things I have to order every time: The Shrimp ceviche w/plantains (technically an appetizer, but honestly big enough to have for a light lunch) and the guava shake, which is delicious. You can get the fruit shakes with or without milk. I find the guava is best just with fruit and ice (the banana shake is really good w/milk). Their pressed sandwiches are tasty too. Try the Choripan: Chorizo, carmelized onions, potato sticks on Cuban bread. La Isla's stuffed french toast was featured on the Food Network's Throwdown with Bobby Flay. I've never tried it, but it sounds incredible: Egg bread filled with strawberry and guava cream cheese, dipped in cinnamon batter, coated with corn flakes and almonds. Will report back on that...
(4)Gus C.
The Ceviche was not that good. It was ok after you added hot sauce but it was missing some other ingredient, i havent figure it out yet. The ropa vieja had a good taste, I give it 4 out of 5. The camaron al ajillo was good too, it look small with 5 jumbo shrimps but it was plenty. Over all, the place was decent but not like all other reviews made it seem like the best shit ever. Oh I give the best to the yuca frita and tostones con ajillo. Will go for breakfast and try that out.
(3)Priscilla K.
awesome cuban place that i've been waiting to try for a while. my friend told me that their coffee and bread are amazing, but i couldn't eat anything else after our meal...next time! if you come in during primetime, write your name on the clipboard to the left and be prepared to wait patiently. we only waited about five min on a thursday night, not bad. there's bar seating as well as small tables. our server was super friendly and accomodating. we got a papa rellena and beef empanada to start, then the tasajo con boniato and the house salad with skirt steak. the apps should be heated up more, but were really good nonetheless. the favorite was the papa rellena, which is basically a breaded ball of mashed potato and beef. cut the heaviness of the apps with a healthy dose of yucatero hot sawce. the balsamic for the salad was awesome, and the steak was cooked pretty well. the real winner was the tasajo, which is braised shredded beef served with rice and yuca. really well presented, and tasted great.
(4)Rachel L.
Tostones, camarones and byob!
(4)sam i.
Picked up dessert to go from here recently. Place was packed, it is pretty tiny. Delicious tres leches cake!
(3)J.C. S.
As a Hoboken native for almost 7 years, this place stands alone as my favorite restaurant in the city. I'll keep it short but sweet: Home cooking vibe, extremely fair prices, and top notch flavors. Dinner favorites include: Churrasca con chimichurri, Shrimp in Garlic sauce. Lunch: Any of the sandwiches are great, the Cuban, Media Noche, Steak sandwich, etc. Don't forget brunch. Their omelettes are amazing, you can build your own. Their black beans seem to be laced with an addictive drug because yes, they are that good. Only negative is it can get considerably packed for Sunday brunch due to the small size of the restaurant. Do yourself a favor and go here to eat! I hope you enjoy it as much as do!
(5)Connie S.
Quick service, cute ambiance, wonderful Cuban (inspired) food. You must get Chef Omar's Stuffed French Toast. The guava cream cheese and fresh strawberry filling is like nothing else I've ever tasted, and corn flake batter gives it great texture. We also got a egg white omelette with home fries, some savory to balance out the sweet-- also delicious. Note: To get this off the breakfast/brunch menu, it means you'd have to come between 7-11am Monday-Friday, between 7am-noon on Saturday, or 10am-3pm on Sunday. The wait can be lengthy on the weekends, so plan accordingly.
(5)Ofer B.
Hands down the best cuban around! I will say that there are a few other places in the area that do have individual items on the menu that I actually like better (I will add reviews to these places soon), but all in all this is a great place to eat with simple yet delicious cuban food I have been going here for 10 years, and I will continue to do so! Personal favorites from the daily specials, are the Ropa Vieja, Picadillo, and you can't go wrong with some grilled chicken (which is moist, and delicious). On the main menu, the sandwiches are really good, as well as the seafood dishes, another one worth mentioning is the breaded steak (which is HUGE) Lastly you MUST try the flan! this is one of the best flan's I had, usually I am not a desserts kind of guy, but this one is def a favorite. Because the place is tiny, they are not accommodating to strollers - so not a place to take young kids to
(5)Bennett S.
Best breakfast place in hoboken. Very strong coffee, great eggs and chorizo.
(5)Annmarie M.
Everyone else will say it... and I have to say it. I love La Isla. The BYOB is my favorite part aside from the papa rallena followed by the garlic chicken with spinach (probably the best dish on the menu) I've tried other dishes but I will always go back to that chicken. I know they're known for their stuffed french toast during brunch and I've yet to have that but I will soon enough!
(5)Jacqueline s.
I'm from Miami, and this is legit great Cuban food. Very low key place, kinda a dive, tables close together. But the atmosphere feels so authentic. it's BYOB - so you can run up the block to buy a pack of Presidente to enjoy with your Ropa Vieja while you sit outside. Pass on the tostones, go for the ceviche appetizer when they have it. For breakfast: cortadito so good. The stuffed french toast was too sweet for my taste, but the regular stuffed toast was delicious. 1 tiny co-ed bathroom, but at least it has great Cuban memorabilia. Excellent food!
(5)Mike M.
Came here last night with 3 others and had: *Papa Rellena - good (not great b/c too much potato) *Beef Empanada - amazing taste, 2-3X size of Zafra's *Chicken Empanada - huge as well, very tasty *Cuban Sandwich - always good *Ropa Vieja - grrrrrrreat! *Camarones Encendidos - shrimp in red sauce, very tasty, very ample amount of shrimp *Dorado - the most underwhelming dish of the night and was also the most expensive. it was a tiny piece of fish that was very bland. there are so many dishes to get here, definitely avoid this one
(5)John R.
The chicken breast lunch special was very tender. And plantains are always great.
(3)Kris B.
Generously portioned Cuban coffee and massive Cuban sandwiches
(5)Jay N.
Stopped in to La Isla on a Saturday afternoon a couple weekends ago, and was immediately reminded of some of the Cuban diners I'd enjoyed in Miami (the closest I've gotten to "authentic" Cuba, haha). I liked pretty much everything about this place, from the casual, laidback atmosphere, to sitting at the counter and asking for a "cortadito" (espresso w/ steamed milk), my roast pork sandwich with terrific fresh bread and garlic mojo, and a nice closer of their tres leches soaked in a little rum. The only reason I have to take off a star here is because when we came around 4pm, we were told the kitchen was closed, and subsequently had our first, second, third, and probably sixth or seventh choices from the menu rendered unavailable. I hope to return soon on another visit to make sure this place is as great as its potential suggests.
(3)Jack R.
I usually come here Sunday nights for their Ropa Vieja special ... only $11 even at dinner time (even though it's a "lunch" special price). It is AMAZING. And I love their fried yucca with the drizzled oil & garlic on top. Also this is my go to place when I am sick bc their chicken soup is incredible & always makes me feel better. If you live in Hoboken you have to go.
(5)Maria H.
Cons: insane wait to be seated. super cramped in need of a design revamping Pros: BYOB- bring your champagne, they'll mix a killer mimosa with a variety of their exotic juices (Brunch) Authentic dishes Homey feel straight out of little Havana in Miami Cafesito is great (this coming from a non coffee drinker) Empanadas, Empanadas, Empanadas... ((salivating)) Steak sandwich on flaky french bread Overall, a hidden gem that doesn't seem to be so hidden considering the lengthy wait. Random fact: right across the street from the Cake Boss' joint
(4)Kelly T.
This is by far one of the best restaurants in Hoboken. The food is consistently amazing and the service is great as well. A NOTE OF WARNING: Be very careful what you order the first time you go here because it will be so amazing you will never want to order anything else (although you should, because that too will also be amazing). The only down side to this lovely little gem is that is it situated across from Carlos Bakery there-by subjecting you to hoards of idiot tourists who think waiting in line for two hours for a cannoli is an acceptable thing to do.
(5)Gene K.
Very disappointing dinner. This place serves mediocre food. The best dish was papa relenos, everything else was below average. Cuban sandwich was very dry - we left 3/4 of it. Ceviche de Camarones had this 'fizzy' quality like it was getting spoiled. Ate one bite and left the rest untouched. When I mentioned this to the waiter he didn't understand so I just left it at that. The grilled skirt steak was on the dry side, nothing special. Also had some other unremarkable dishes. We never tried the dishes recommended by Bobby Flay or Guy Fiery - but those we did try we were disappointed with. Still upset about their ceviche - serving spoiled food is unforgivable for any restaurant.
(1)Agustin K.
The cereal French toast from La Isla was on my to eat list especially after the Bobby Flay Throwdown episode. I aim to go to all the places beating Bobby Flay! Only served for Sunday's breakfast. Open at 10am. And what I heard is that they ofter run out by around noon. So come early. It was a mission, we got there just at 10am, found parking in a jiffy (beauty of being up early). But the place was already packed for their first seating. We were first on the waiting list. Tips: make sure you put your name down on the wait list immediately. We only waited 30 minutes. And with their cafe con leche, it didn't seem to be 30 minutes. Got the bar seating, and saw rows of french toast from other tables. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical at that point, afraid that it has become too much of a hype and mass production. Moment of truth, the french toast didn't disappoint. The strawberry cream cheese filling was super creamy and sweet, the cereal crust adds a nice crunch and the guava syrup was a great substitute from the regular maple syrup. Thank you for maintaining your quality. The other item we got was the breakfast sandwich, omelet + avocado + bacon + red onions. Simple and light, just how I like my breakfast. I will definitely miss you La Isla.
(4)Emma V.
Had dinner with my family here for the first time tonight. It's definitely a small space with a limited amount of tables. It would be difficult to dine here with a group larger than 4. But the food was good and the waiters were friendly. We shared the platano asado for an appetizer and it was tasty. We all kind of shared and tasted a little bit of several different dishes and they were all good. We tried the cuban sandwich with their french fries, which were tiny and crispy, very yummy. We also had chicken empanadas, sopa de pollo, bistek de palomilla, arroz con gandules, arroz moro and maduros. I loved the sweetness of the maduros, it was almost like a dessert for me. I definitely liked the arroz con gandules more than the moro, but my husband liked the moro better. All in all, we enjoyed the food and atmosphere. I was really surprised to find a picture of Pedrito Fernandez with Celia Cruz in the itty bitty bathroom. That was too funny! I didn't give it 5 stars because of the wait and tight quarters. But we'll probably be back and maybe share a dessert...
(4)Jordan S.
The food was really good, but I thought it was pretty pricey compared to other Cuban restaurants I've been to. Entrees with meat are about $20. The food is pretty classic: maduros, cristianos y moros, churrasco, etc. It's BYOB, so you will save money there, which helps. If I had more dispensable income, I'd probably be a regular there. Until then, I probably won't be going back.
(2)Jeong K.
Gotta love them Balls... with meat... wait what? Looks like a small pizzeria/bodega however, they serve up hella awesome cuban dishes! Try the cubano, Rice Balls, pork, chicken, and a partridge in a pear tree. Get there fast since seating could be limited (depeding on the time of day) I'm a fan
(4)Jeremy W.
The food is the excellent, the price is right, and it's BYOB. Service isn't the greatest, but look around, you're in a luncheonette! Took a while to try this place but was very worth it for dinner; really looking forward to trying a cuban sandwich for lunch and I hear the breakfast is excellent as well.
(5)Alex L.
The stuffed french toast was featured on the Food Network so a lot of people come for that. I say skip it (or just get one for the table) and go with Huevos Rancheros (with yellow rice) which is an absolute killer. This place is small and gets very crowded on weekends.
(4)Vanessa M.
A cozy lil place.. very warm and friendly! Love having dinners here with my husband. You really cant go wrong with food here. The Papa Rellena and Flan de Leche are to die for. Great food for a very decent price!
(4)Emily N.
If you try nothing else, go for the cuban coffee and try the plantains. But that should not be the only reason you come to La Isla. At first glance, a greasy spoon on a busy corner of Hoboken, La Isla will surprise and delight you with flavors, combinations, and a sense of home cooking you couldn't replicate if you stole someone's dear abuelita and brought her home. Long lines and wait times are worth it. Try coming early or late for lunch and plan to stroll Washington Street to work off some of the heavy fare. Salads are artistic and presentation is five star.
(5)Charin B.
Love places that stay true to typical cuisine and this place didn't disappoint... I had the Media Noche and it was just as good as the one I use to have in Miami... Would definitely go back and try other items on the menu
(4)Kate G.
My sister came up to visit me two weeks ago and since we are both big foodies & food network fans we knew we had to go to La Isla for breakfast since it won on Bobby Flay Throw Down for their stuffed french toast. We got the stuffed french toasted and the huevos rancheros. We ended up splitting both plates. They were both absolutely fantastic. The poached eggs in the huevos rancheros were cooked perfectly as was the beans and rice and the rancheros sauce was absolutely fantastic. The stuffed french toast is definitely one of the best breakfast foods I have ever tried. The portions were also very large and the prices very reasonable. I will definitely be going back again soon!
(5)Juan J.
Very good cuban food. Three of us went there for a Friday dinner at 7, and it was very very crowded already. We had to wait 30 minutes for a table. I do not suggest this place for group gathering, this place is TINY. Appetizer: chicken and beef empanada Entree: Bistek de Palomilla (Sirloin Steak and Dorado (Mahi Mahi)) Desert: Tres Leches I loved all dishes, except my Sirloin Steak was just a bit dry..... However, the Tres Leches was out of this world........I enjoy every bit of it, and if the restaurant wasn't so crowded, i would have lick that plate and spoon shiny clean!!!!
(4)Martin L.
Been going to this place on and off the past few years, never strayed too far from the roasted chicken, which i consider their specialty. Was just there earlier and pretty much everyone (including one of the wait staff) was eating it. They also make excellent plantains and smoothies. It's just a fun neighborhood place to be, especially on weekends it gets VERY packed and crowded (not sure how they can manage to have so many staffs working behind that tight counter. Also, the food is overall pretty cheap, only $7.50 for the quarter roasted chicken. Definitely worth a visit if you're ever in the Hoboken area.
(3)Ava L.
I was extremely excited to try the food because of Guy Fieri's stop. But a bit disappointed. On a Saturday, I ordered the empanadas, a chicken soup, coffee and a steak sandwich to go. The empanadas lived up to the hype, coffee too. The sandwich and soup did not. The soup was salty, and the steak sandwich had a peppery taste to it. I asked for no onions and got onions. The steak was rubbery. Maybe an off day, all these glowing reviews. Hoping this was a one time thing, I went back for dinner. Super crowded, but it was a Saturday. If you don't mind, you can sit at the counter. We did. All Spanish staff, but speak English. Food was good, but not great. I cook Spanish food and eat out a lot at Spanish restaurants. So I know when I get OLD tostones (fried green plantains) and I did. I mean see through, oil soaked right through. Their black rice was very good, steak with onions just ok, no flavor. IMO a typical Cuban menu, typical "Spanish" cooking styles. Since I mentioned my tostones were not good, I got a free dessert when I ordered it to go. Rice pudding...I love rice pudding like my abuelita used to make, but no dice. SUPER sweet, took away from the true taste it should've had. After these two trips, I will still go back, because all I really want to try are those stuffed French toast everyone is raving about. They look awesome, and I will update my review and hopefully give this place more stars.
(2)Nate D.
This is my go to for Cuban food in Hoboken. No contest. I'm a little biased since this was one of my first experiences in Hoboken and it was love at first bite. A friend took me out there to eat and everything about the experience was enjoyable. I tried most things so nowadays its all about the pollo asado and ropa vieja lunch specials. But definitely try the special french toast. It beat out Bobby Flay? Yes, yes it did. I believe that. I can't think of any dish I've had here that wasn't delicious.
(4)Brian E.
I've ordered and eaten here a bunch of times. In the summer it's pretty nice to eat outside, but the inside is almost like walking into a kitchen. I'm a fan of cuban food and this is maybe the best I've ever eaten. It's also BYOB so make sure you bring a bottle or two if you're eating there. Also, they only start delivering at 5PM and if you're going for a non-roasted chicken dish, they may run out by then. The dishes are about 9-10 bucks and it should be a given that you're getting the meal with rice and black beans. Just a warning, the food can also put you on coma status. Here's my rundown: - Ropa Vieja 4/5 (Some people would kill me for only giving it a 4) - Pepper Steak 5/5 - Chicken and Potato Stew 5/5 - Roasted Chicken 3/5 (Not a fan, too many onions) I've heard breakfast is great and will update this the day I wake up early enough to try it.
(5)Brittany S.
I'm not sure if visited La Isla on the wrong day or what but I didn't love it as much as everybody else. I enjoyed sitting outside but the food was only ok, the service was lacking, there was nothing worth going back for. I'm bummed because I wanted to like it so bad. Oh well.
(2)Scott S.
I finally ate here...everytime I wanted to go the lines were too long but I totally understand why. The food is awesome..the decor is what I would expect cuba to be like (from all the movies) and the ceiling fans. I want to def come back for brunch and also try everything else on the menu. You have to eat here!
(5)Janitza H.
This little hole in the wall is some of the best Latin food (besides my moms cooking) that I've had in the longest. It's reasonably priced and the portions are just right. Try the tres leche cake, its to die for!
(4)Cheryl P.
I was really excited to finally come here after watching it on Throwdown. Maybe that's why I expected the stuffed french toast to be that great. It was like two oily messes with a lot of powdered sugar and guava syrup. I thought it would be a delicious, piping hot dish that was crunch on the outside and creamy delicious on the inside. The thing I got was a lukewarm, bordering on cold, stuffed french toast that wasn't crunchy. Man, were me and my boyfriend happy that we didn't both order the stuffed french toast. He got an omelet, which I thought was very bland and didn't have enough chorizo or onions in it. Breakfast was just not impressive and neither was the cold service. I don't think it would be worth it to come out of my way again to eat here, but at least I could say that I went here and not dream about it anymore.
(3)Brad M.
La Isla is really good Cuban fare. However, they no longer have the dinner specials that they used to. Until recently, you could get a great dinner for about $10, but now dinner is much closer to $20. I guess that's what happens once you're on the Food Network a bunch of times.
(4)Sean I.
Probably the best secret in town, and hope it stays that way. The cuban sandwich here is a must have. Plus the potato ball is outstanding as a side with that sandwich. They also have great roasted chicken Tuesday - Friday which is one of the best cheap meals in town. Pair it with some moro rice, and you will be shocked at how good it is. Only downside is the place is teeny-tiny. If they found a different location with more seats for larger groups of people it would fantastic. Only other downside is that service is spotty. The regular crew of waiters and waitresses there are very nice people, but they could do a better job at moving faster when it's busy - I have walked out of the packed restaurant rather than wait for someone to notice that I wanted to order a to-go dinner. There's nothing flashy about the restaurant, and it's even a bit tacky in appearance. You don't go here to impress someone with the decor, but with the great food.
(5)Eric L.
I've been here twice now and can say I definitely prefer the dinner food over brunch. I realize the stuffed french toast is "semi"-famous but it didn't do it for me. The cream cheese was overkill and overall, the french toast was dry, despite having strawberry sauce drizzled over the top. As for the chuletas- amazing. I'd order them every single time. The juicy, marinated chops and caramelized onions (with maduro and beans of course) make this dish heaven on a plate.
(4)James S.
The Bad: - WHO IN DOWNTOWN HOBOKEN CLOSES AT 10:00PM ON FRIDAY NIGHT?! - Cuban Sandwich was the worst one I've ever had. Pork was way too dry.. - Service was unfriendly and borderline rude. The Good: - Food came quickly.. - they dont take reservations or call ahead seating.. - the rice and beans dish (Moro?) was delish! - My friend's steak sandwich was pretty good. - Prices were meh..
(2)Steven D.
One of my favorite places. One might pass it by and not even think about it. A very modest setting. Everything on the menu is great. There are many things to try--- the papa rellena, beef or chicken empanadas, Media Noche, Ox-tail stew, Churascos and more. I recommend the guava and cheese empanadas for dessert. Amazing. The breakfast menu is also impressive. Chef Omar's Stuffed French Toast is incredible--- two slices thick egg bread filled with strawberry and guava cream cheese, dipped in cinnamon batter and coated with corn flakes and almonds.
(5)Erika L.
Every time I have been to La Isla (which is probably about 4 times over the past year), I am blown away by how good their food is. My favorite menu item is a Cuban classic - the Media Noche sandwich (roasted pork, ham and swiss cheese on sweet bread with pickle and garlic mojo). This $7 sandwich is perfectly portioned and practically melts in your mouth. I like La Isla's menu for its range of pricing - you can always order sandwiches at dinner if you're not feeling a full-blown entree. Other perks: the drink options. This is a BYO, so you can always bring along your favorite bottle. And if you are a coffee fan, the cafe con leche is (dare I say it?) the best coffee in Hoboken. It is rich and smooth and comes in an larger-than-average mug. It tends to be busy no matter when you go, so service can be a little slow, but I have never had a problem with an order, and the food makes it all worth it!
(5)Jennifer C.
La Isla has excellent Cuban food and it is always consistent. It's unfortunate some people only stop in for brunch to eat that french toast or whatever only because it was on TV. Their dinner menu is far superb and you will not get the most out of La Isla by eating french toast. The menu is also very reasonally priced and the portions are generous. Personal favorite is the Churrasco con Chimichurri (skirt steak with onions). I sometimes order the Papa Rellena or Empanadas while I wait for the main meal. It's the perfect portion as it doesn't fill you up. I've also had the ensalada de espinaca y remolacha. It's a fun salad...more on the sweeter side. The best specials are on Sunday evenings. Strongly recomment that you try the Lechon Asado (roasted pork) and Ropa Vieja (shredded flank). The service is prompt, but very unfriendly. You only receive friendly service if you are Latino/a, so don't get too offended. And no, it doesn't matter if you speak fluent Spanish, you still get unfriendly service....but at least you can ask the non-English-speakers for things you need.
(5)Tim H.
I have been going to La Isla for sometime now. I consistently have ordered the pollo asado with red beans and white rice sometimes getting a side of yuca. The food is very tasty and the staff are very nice and efficient. Also, the restaurant has outdoor seating. The inside is a little small but still nice and quaint. The bathroom is always clean. Sometimes the food isn't always hot but since I am a regular there I can just tell them and I'm confident they will accommodate my request. So in summary, great food at a low cost price with friendly and efficient staff in a place at a great location that is clean and well kept equals a repeat customer.
(4)Elvir C.
I'm knocking off 1 star from my previous review because they no longer offer the Cuban Stuffed French Toast as a dessert option outside of breakfast. BOOOO! Well, I guess I'll have to wake up early for the guava strawberry cream cheese stuffed goodness that's cinnamon battered, dipped in almonds, corn flakes and perfectly griddled. Man, I have to set my alarm for French Toast o'clock.
(4)Lorraine L.
We come here from time to time for their brunch. We love their stuffed french toast and tortilla with black beans. Omlettes are ok, above average but can definitely be better. We tried having dinner here once and we probably wont come back again for dinner. We order pork chops and grilled fish. Pork chops were a tad bit too dry and tough, fish was way too fishy.
(4)Avantika K.
love this quaint place. the menu selection is smaller than other restaurants, but i think theres something for everyone. hands down the best flan i have ever had though. ive gone there sometimes just to get the flan!
(4)Carlo S.
The Short: A great spot for affordable Cuban food. Don't pass up the french toast! The Long: I, like so many others before me, headed out to Hoboken specifically to try the stuffed french toast here after seeing it on Throwdown. We got here at about 9:45 on a Saturday morning and only had to wait about 20 minutes. It took everything I had to order the french toast. Sure it looked delicious, sure it tasted amazing but everything else looked equally impressive. The french toast itself was absolutely decadent. Crispy on the outside with a strawberry/guava cream cheese filling, this is what stuffed french toast should be. I also concur with what others have said about the cafe con leche, it's cheap and delicioso. What I really wanted to order though was the Huevos Rancheros (estilo cubano). A poached egg nestled in a tostada shell covered in ranchero sauce and surrounded by black beans, this dish looked great. It was also what most of the locals were ordering so I'm sure it's fantastic. Unfortunately (and fortunately) I had to get the stuffed french toast. I can't wait to go back to try the Huevos Rancheros. If it is good then this place is going to get 5 stars.
(4)Janelle D.
I am a fan for sure. I love their ham croquettes, empanadas, cuban sandwiches and all of their beef/steak entrees. Meals can be pricey though, especially if you add a soda and dessert. I've never been wow-ed by their tostones - always too well done and greasy. They are always busy so go to an early dinner or get on that weekend line well before they open.
(4)Abel A.
I try to stay away from Latin food that isn't prepared by my mother or people I personally know. I walked in here with high expectations. I waddled out full of delicious Cuban food. Truly authentic Cuban food and good portion sizes for the price. One of my favorite restaurants on Washington Street.
(5)isaw W.
I went to NJ for a week and I tried out almost all the restaurants in Hoboken's main drag. I liked La Isla's the best. In the week that I was there, I went for lunch three times. They have daily lunch specials that come with two sides out of rice, beans, yuca (cassava) and maduro (plantains). I've tried the beef stew, the roasted chicken and the shredded flank steak. I've liked them all. The meats are juicy and succulent and the rice and beans are very flavorful. The ambiance is nice: it is a small cozy place. A little like a dinner where you can sit at the bar or in one of five tables. Always crowded and busy and rarely a long wait. They raised their prices recently so what used to be a meal for less than $10 is now more but still worth it.
(4)Rajat S.
When you call them they pick up the phone and just keep it aside and not speak to you. That is just not how you answer the phone!!!!!
(1)Kristin M.
shredded flank steak special + maru + maduros = magic in my mouth 4 stars instead of 5 because the restaurant itself is too darn small for me to bring everyone with to enjoy it! Portion sizes are nice and big though, so don't worry :) Food is amazingggg
(4)Frank P.
Location location location food OK on the expensive side small place there are places in Jersey City not far away with better prices and food
(3)Albert M.
This place reminds me of any Latino place in Miami, Fl but in New Jersey. The food is authentic Cuban food with good portion sizes for the price. Hand down it is one of my favorite restaurant for Cuban food around Hudson County, The down part of the place is the wait. I was lucky to grab two chairs quickly but often I heard people waiting for 40 to 80 minutes for a table which tell you a lot about the food in this place.
(3)Jessie D.
Very good, fast, and affordable on most food. just avoid shredded beef thing - extremely salty and feel like eating match sticks.
(3)Bob N.
Nice little place. Great service. Great food. BYOB. Had the Cuban pot roast with chorizo special. Fantastic. Large serving too. I never take food that i don't finish home with me, but this was so good I asked for it to go. Pot roast, yellow rice, black beans and a tangy red sauce. Highly recommend. Much better than the higher end Cuban places in Hoboken.
(4)Anita J.
I love La Isla! I go here for lunch and brunch. My favs so far: Ropa Vieja Arroz con Polla Huevos Rancheros (my brunch favorite!!!) Sandwich de Pollo Asado La Isla Sandwich de Huevo There food is very delicious, perfectly seasoned not overly salty. Ambiance: Local eatery/diner, very cozy -- nothing fancy. Service: Quick, they don't give too many recommendations but the menu is descriptive enough that you will be fine. This is definitely my favorite Cuban restaurant in the area for a casual dining.
(5)Daniel C.
Shrimp and Chorizo skewer appetizer was fantastic, but too small of a portion for 2 people. I had the Garlic Chicken breast w spinach with rice and beans. I loved it, it was a good portion very flavorful. My girlfriend got the skirt steak w chimmichurri. She ate every last bite, very rare for a girl who never finishes her food. The only thing that is not so great is you dont have enough personal space between tables.
(4)Colleen W.
La Isla was not bonita. Despite all of the great reviews and our high hopes for the place, our cuban sandwiches had a slight tuna fish taste. This should not be part of ham's flavor profile. I sincerely hope that this was just an off night for them. I don't see how people could look past that...
(1)C. K.
The food and price point here are decent. On a scale of 10, 1 being the worst and 10 being amazing, we would give the food a 5. The previous reviews were spot on with describing the crowded restaurant and the ambiance. If you want a decent Cuban meal on the cheaper side, go here. If you want good service and a comfortable dining experience, don't go here. If you have the chance to go there for lunch, go then to try it out, as it might be a little bit less crowded.
(3)Lola A.
We ended up visiting Hoboken on a sunny Sunday after leaving Manhattan. My boyfriend grew up in Hoboken and we hadn't visited it since a winter trip back in 2010. This trip was well worth it. He was in the mood for some Cuban cuisine. I looked up some eateries and found this little jewel. What a real treat. The cubano sandwich is phenomenal...couldn't finish it all. The atmosphere was simple, nothing fancy, just a great relaxing spot outside. I grazed through the inside to make a trip into the restroom and found the place to be exceptional. It has a diner feel to it. The latin music was playing and the servers were busy taking care of their customers. Great, great, great little spot for a quick bite to eat. Definitely going back!
(5)Dot S.
After reading all the hype on Yelp I decided to give this place a whirl. I could NOT believe it was located where it was. I have been walking by this dingy looking diner for over 10 years and never gave it a second glance. The sign has to be as old as the place ("30 years" said the waitress)... so it never caught my eye. Set up like an old fashioned American diner with lots of rotating bar stools under a long counter (does have a few tables against the wall), you can hear the elderly"s getting their fill of daily gossip from the waitresses (all Spanish speaking but can speak English with sweet, heavy accent). Tried the Stuffed French Toast and I could only eat half. This dish must have 10,000 calories in it. Yes, it is DELISH but it's hard to ignore the fact it is stuffed with strawberry and guava cream cheese and it crunches as if it was deep fat fried, then topped with a dark red sauce and powdered sugar. I probably don't need to eat again for another week. If you sit at the counter, service is very fast and attentive. Freshly squeezed OJ, their version of cappuccino (coffee with whipped cream squirted on top) and they do serve free water on the house. The menu looks super yummy so I will going back to try other, healthier dishes someday soon. Very narrow place so they have a sign "no strollers allowed due to space restrictions" so in other words, not really a place to bring your kiddies unless they can sit up on their own at a table without a booster chair (didn't see any of those, not that I need one)
(4)Sabrina J.
I wasn't super familiar with Cuban food when the first time I went here, but, turns out, I loved this place. They are famous for their stuffed french toast (I think it was even on the TV show "The Best Thing I Ever Ate"). We went here for both breakfast and dinner when we were staying in Hoboken and loved both. The stuffed french toast, though? AMAZING. I wasn't really expecting to like it as much as I did, but I couldn't get enough of it. Definitely recommend.
(4)VANESSA F.
Being Cuban I think I'm as picky as it gets going to Cuban restaurant. Been here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and loved everything. The toasted Cuban bread with butter is deadly. Ham croquetas were great along with homemade chicken noodle soup just like my grandma's. The boliche stuffed with chorizo was delicious along with the tres leche and cortadito for desert. Oh man I am getting hungry!!!!
(5)Amanda F.
My roommate and I went to La Isla one night on not one, but SEVERAL recommendations from friends in the area. Nearly everyone I spoke to about this restaurant raves that it's absolutely the best place in Hoboken... Plus we heard it was BYOB.. so we couldn't pass it up. So off we went, each carting our own bottle of wine. We did have to wait a while to be seated (it was a lovely night out--there was about a 30 minute wait), but it was certainly worth it. On yet another recommendation, I decided to try the Camarones Ajillo--jumbo shrimp in a white wine and garlic sauce, with rice and plantains... OMG. I was dying to lick the plate after I scarfed down the entire (and extremely generous) portion. It was soooo good i can't even describe it. I dieeeddd it. was. sooooooo. gooooooood. If your ever in Hoboken.. GO HERE. Best kept secret in town.
(5)Kiki D.
Having moved from Miami and being Cuban I was hesitant to try this restaurant, but I am so happy I did. Not only does this restaurant remind me of home, but it blows all those restaurants I used to go to out of the water. The ingredients are so fresh and I do not leave feeling like I am about to pop. Some recommendations are the Cuban Sandwich, the Pollo Asado, Ropa Vieja, Sopa de Pollo, Arroz con frijoles, Medianoche...The list just goes on and on. I have yet to try the famous french toast but hopefully when the line isn't too long on a Saturday or Sunday I will get to taste that. Also, you cant go wrong with the $.
(4)Lisa S.
Great food, a little pricey, and the staff isn't exactly charming, but I can't stop going!
(3)Alison C.
After hearing a ton of positive things about La Isla, I have been dying to try it. The small, run-down old-fashioned diner-feel dining area is always packed. They offer a long counter and a few tables. I picked up a Pollo Asado (roast chicken) sandwich to go, and loved it! The sandwich is a large toasted white bread hoggie roll filled with roasted moist dark meat chicken, lettuce, tomato, and fried potato sticks. The sandwich basically melts in your mouth. The sandwiches are around $6-8, however the entrees and side dishes are very over-priced. Definitely check out La Isla for traditional Cuban cuisine in a charming, casual environment.
(4)Haley B.
This was actually the first place I ever ate in Hoboken. It was a hot day and they had a few tables outside crammed into a very tiny space. It would have been nice enough, but eventually we over heated and needed to duck inside once a table opened up. I went Sandwich Cubano ($7) and it was pretty decent. The sandwich consisted of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, & pickle with garlic mojo. The pork seemed a bit dry for my taste, but overall it was enjoyable and economical. The service was a bit gruff and was only provided on an "as needed" basis, in other words, unless they are taking your order or delivering food, you won't hear from them. However, despite the less than perfect sandwich and the less than friendly wait staff, this place had some sort of authentic charm. I will definitely try La Isla again!
(3)S L.
I love their huevos ranchos for breakfast. The eggs are perfectly poached and the hot sauce mixed with the black beans gives the dish a nice kick. It is plated nicely and oh so tasty. It's a great place if you are eating alone because you can grab a counter seat.
(4)Arsalan H.
Food is exceptional. I had the skirt steak thing and it was delicious. Awesome choices for drinks, including Goya fruit drinks! (Mango is the best). Would definitely recommend it. Also the place is very small and they can't accommodate more than a party of 4. Usually pretty fast service! For cuban, this is one of the best in Hoboken.
(4)Irving R.
This is probably one of the better Cuban restaurants in NJ. Great food generous portions and BYOB. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was the price. Coming from someone that cooks this food, paying this price for food I cook or that I know I can get at other places for half of the final check, bothers me. Surprisingly I've never had any of their signature french toast because the tres leches is amazing, so I've stuck with that. Bottom Line: If you want to impress a date and show her you know where to get real Cuban food, go here. In the end its not an everyday spot, for its price but for special occasions or to impress, good choice.
(4)Joe S.
Haven't had dinner there but their brunch was fantastic. Had the famous stuffed french toast and it was great. My friend had the huevos rancheros which were also very good. The iced cuban latte was great. Only downside was getting a table was pretty hectic. You have to put your name on a list and they call. Just a little more stress than I wanted for a lethargic Sunday morning. But overall a great meal.
(4)gary m.
I work in Hoboken and rarely get out to lunch but when I do, on a Thursday, it has to be to La Isla for the awesome oxtail stew, yellow rice, and red beans. Ok it's not the kind of dish you would want to eat in front of stuffy business folks, you gotta use your hands and there is the chance of some mess, but it's a sin to leave any of those bones unpicked! I've also had the Cuban sandwich on non-oxtail days, it's solid. Good apps too - I like the shrimp and sausage. Get there early for lunch because it fills up! A little tight inside but hey, the food is worth it. Service is efficient standard busy luncheon style.
(4)Thuy P.
I always leave La Isla over stuffed and 100% happy, smiling ear to ear in Cuban food heaven. This is a BYOB place with limited seating, expect somewhat of a wait (not long) if you're stopping by peak hours for dinner. There are open seatings at the bar but those are usually filled with happy die-hard regulars. They have specials for each day of the week with your choice of two sides (rice, beans, yuca or maduro). On Saturdays, I have tried the Ropa Vieja (shredded flank steak) and Lechon Asado (roast pork). Both are TO DIE FOR! So tender and moist, both seasoned to perfection. I need to stop by on Thursdays for their Rabo Encendio (oxtail stew). I'm sure it's good because everything on their menu has been a sure hit. Their Camarones Encendido(garlic sauteed jumbo shrimp in spicy tomato sauce) is also AMAZING! For lunch, try the Cuban Sandwich for lunch. All of the sides are good and plentiful. Maduros are always sweet and never heavy with grease. Portions are generous. Nothing to complain about service. They take your order, bring you your food, you devour it, you leave full and happy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
(5)K R.
Their grilled chicken with spinach is delish! place is tiny and a bit overprices
(4)Josie L.
First time at Hoboken. I thought I check out La Isla with a friend since it got some good reviews. In all, it was OK. The food was decent. The price was decent. And, the staff was decent. It could have been better if the food wasn't cold and stuffed french toast was made fresh. I ordered Ropa Vieja - Shredded Flank Steak (lunch special menu) for my dinner. Had Maduros (fried yellow plantains) and Moro (mixed black beans and rice). The steak was tasty, Maduros was yummy and Moro was decent. A couple of things I was disappointed with my dish. Moro was lukewarm (Is that expected? I usually have like my food hot). Shredded Flank Steak was cold. Overall, the dish needed some heat temperature wise. My friend had Churrasco con Chimichurri with Tostones con Mojo (twice fried green plantains with garlic sauce) and Pure de Malanga (taro root puree). The steak was perfectly made. I think it was lack seasoning. I had better Chimichurri sauce. I don't think it had enough seasoning or flavor. Victor's Cafe 52 in NYC had better sauce but the steak was terrible. Taro root puree was interesting. I tasted a LOT of butter. First time having Maduros I think. All I can say is interesting. There was no taste. It tasted very insipid. I think Maduros was meant to be eaten with a dish that's saucy. My friend and I shared the stuff french toast. It was yummy and good. I think it would have been better if it was made fresh. Nevertheless, we finished it up. The staff was ok. We were there before the crowd. The place reminded me of a hole in a wall like. There are bar stools and counter and nice tables in the restaurant. There are outside seating too. In all, I wasn't impressed with the place. It was a turn off to get cold food. I would go back again after trying other places at Hoboken before going back. Their sandwiches and appetizers sound yummy.
(3)Garrett P.
Great cuban sandwiches - the pork is tender and juicy, the ham salty and smoky, the swiss melted, pickles almost transparent and a garlic mojo that is the best I've ever had, ask for extra. The Rellenas are potato/yuca heaven, stuffed with either lobster or minced meat Tres Leches and flan are so freaking perfect, I'd order it by itself for takeout. And, its byob with a liquor store on the same block. Perfection. On top of it all, its only 3 blocks from home and two people can eat for under $20...Especially for good food in Hoboken, that's amazing.
(4)Adam B.
Not much bad to say about this place, if anything at all. It's small so if you're looking to bring a group pick another place. The food is always quick, hot and delicious. I would say it's def the best spanish food in the area.
(4)Emily R.
I had a salmon and goat cheese omelet that was delicious and Sean had the famous stuffed french toast, from which I managed to snag a few bites... The service was fast and great. We only had to wait a few minutes for a table but once we sat down our food was in front of us in less than 10 minutes, rocking! Can't wait to go back for lunch.
(4)Ann L.
Oh YUM. Brunch at this place was fabulous. Its no wonder Bobby Flay challenged the french toast here. It is to die for... such crunchy savory goodness. That was my number one - number two was the spinach-plaintain-spanish white cheese omelette. If you order omelettes, the portions are pretty small, though with potatoes, you still have more than enough food. Their batidos (fruit milk shakes!) are tasty, and the bread that comes at the start of your meal is warm, buttered, and delicious. Their service is what took off the extra star. Rather surly woman who failed to bring me my water FOUR TIMES after I asked, failed to bring us an extra bread basket, and barely cracked any friendliness toward our table for the entire meal. I asked how Cuban lattes are different from regular lattes, and she just stared at me like I was stupid and just said "it's Cuban." Well... okay then I'll pass. Sigh. Small place so the wait might take awhile but they were willing to call us when our table was ready so that we could wander and pick up a couple of goodies from Carlos Bakery across the street. Nice.
(4)J.R. H.
One of my favorite places to eat in Hoboken. If you can grab a table outside on a nice day you will not be disappointed. My favorites are the stuffed french toast and egg platters for breakfast with cuban coffee. They also make a great cuban sandwich. La Isla's prices are very cheap and they deliver. If your walking by, I recommend stopping in for an empanada to go. They are delicious. Also want to mention this place is very casual. If you're looking for a nicer atmosphere head to zafra
(5)Ed D.
Been a while since I ate here..but everything we ordered when we here was awesome..its a small cozy lil place..so space is at a premium :)
(4)Food L.
Almost everything here is done the way it's supposed to be done. So when it comes to food related issues, they are solid 4.5 stars... But what turns me off is not the wait (which can be too much sometimes), but the price and parking. Cuban food should be INEXPENSIVE, fast, and filling. Did you catch the inexpensive part? There are plenty of Cuban restaurants in Union City that can make 95% of this place's food (quality and quantity), and at a much better rate.... don't be afraid of Union City!!
(3)Chris C.
shits banging,had a cuban sandwhich which is godly beef empanadas were sooo tasty and the woman who served me was also very friendly and also pretty :) their ropa vieja or w/e its called is magnificent
(5)Kristen R.
This place was great. We waited a bit for a table and were seated by the door, which wasn't ideal, but the meal made up for it. I had the special stuffed Pork Chop and it was out of this world. The ingredients were fresh and they had great authentic dishes on the menu. I'll definitely be back to try their brunch.
(4)Carolyn C.
I first heard of La Isla after watching a Bobby Flay Throwdown: Battle Stuffed French Toast. After a long work week I decided to come here for a Friday night dinner with 2 girlfriends. The place looked packed so I asked how long the wait was for 3. Instead of answering the question, I was directed towards a sign in sheet. Our party was fourth in line so we decided to wait at the bar and start our wine (La Isla is BYOB). The staff wasn't very attentive as we had to ask for glasses and a bottle opener, and find our own menus. We waited for roughly a half hour before we were seated outside. For apps, we ordered a chicken empanada, a stuffed plantain, and a fried bacon/potato hash ball. The stuffed plantain was my favorite. The plantain was cooked well and stuffed with ground beef and topped with cheese. Nice balance of sweet and savory. For our entrees, I ordered the churrasco (skirt steak) con chimichurri sauce. The steak was cooked perfect medium rare and retained most of the juices. You choose 2 sides with an entree so I ordered the fried yucca and yellow rice. The yucca had a nice light fry batter but I found the yucca to be a little dry. The yellow rice had nice flavor but was slightly undercooked. My 2 friends very much enjoyed their entrees as well. One ordered a chicken dish that was in a garlic sauce with spinach. The chicken was very tender. My other friend ordered a steak topped with caramelized onions. Note that the entree portions are very generous-none of us could finish. As for table service, that was not very different from our experience at the bar. We had to get up to get our own condiments, and borrowed the wine opener from the table next to us. Overall, the food was good and I would go back; I still need to try their brunch. Had the staff been more attentive to our needs, this would have been a 4 star review.
(3)C K.
I use to live on 2nd and Park and use to go to La Isla all the time for the roasted chicken, black beans and yellow rice and it was super cheap(under $10 dollars) This was one of the best valued meals in hoboken. Well I went there last night after not being there for a few years and they have no inexpensive specials anymore. I can not believe this place decided to dim the lights, paint the walls and stop serving inexpensive cuban dishes. This will be the last time I go back!
(2)Bruce I.
Flashback city! I haven't had flan this good since I was a kid living in PR! Tostones were great 'n garlicky, yellow rice with gandules was perfect, tasty spinach salad - and friendly ( for east coast) staff!
(5)marullos s.
This place is plain good. Not great, not awesome, just good. The one awesome thing is the chocolate flan. The one thing that is definitely NOT good is the rice and pigeon peas. Everythig else is basically decent cuban food. Which is fine, except that makes it overpriced, because why would I pay $11 for just good ropa vieja? And the black beans are fine, on the bland side. Papas rellenas good. Empanadas good. Sorullos ok. Skirt Steak fine, on the bland side too. The Cuban bread could be better, but the truth is, I don't think any of the Cuban or Puerto Rican bread I've had in the NY metro area is anything special. maybe it's just never fresh, idk, but it's lacking. Service is good.
(3)Chris H.
Went there with 3 of my cronies after a night of drinking. Can't say I was really impressed. Wait was decent, maybe 20 minutes until we were seated. The waitress was not overly friendly, but also not rude. Also they do not accept any substitutes for orders which I find kind of annoying. Even on the cheese for an omelette. I ordered the guava drink which was delicious. My friends got coffees. For brunch I decided to go with the French Toast due to its popularity. I will say that normally I never go the sweet route, eggs and bacon for this fatty. But I have also had my fair share of french toasts in my day, and this one was poorly executed. The whole thing was over cooked which made the edges of the toast burnt and dry. I had to cut through it with my knife to get at the insides which once I found were quite delicious. The creamy sweet combination of the filling was just right, yet not overpowering. It was just a shame the outside of it was so overcooked. Was unable to taste the cornflake almond crust. My friends got the la isla sandwich which was about as boring as it could get. Eggs, bacon, avocado on cuban bread. No cheese and just flat tasting. My other friend got the omelette which i didn't try but she said it was good. Once again her potatoes were lacking some sort of spice or real flavor to them. As a side I also split a beef empanada which was excellent, as well as some chorizo strips which were good. Next time I will go for the huevos rancheros, or the carne asada with beans which will be more of a test of their cuban cooking I think.
(3)Edwin M.
This is a staple on Washington Ave in Hoboken. Might look like a hole in the wall but the food is far from that. I've had several meals here and they have all been good. Today I had "pan con lechon" Essentially a pork sanwich. They served it with a garlic sauce so I could dip the sanwich as I ate. It was really good. Tasted fresh and they always toast and press the bread for sandwihes. My wife had a chicken sanwich and that was good as well. They include the cutest little fries inside the sandwich. They also sell some very good shakes. We usually get the wheat drink, they put a lot of sugar in it so it's very sweet but I like sweet so I enjoy it nice and cold. The service is "ok' not bad not great...It's hard to provide great service in such a tight location with so many ppl coming and and out I guess. The prices are VERY reasonable. If your looking for some good quick spanish food at a good price I'd suggest " LA ISLA"
(4)Elmo G.
Delicious sandwiches! Highly recommended! Always a good choice for a good cheap lunch.
(5)alisa g.
I have been here so many times for brunch and the food has always been decent. Until recently when I went for dinner. The staff was very rude. It was 9pm and they were already cleaning and closing the bar area. Seems like they were too busy and didn't want any more customers. The food was bland and gave me stomachache. I would come back for brunch but not dinner. But for that type of service this place won't stay busy for too long.
(1)Dev F.
often crowded + long waits for brunch, but.... must try stuffed french toast that slayed bobby flay! it was amazing, amazing, amazing! coated in crushed corn flakes, amonds, cinnamon, stuffed with guava cream cheese, topped with confectioner's sugar and caramel...i can't continue describing it because it's really indescribable.
(4)M S.
Place is solid. It's great for a relatively inexpensive takeout meal ESPECIALLY if you go with their daily specials. It's an incredibly small place; I've actually never eaten in. They do everything from beef to pork to even fish - all well. Picadillo and ropa vieja are probably my favs. I eat from here fairly regularly; I guess my only complaint is everything comes with rice and beans (or plaintains), which tends to get old, but I suppose that's Cuban. The maduros (plaintains) are other-worldly (I'm sure they're not good for you but...) I think a green vegetable wouldn't kill anyone, would it?...just as an option.
(4)Kevin D.
I have only eaten from this place ONCE and I was very unimpressed. I ordered take-out which consisted of yellow rice, black beans, and pernil. I found the rice & beans to be bland and the pernil was very, very oily. But I'm seeing so many great reviews here that I may give them another shot one of these days. When that happens, I will write a follow-up review.
(2)Angelica R.
This review is going to be a little tricky. I LOVE there Cuban sandwiches and there papa rellenas, but when i actually tried the food I wasn't a big fan. I've tasted way better Spanish food, so i don't understand what all the hype is about. The plates of food are really pricey, and the place is a little too small for so many people. I am giving it 3 stars for the Cuban sandwiches and good customer service. but if i want a plate of good, affordable Spanish food i think I'll go elsewhere.
(3)Ryan M.
Hoboken is a tough place to find a nice (non-franchise) breakfast place. Running into La Isla, I immediately knew I would return. They have typical Cuban fare, including some pastries, sandwiches, and batidos (frozen fruit drinks). The service I found to be quick, and the food was very fresh. I would return for even lunch to try their larger menu of options. Prices are very reasonable.
(4)Pinky And The B.
Solid Cuban food. So why only 3 stars ? It is extremely crowded and cramped and there is usually a line. The food isn't anything you can't get in Union City, NJ. I had the Boliche and my husband had the Lechon Asado. It's good don't get me wrong but you can get the same thing at any number of restaurants in Union City. I guess the point is people don't want to go to Union City. But if you are from NYC and you are going to Jersey for Cuban food anyway I would head to Union City for authentic Cuban food in a more relaxed less cramped atmosphere. But if you are in Hoboken there is no reason not to go.
(3)Lisa H.
We came here to try Omar's infamous stuffed french toast. One word: HEAVEN! We came here for brunch on Sunday (only day they serve it) and luckily we were able to get a table within 3-4 minutes. The french toast tasted so expensive yet it's made with such cheap ingredients, it's amazing. The stuffing was perfect, the cornflakes gave it just the right amount of crispiness and the guava marmalade was the cherry on top. When I heard that Omar created this recipe for his wife I was thinking his wife is one lucky lady! I also ordered a cuban sandwich and he got the croqueta sandwich. Both were very good and authentic. The cuban lattes were great, not too milky and the coffee was quite bold.
(5)A L.
We went here for dinner. For apps we had the chicken soup, and avocado with poached shrimps. My daughter and I shared the black grouper with veggies and hubby had the skirt steak with rice and pigeon peas and fried plantains on the side. With the exception of the steak, everything was great. The steak was a disappointment it was a bit tough even though he ordered it rare. Also, we had the mango milkshake. That was delicious! Waitress was not friendly. It was kind of like service wi a snarl. Overall, the dinner experience was pretty good. I would go back.
(4)Hank C.
Very tasty, and very tight space for Cuban food in Hoboken. There's a single line of seating along the bar and a single line of little tables along the other side of the wall. Delicious cubanos for $6, but if you stretch and get the full meals, you won't be disappointed! Black and red beans are hot and at the side of almost every dish, rice is standard, the cassava is boiled and lathered in butter, and the pork and beef is tastily seasoned! Chicken was only so-so, but I hope to try a couple different varieties later.
(4)L T.
Amazing, Very quick with delivery. Best roasted chicken around!! I love the plantains. Portion sizes are great. So good it is making me hungry and I just finished my lunch!
(5)Brian P.
food is exceptional
(5)Kevin L.
Phenomenal. Small Cuban restaurant in the heart of Hoboken. The famous stuffed French toast absolutely deserves the hype without question. The Cuban coffee is tremendous. Love how you have to sign in yourself for a table if there's a wait. The fried plantain, spinach, and Cuban white cheese omelet is fantastic too. The Cuban toast is great! Everything is awesome here! WooHoo! Do you get it yet? I love this place.
(5)Jillian Q.
La Isla always delivers a great meal. The stuffed french toast alone makes a trip worth it, but they've got so much to offer for every meal. I've never seen a place fill up so fast 5 minutes after they open. Service is always friendly, even if it's a little bit slow. Whenever I come to visit, La Isla is always a stop on my trip. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Jason R.
The best deal in town - lunch special Spareribs...you get 3 or 4 HUGE fall-off-the-bone, delicious beef ribs. Plus 2 sides. All for $9. Black beans....get the black beans...best ever. This place is tops. I've also had the Huevos Racheros - really great. The coconut shake is sooo good. The Cuban Sandwich is awesome. You really can't go wrong here.
(5)Andy E.
Food's decent. 3 stars. Not great, but certainly decent. Service is 1 star. Terrible. What's with the rotten, indifferent attitude? So uncalled for. I lived in Hoboken for years and was regularly in there for cafe con leche (almost every day), lunch, and brunch. They know me in there. Yet, they ignore me. And others I know as well. Matters not whether you're a white boy, a Puerto Rican girl, or anyting in between. A few of the waitresses have this tunnel-vision thing going on. It can be mid-afternoon with only a couple of patrons in there. You walk in to the counter to place an order for a cafe con leche to go--the usual. They walk and look right past you repeatedly, seemingly busy with things. Hey, I don't expect special treatment, but the impression I and others get is that they really don't need the business and don't give a damn. It's not even like they see you, acknowledge you, and ask for a minute. I'd have no problem with that. They simply don't see you at all...they ignore you. I've been completely ignored for 5 minutes or longer when it was slow in there before they've taken my order for a small coffee to go. Ridiculous. I walk out of there half the time feeling like a chump; never again. And when you eventually do order, don't even THINK of asking for anything particular. I don't enjoy pickles, so when I've ordered their croqueta preparada sandwich (which is, for the record, quite good--but is made with pickle slices), I've always requested it without pickles. Half the time, they humored me. I mean really, what does it take to put one together without pickles? Other times, when I returned to my office with it, I then found out that it had pickles (and pickle juice soaking into the bread, so removing the pickles didn't remove the pickle flavor). Recently, I was there with my wife and we were splitting the sandwich along with some appetizers. I ordered it "without pickles, please" and made a "no" hand gesture. My wife, in Spanish, added, "Sans pepinillos, por favor"; that's English, Spanish, and hand gestures. Sure enough, the waitress (the surliest one there, of course--her name begins with an M) brings it...with pickles. We called her back to the table and my wife explained calmly and nicely, in Spanish, that we asked for it without them, that I didn't like pickles. Her response? "I thought he wanted pickles." I had to order a different sandwich, one that didn't have pickles in it. No apology whatsoever, no "Let me bring you another one," no nothing. What the hell IS that? Not customer service, that's for sure. Not even the response from an intelligent human being. It was a simple, clear request, and was utterly ignored. We've been in there so many times and always tipped well, but it made NO difference. For what it was worth, the tostones (we'd ordered them a thousand times previously) were sopping with oil and greasy as hell, as if the oil wasn't hot enough and they just absorbed it all; totally inedible. No tip this time. They'll never see my money again, and I'm not alone in this. Why have a service-oriented business when service means nothing to you? They're resting on their name/history here, and it's a real shame, as the food's edible enough. Screw 'em. If you want really excellent Latino cuisine in Hoboken, head to Zafra (Willow Avenue) or The Cuban (fairly new, on Washington Street). The food in both places is AMAZING, and the service is terrific and friendly. Gee, is that so much to ask for? Waiters that don't HATE their jobs?
(1)Peter A.
I saw this place on TV and being in the area just made me want to stop in...plus it's a great view of the line at Carlo's bake shop for some laths. anyway the restaurant itself is quite tiny which I'm sure can cause a problem when it's dinner time or on Sunday brunch. I ordered a Cuban sandwich and while it's only one I've ever eaten it was phenomenal. perfectly pressed, the pork was very well made and the sauce was tasty..never thought warm pickles would taste good. family and I split a plate of Moro which is black beans rice and pork and a plate of maduros. some of the best maduros I've ever had! didn't have room for dessert but they all sounded tasty and I'll definitely be back for brunch soon enough!
(5)Carlos N.
As everyone knows, the dining scene is one of Hoboken's shining qualities. However, for a town that recently had a Hispanic majority, I was quite surprised to find that there were no good Spanish restaurants around. I always noticed this place, but there weren't any ques suggesting that it cooked up Spanish food. Once I found out, I *had* to give it a check (or at least the Dominican in me did). This is the real deal, folks. Forget everything else. If you haven't, you will after eating their rice, beans and roasted chicken. It's classic, it's good, it's served *QUICK*, and it's cheap. (Though they raised their prices lately.) If you're still hungry, have the flan. Hell, have it if you're not hungry. You know you'll want to, and you'll be pleased you did. This is *the* place I eat at when I'm not in my neighborhood and need reliable Spanish food. It's where it's at. RECOMMENDATION: Do it.
(5)Donna M.
Consistently excellent food and service. Brunch is a bargain and the omelettes and egg sandwiches never disappoint. Must return for dinner, but I am sure La Isla will be equally delicious then as well!
(5)Patrick R.
This place reminds me of authentic Cuban restaurants in Miami. Not super fantastic in decor, diner style, and low key servers. I've never had stuffed French toast in a Cuban restaurant before. Normally I'd stick to something with eggs, plantains, and cafe con leche. The menu suggested stuffed French toast (something about as seen on "insert food show name") and I'm glad I did. Two large pieces of stuffed French toast dipped in a crunchy batter with a guava and cream cheese filling. Delicious! Filling without being stuffing.
(4)James L.
Hole in the wall place but I've been there twice now and the food was excellent both times. Pork chops are nicely prepared, very flavorful and not dry. The rice and black beans are classic and very tasty. Gotta try the flan!
(4)Rob R.
This cozy (read: small) place features off-main street prices and quality right on the main street of Hoboken. Any given Saturday you have a plethora of options in the area but this place is worth checking out. Highly recommended you try the Cuban sandwich. For $7, it can't be beat.
(4)Joe P.
the Cuban sandwich is great! if you are a budget oriented person, all their sandwiches is good enough. the entrees are a bit pricey in the menu but i am definitely going to try them one of these days .
(4)Thomas L.
Hole in the wall Cubano Sandwich place? The layout is cramped few outside tables and couple small tables/chairs inside. I strongly suggest crowd no more than 3 -make that 2 oh wait (1, just do take out at lunch time). For lunch you have your typical shredded beef, pork,ox tail, roasted chicken with 2 sides (Rice & Beans) $8-$11each. For pressed sandwiches you have your cubano/chicken/pork/ham/grilled steak ($8 each). Overall not a bad place for lunch and the taste is plain but with the help of hot-sauce its A-Ok. Pros: Lunch specials mon-fri and sandwiches available everyday. Good for quick take out during lunch time. Cons: Price could be better, very plain almost to the point boring taste and menu. Call ahead for take-outs to save yourself a headache(You will know what I mean once your inside).
(3)Melanie S.
I remember I had a pork dish. I was supposed to try rope vieja again, but I didn't lol. But anyway, my dish complete with black beans and rice and hot sauce on my pork was DELISH...! I can't wait to back and try more... I will give a downside though...maybe it was just a bad day, judging from great reviews of others, but my friend had a weird cuban sandwich because it tasted fishy. We have both ate cuban sandwiches in different areas, and that one was just downright weird and had a salty and fishy metallic taste...so yeah..she obviously didn't want the cuban sandwich anymore... BUT...I will remember eating here forever because it was the first time I tried...TRES LECHES! The tres leches was so yummy in my tummy...I even filmed myself eating it lmao. The creamy and cold taste of the "three layers and milks" in my mouth was heaven. My god. I can't wait to get my mouth on another tres leches cake soon!....
(3)Christopher G.
La Isla is a great place to get breakfast - its my second favorite place for breakfast in Hoboken. Their Manchego Cheese & Chorizo Omelet is one of the best omelets I've ever had. Their coffee is great - I highly recommend the cafe ole; my wife always enjoys a mango batido. They have other great dishes there, too. A favorite is also the Huervos Rancheros with a side of rice & beans. I haven't been there for lunch or dinner but I've heard its good. There is almost always a line or a wait on the weekends so get there early.
(4)A B.
This is perhaps the best restaurant in Hoboken, which is saying a lot since there are many good restaurants in Hoboken. I have tried most of the menu and everything I have had has been amazing.
(5)Dana C.
officially hands down one of my favorite spots. My friend got me hooked on their black beans and rice. They're like crack, they're so delicious. I have yet to dine-in, but I've done take out multiple times and have always been pleased. It's small, with counter service and a limited number of seats (think diner-style) but the food and service seems fast and efficient. Whether you dine there or take-out, order an extra container of white rice and black beans to go. Trust me, you'll be craving them by the time you walk out the door. Looking forward to dining here soon for the BYO and checking out brunch with friend.
(4)Thomas R.
Great restaurant! The service was excellent and the food was devine. I tried the croquettes and empanadas con pollo to start and it took me back to my childhood in the Dominican Republic. Next I had the red beans and rice with my cubano sandwich. The pork was done perfect with the cheese and pickles reminded me of being in lil Havana in Miami at a Cuban store that roasts the pork in the window so you can watch. Very authentic! If your looking for great Cuban food and your in the Hoboken area and looking for some down home Cuban food you can't go wrong with these place.
(5)Chris P.
Very good cuban sandwich, just the right size and not over stuffed. The waitress could be nicer, but the draw to this place is the authentic Cuban fare which is excellent. Worth the trip to Hoboken...
(4)Kate H.
So glad to have a good Cuban place in Hobeken! Love the shrimp Caviche!
(4)Lindsay J.
You'd never guess that such a small restaurant could produce such amazing food until you visit La Isla. I've been there twice now and both experiences have been great - I will definitely bring others back with me. Friendly staff, amazing food, prompt service. The portions are large so there will be enough for another meal later on :) Note: La Isla is BYOB, but there are a few good liquor and wine stores on Washington Street - reasonably priced as well.
(5)michael c.
Things you should know about La Isla before you go: 1. It's BYOB, but luckily there's a fantastic wine store with a very respectable beer selection about 4-5 doors down who will recommend the right bottle of wine (or six-pack of beer) to go with your meal. 2. You'll probably have to wait for a table (unless you're Cuban). 3. There's no host, so you have to sign yourself in. The clipboard is on the left as you walk in. 4. You can order a side of black beans with your fried plantains and use the beans for dipping. 5. You'll probably be fine ordering anything on the menu. It's all good, plentiful, and fresh. I've had the steak sandwich twice because it's huge, cheap, and with crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes and fried potato strips piled on, one of the best steak sandwiches I've ever had.
(5)Matt D.
La Isla is about as good as it gets in terms of Cuban food. The ambiance is awesome. But the food is great. I used to eat here 1-2 times a week when I lived in the area. Now I get my parents to drive down to Northern Virginia with a cooler full of Papa Rellenas and black beans when they visit.
(5)Hannah M.
eaten here a few times. churrasco con chimichurri. DELICIOUS. juicy and flavorful. i'm a sucker for chimichurri so i was sold. steak sandwich also delicious (but the above mentioned is still better) pulled chicken sandwich decent. chicken a little dry. breakfast: stuffed french toast = slammin with flavor. cornflake coating is genius! split the french toast and an omelette, but i can't remember which omelette because i think the french toast mesmerized my taste buds. one of my favorite spots in hoboken.
(4)M R.
I would say La Isla is a pretty authentic Cuban restaurant. It is a small place; therefore, you should expect a wait but it is well worth it. The food is delicious and the staff is friendly. I love their Cuban sandwich. Everything from the empanadas to the yucca was amazing. Good coffee and dessert is off the hook! If you live in the city, it is worth the travel. Just take the path to Hoboken and it's only a short walk.
(5)Kathleen M.
Pretty solid Cuban food. Went kind of early on a Friday night, which was good because this place is small and it fills up quickly. The service is pretty rotten. We brought a bottle of wine, and the server just threw the wine opener on our table and walked away. Lots of waiting while it looked like the staff just stood around. When we did order, I got the garlic chicken with platanos and white rice. The flavors were definitely there but the chicken was a little tough and a little burnt, and the platanos were too greasy. Rice pudding for dessert was delicious. No complaints there. The food is cheap and good enough. It's a BYOB, which is nice sometimes too.
(3)Vito S.
Food is great. Prices are very reasonable. Yes, the decor is a hole-in-the-wall but those are usually the spots with the best food! We sat in the first table closest to the door (which was a little annoying) But the food more than made up for it. And we just beat the rush. Highly recommended cuban food. Will be coming here a lot more often!
(4)Eri K.
Looking for yummy Cuban cuisine? Well, look no further! Nestled in a quaint diner on Hoboken's Washington Street, La Isla is just what you have been craving! I tried the black beans, yellow rice and ceviche...all excellent! The flan looks amazing, but I will have to save that for another visit:)
(4)Paul M.
Used to love it, still great food BUT: Portion sizes recently have been reduced and prices went up. For example, Jamon and queso sandwich is drastically smaller and $1 more expensive. I'm DONE with them!
(1)Pamela O.
I ordered the stew oxtails with yellow rice and boiled yucca...it was delicious, the meat fell of the bone. It was very flavorful. The rice was okay, not enough seasoning but it is good if you eat it with the sauce from the stew oxtails. I loved the boiled yucca and even the fried yucca that my sis order, both was great! the service is ok...really needs work. I definitely would go back
(3)Jay M.
The La Papa - a stuffed potato with eggs, bacon, and chorizo is the perfect brunch meal and the papaya shake was delicious. It was a little chaotic trying to get a table for brunch but the food won me over.
(4)Michael C.
Seared skirt steak with sautéd onions, black beans and rice, with Yuca. Very tasty. Street side dining diagonally across from the famous Carlo's Bakery. Decent service but not great. I'd come back.
(4)Michael P.
Small place with zero ambiance.. very old school diner look. Food is good and relatively inexpensive. The service is just ok. They aren't the friendliest group and will bump you and not say excuse me. The coffee is very good and the sandwiches for lunch a good. I've also had the french toast, which was good.
(4)Brittany L.
Amazing. I don't think there is anything bad on the menu. 1 downside breakfast ends and 12 on Saturdays.
(4)christine m.
Went fir Sunday brunch in Sunday which is from 10 to 3 and it was packed very small place. Sign in to have your name called food is good and came out very fast. Tried the tugged fresh toast and it was awesome . Will return to eat a dinner menu during the week. No more than 4 people
(5)Dolores R.
It gets insanely crowded, especially on weekends, but the charm and delicious food at La Isla will win you over. The garbanzo empanadas are to die for! Delicious, light, flavorful, and plated unexpectedly beautifully for a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The arroz con pollo is moist and arrives in a portion easily large enough for two. The platanos maduros are sweet, soft, and just slightly caramelized and not at all dry. The pollo asado is moist, tender, and perfectly cooked. Everything I've had here is excellent and worth returning for. The only thing I was nonplussed by is the cafe con leche. Most cuban spots make a thick dense coffee that, cut with milk, would make Starbuck's R&D staff cry. But at La Isla, the coffee is thin and not very flavorful. The only downside to an otherwise perfect neighborhood casual dining experience.
(4)Steven G.
We love ISLA - I go there a lot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Though it's always busy, the staff keep it moving. They are sweet and helpful. The place has an authenticity and the food is great and great value. The Pollo Asado (roast chicken with rice, beans and more) is always tasty and incredibly good value - a whole home style meal for under $10. The stuffed waffles for breakfast or brunch are a guilty treat. The cubano and other grilled sandwiches are always delicious. They always have interesting specials. I've never had anything there I didn't like, and you can bring your own alcohol. The place is small, bustling and fun. It's like a fusion Cuban meets Hudson diner. Highly recommended.
(4)Christopher I.
A crispy, piping hot empanada filled with a delicate mixture of crab, shrimp and fish, drizzled with a green savory sauce. Skewers of grilled shrimp and chorizo over fresh greens Deep-fried pork nuggets, like carnitas, only better - with caper and olive speckled yellow Cuban rice and boiled yucca with garlic oil All these things and more, at La Isla. The prices are great - the pork entree with sides was only $8 for dinner. All the flavors were pure home-cooking like you thought only Mama knew best. Another big plus - this place is BYOB, and there's an extensive wine/beer/liquor store just down the street. All of this adds up to a great dinner of home-cooking with a cheap price tag accompanied by the sweet soundtrack of Cuban music and Spanish from the servers. Enjoy a cheap trip to Cuba, without even having to go through Mexico.
(4)Kelly A.
It a very basic but authentic Cuban joint. Everyone speaking Spanish, photos of Cuba and famous Cubans on the walls, loud Cuban music playing. They have the usual - pollo asado (roast chicken), Cuban pork sandwiches, beans & rice, yucca, etc. If I really loved Cuban food, I might have given it more stars. It seems a bit expensive for the very simple atmosphere and basic food, but it's still quite a cheap meal. Less than $10 for an entree. It's been in Hoboken for ages, so it must be good.
(3)Jim L.
We had food catered for about 70 people and everything was perfect! Both the gringos and the real Cubans at our party raved about the food. The Camarones Al Ajillo, empanadas, cuban sandwiches were a huge hit! The order was ready on time and was very economical. When you eat there, it's a little tight. But if you can get past this and don't require nuveau cuisine with matching prices, you'll have a great meal.
(5)Ross M.
I am absolutely addicted to La Isla!!! The first time I went was after work with a friend who used to live in Miami. Not being one for spicy foods, I was a tad worried I might not like anything. The complete opposite happened, as I watched my friend pretty much go down the ENTIRE menu and order one of those, one of these and saw the speed that the dishes came out, I was enchanted. I had a Papa Rellena a stuffed potato ball with beef inside, the Sandwich Con Pollo(Chicken w fresh lettuce, tomato, onion and potato sticks on top) some Chicken Soup-which has everything AND the kitchen sink! Everything was JUST right. We went back for brunch on a Saturday and I had the French Toast that shut down Bobby Flay(not that his throwdown record is good anyways lol) and BOY was it AMAZING!! Lives up to all expectations. I stop in once or twice a week for a sandwich and if I feel splurgy, some Tres Leches cake which is completely OUT OF THIS WORLD!! At brunch the second time, I had "La Papa" which is a Papa Rellena with fried eggs, some salsa and cheese on top. AMAZING again! Service is quick if not the most polite(I think brusque is a good word for the servers) and the portions are filling. To sum it up: Definitely try the French Toast, the Chicken Sandwich, a Papa Rellena, a Croqueta De Jamon, and the Tres Leches Cake. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED IN THE FOOD!!! Though you MAY think the servers are rude. The place gets PACKED so they want you in and out ASAP-take that into consideration when you deal with them!
(5)Goldie G.
Came HIGHLY recommend from several reputable people for brunch. went there, sat outside and wasnt impressed ;/
(3)I. C.
I want to give this place 2.5 stars. They pared down the menu a bit a couple of years ago, and since then, the place just hasn't been the same. While the food is above average, the service left a bad taste in your mouth (or maybe I caught the waitresses on a bad day).
(3)Chris U.
Oh, La Isla, how you make me crave you... I'm not sure if there's anything on the menu that hasn't been perfected. The Cubano sandwich is always perfect (their garlic mojo is just enough flavor, but not overpowering). Their daily specials are spot on (the stews and chicken dishes are fantastic - order early, or they're gone). Their tamale melts in your mouth. Their empanadas have the perfect mix of flavor, texture, crunchiness without being greasy. ...and I've never actually eaten AT the restaurant. They have consistently reliable and fast delivery. Quite. Simply. Amazing.
(5)Hywel J.
Fabulous little hole-in-the-wall Cuban joint in downtown Hoboken. Especially good for lunch. Grab a seat at the counter, order some slow-cooked meat (usually the daily special) and dream that you're in old town Havana. And you can even take the PATH train over from Manhattan and walk up the hill.
(4)Ryan M.
For the past several weeks my girlfriend has wanted to try this place out, especially after the food network special. Every time we have tried to get a table, usually after 10, it was to crowded and we did not feel like waiting. All I can say is shame on us. We went there this morning at 730 and were blown away. My girlfriend mentioned that the stuffed French toast was their specialty so I went with it. It may have been one of the better breakfast dishes I have had, most certainly the most flavorful. My girlfriend had an egg sandwich on a nice piece of Cuban bread, and she loved it. I can't say enough about the French toast. The side coffee also complimented the rich French toast very well. All I can say is this place did not disappoint and I will be going back very, very soon. I would, however, get there early to avoid the lines and crowd.
(5)C. K.
A favorite place to order delivery. The daily specials are very well-priced, and the Pollo Asado is amazing (you get to choose thigh or breast, as well as what sort of rice you'd like, and another side). I regularly get the Pollo Asado thigh, with yellow rice and black beans. I have never had a bad Polla Asado here, and I've had it over 30 times (at least)! Their beef empanadas and papa rellenos (sorry if the spelling is wrong) are amazing also. The papa rellenos is a ball of fried mashed potato, filled with pork (or could be beef). Breakfast is also excellent - the omelets are great. However, I've had the Arroz con Pollo daily special - and it was gross. The rice was way too mushy and tasted like someone used plain ol' ketchup.
(4)Victor S.
Let me start by saying that I went to this place because I had to try the Stuffed French Toast. I had to because I am a huge fan of Guayaba (guava). It was delicious! Now I know why Bobby Flay did not win. It brought me back to my childhood. But my wife and I wanted to know if the place has good food as well, so we went back for dinner a few weeks after and we were delighted. I had a Churrasco and it was perfect! Crusty outside and tender and juicy inside. And their prices are great too! Not so expensive for a Hoboken restaurant. I'll definitively be back soon!
(5)Seth H.
Good solid Cuban Food. Very small restaurant w an odd atmosphere that gets very crowded...as soon as we were finished w dinner, I wanted to get out of there immediately.
(3)Alee L.
Crowded? Yes Loud? Yes Too tiny? Yes Casual and cute atmosphere? Yes Food? Yes...so damn good!!!! I went on a Sunday and the place was packed at noon. People waiting, people talking, people eating, people drinking. This place is small..and I mean very small. It is always busy and you will wait to get a table. I was by myself (which was good at that time) so I had a spot on the counter space. I had a Cuban sandwich....very good (pork was very tender) and a cafe con leche,....not a regular coffee but a shot of espresso with steamed milk. A pick-me-up for a lazy Sunday morning. They do not serve alcohol but you are allowed to bring your own (BYOB place). DIY waiting table. They don't have a hostess so when arriving look at the left side of the door and you will find a clipboard to sign your name in. Worth a try!
(4)Vaughn S.
La isla is a hole in the wall, but their food is some of the finest most authentic cuban cuisine around and the prices cant be beat, if you dont mind a place that is an around the way type of joint go there have the papa rellena, cuban sandwich, or the steak sandwich, you wont be dissapointed.
(5)Jim T.
I love Cuban food and always see a line outside this place so I was looking forward to eating there. Boy was I disappointed- the service was very bad. I realize they were busy but we had 2 different people waiting on us ( when they finally got to us after 15 minutes I was about to leave) who didn't realize they were both waiting on us. After a long wait to get served and another long wait to get our food, we finally received what we ordered. I had cold eggs, cold beans and very greasy potatoes that made me feel like puking. I won't be back especially with a place like zafras that is exponentially better than this. I think the location on Washington street makes the convenience of this place attractive but you can do better in Hoboken.
(1)Dream L.
I used to work in Hoboken and I went there so much they knew what I wanted before I even walked in. Its a hole in the wall and practically no where to sit so I suggest take it home or go to the river and eat it there. Everything is amazing!
(5)Jody B.
A wonderful authentic little gem that has a warm atmosphere and a great breakfast (have the french toast), lunch (try the cubano) and dinner (the pollo asado is awesome). Can't ever get enough of this place. Friendly, attentive and sweet staff. The wait can be long at times, but totally worth it. Go early and avoid the crowds. Eat at the counter for a low key casual great meal. BYOB makes for great value.
(4)AJ D.
Had to try this place out after seeing it on Bobby Flay's throw down for the stuffed french toast. The food is a little on the pricey side but definitely well worth it. Very fresh and very large portions. Everything on the menu is great but I recommend the Ropa Vieja and the Skirt Steak. Oh and you must get the stuffed french toast. Phenomenal!!!
(5)Dana Z.
I haven't had the stuffed french toast, so...yeah. And I'm a vegetarian, and therefore am pretty limited in what I can order. There was a pretty long wait to get a table so like the schmucks my boyfriend and I are we sat at the counter. Service was quick and friendly. Boyfriend had the french toast and liked it but wasn't raving - he prefers Zafra's. I had the plantain omelet and found it pretty tasty. And the black beans! Oh, what black beans! But if a Cuban place can't do black beans I think we have a serious problem. Three stars because the tastiness can't quite justify the price or the wait. Dammit, Bobby Flay.
(3)Yvette R.
love, love, love! I'm a native Miamian with Cuban parents who recently moved to the city and was about to wave my white flag at the prospect of finding authentic Cuban food...until now. Went to La Isla for brunch this morning and felt right at home. From the high energy Cuban waiter to the delicious churrasco con huevos fritos, it was just like being in Miami. Although I had to wait about 15-20 mins for a table and the bill was slightly higher than what I am used to paying ($12.50 for a plate that might've cost around $9 down South), it was well worth it. I also didn't mind the trek all the way from the UWS. I'll be sure to return whenever I'm in the mood for a home cooked meal.
(4)Nicole C.
We came here for a bite in preparation for happy hour (can't have $1 beers on an empty stomach!) We had the papas rellenas (pretty good, lot's of potato though and not enough stuffing). The chicken empanadas were also pretty good. I really liked the croquetas de jamon though. Not the biggest fan of the sweet plantains, but I'm kind of picky about that anyway. I'll have to try some of their more filling dishes at some other point in time. Sangria looked promising as well.
(3)Linda S.
We usually go for breakfast. Cuban coffee and Cuban toast are so fantastic. Food is always tasty and served quickly. Never have to wait too long for a table. Nice casual atmosphere. I would have given 5 stars but the waitresses could be nicer.... I guess that goes with running a busy place.
(4)Karen W.
Update: just tried brunch here - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get the french toast. It's more dessert than breakfast, but it's oh-so-yummy.
(5)Bryant I.
Great cuban food - the best in the area. The service leaves something to believe desired. However, the food offsets the crummy (or inattentive) service. I am a very big friend of the cuban sandwich..!
(5)Wireless M.
Delicious authentic Cuban food. Small space that can get cramped but well worth the wait. Daily specials are great value and include rice and a side dish. Consistently tasty and filling. Superb cafe con leche - easily the beat in Hoboken. Service can be a little abrupt but generally this isn't a problem.
(4)Lou B.
I've never been to Cuba, or even to many cuban restaurans but I can tell you this: I love to eat and I like to think that i know good food when I taste it. This place is a spectacular hole in the wall that's clean and has fantastic service. I'm addicted! If you haven't had the huevos rancheros for breakfast or the Friday tilapia lunch special, you're seriously missing out!!!
(5)Jackie B.
amazing amazing amazing amazing
(5)Jason M.
The best restaurant in Hoboken, period. Friendly staff, delicious & creative food. It can get a little pricey, but they give you large portions and the place in a BYOB (if your lucky enough to get a table). Always my go to place when I want a great meal!
(5)Joshua N.
For Hoboken: Best Restaurant in Hoboken... hands down. Consistent service, food quality (which is amazing!) and affordably priced. For Everywhere: So far.. Best Cuban I've had anywhere. I've tried a few places in the city that pale in comparison.. tried "cuban" dishes at other restaurants that were also nothing to rave about.
(5)ron w.
if you are cuban ( i'm 1/2 ) it doesn't get better than this ! you cannot go wrong with anything you order here ! great location .... great staff .... it is in my weekly rotation ... two thumbs up
(5)Hector S.
This restaurant is absolutely one of the worst restaurants I have ever dined in. To think this was rated as a good food, it must have been long ago or rated by non-latinos who do not know the difference. If you like uncle bens rice with adobo then your good to go. Besides the horrible food the waitresses are extremely rude and they act like they do not need your business. The service is shameful, gruesome to say the least. I will never go back, ever! Do not waste your money or your time on this tasteless food and service.
(1)Patty Y.
You better know what you want when you are there, then you will be rewarded with down home good food! On the other hand the no-nonsense service could leave you feeling a bit defeated.
(4)Kristina F.
This is copied straight from their menu: La Isla Stuffed French Toast $7.00 Thick slices of egg bread dipped in an egg batter with almond and corn flake coating stuffed with strawberry and guava cream cheese. Now that is my idea of a stellar french toast. I'm not sure if it should be considered breakfast or dessert, but whatever it is, it's great.
(4)Lena R.
What a surprise! I'm ashamed to say that it's taken me too long to come to La Isla. A friend and I decided to go there on a whim, and we weren't disappointed. Being a rainy Tuesday night, we didn't have to wait for a seat, and were quickly served our sandwiches and rice and beans. The flan was a great way to end the meal, and this is coming from someone who is weirded out by that texture. Next up? Brunch- I want to try that french toast.
(4)Joseph F.
AWESOME Cubano! thank you
(4)Isis G.
Best cuban sandwich I've ever had! There, I said it. This is a small, diner-type looking establishment. Service is ok - nothing to write home about but you get what you need in a timely fashion. We had the papaya shakes... yum! Brunch is very popular for obvious reasons because the food is authentic and good. If you're in the mood for some cuban comfort food, look no further.
(4)natalie d.
Hands down best breakfast in Hoboken! Get there early, tables fill up by 11am. The huevos rancheros are delicious along with the chorizo. I really recommend anything there, I have been pleased with every dish so far. Coffee is great there too!
(4)christy c.
Very well worth the trek to Hoboken for Cuban food...and yes I've tried the joints in the LES, but honestly? They do not compare. I was fortunate enough to live above this cafe about 8 years ago and simply come back if the wait was too long or order to go. The lines have always existed, but not like they do now. The counter seats are definately cooler, too. So take if open. Things to Try?? the cafe con leche as well as the banana shake. Most importantly? The cubano sandwich. Their moro (black beans/rice/pork mixture) is ridiculously good. Stick to the normal daily specials like pollo asado etc (which hover around $6) and stay away from their 'fancy' entrees which are pricier and do not represent their glory as well.
(5)Daniel R.
La Isla is the answer. This is the best Cuban food you are going to find on this side of the river. Go for the Cuban Sandwich which is done o so right.
(5)pete w.
The food is absolutely delish. I go every wed that i can because I love the specials. the place makes me feel like I am in another country having a meal. definitely recommend
(5)Cathleen T.
If you ever go anywhere in Hoboken for brunch, make sure it is La Isla! The crowded seating may not be for everyone, but I'm sure once you taste the food, all claustrophobic thoughts will escape you. La Isla is one of those places you go and you eat everything you can fit in your stomach and then some! If you try anything while at La Isla try Omar's Stuffed French Toast which was featured on Throwdown with Bobby Flay. The sweetness of the guava/strawberry cream cheese, the crunch of the almonds and the softness of the pullman style egg bread is out of this world. Hands down the best french toast I have ever had! My favorite drink is definitely the Morir Sonando. It may not be the healthiest, but this brunch isn't for those watching their weight! The El Balsero obviously leans more to the Cuban cuisine than the french toast. The El Balsero is an excellent choice with just a little bit of hot sauce. Some advice is to get there early as there is always a line for brunch. The hostess usually overshoots her estimate, telling you 30+ minutes when she'll have you seated in about 20 so don't be discouraged. Worth the wait and worth the early morning wakeup!
(5)George Z.
Hands down the best brunch spot in Hoboken. I won't waste your time describing it but what I will say is make sure you try it at least once. You won't regret it! Extremely affordable too.
(5)Nena G.
Excellent for brunch, lunch and dinner - couldn't recommend enough. Try the macadamia salad and black beans with plantains.
(5)V H.
Delish! I'm loving the chicken and spinach. It felt fairly healthy and definitely something I could eat time and again.
(5)Jessica M.
VERY tiny place, but that doesn't matter. The food is delicious. The yellow rice and black beans are to die for. Great little spot with spectacular food.
(5)Jared Z.
La Isla is a good little (I repeat little) place to eat. The food is very authentic, can be a bit hit or miss. But, for the price it is a steal if you like Cuban. Of course, you aren't paying for atmosphere here as it's small and not exactly fancy inside. The great thing is that it is a BYO, so you can save some cash on wine.
(3)Marie G.
This tiny little place is packed every time I go, and with good reason! The food here is top notch, although it may take a while to get served. I've had both the Arroz con Pollo and the Pollo Habanero - both of which were spectacular! Be sure to get the flan for desert - with coconut on top! This place is well worth the wait!
(5)Hens B.
I'm not an expert on Cuban food but I know this: La Isla has the best Cuban sandwiches I've ever had. Full stop. End of review.
(4)James S.
My table was small and close to the drafty door. My silverware was sticky and the place was loud. The bad stops there. The food was awesome. I had the stuffed french toast, delicious. The guava cream cheese was sweet and fluffy and the toast was crusted with almonds. This french toast needs NO syrup, let the almonds, guava, and fresh fruit compliment the toast.
(4)A M.
My husband and I eat brunch here every weekend. We used to live in South Beach and when we moved here we were sad b/c we didn't expect there to be any good Cuban food.... until we discovered, La Isla. This place is BETTER than the Cuban places we used to go to in miami. We love it. The music is perfect. The place has character, but it's clean. The food is top-notch and inexpensive. The only thing you can complain about is that the service can be slow -or sometimes one person will get their food before everyone else... But, that is just part of the experience. We aren't as in love with the lunch items, but the brunch we think is the best in Hoboken. We wish they were open later in general and we wish they served breakfast later on Saturdays. Brunch stops at 12 on saturdays and 3 on Sundays.
(5)E E.
Damn good grub! Great salads, sandwiches, soups, empanadas! I'll be back!
(5)Elizabeth v.
I really enjoy going here for lunch, it's a treat. I love their daily specials especially their picadillo and ropa vieja. I have also enjoyed the chicharron de pollo. You get to choose two sides and my favorites are Moro and maduros. I can recommend this place to anyone who likes or wants to try Cuban food. I have never been here for dinner or brunch but I would imagine it should be as good as lunch.
(5)ace b.
I still miss my La Isla finger licking good eats. Garlic pollo was the best...
(5)Jake F.
La Isla is a great authentic Cuban restaurant with lots of charm and long weekend waits. Don't be afraid to squeeze in at the bar, it's just as comfy as the tiny cramped tables. While the decor and service aren't the best (though pleasant enough), the food really sets La Isla apart. Most dishes come with a choice of two sides. While the sides are just beans, rice, plantains and yuca, they are all very delicious (except the yuca chips). Go for the maduros and moro or the arroz con gandules and black beans. The drinks are also worth mentioning, especially the coconut, ice and milk slushie (available in other flavors) called a batido. The sandwiches and repeating daily specials are the best deals for the money, but the steak is excellent. The lightly pan-fried vaca frita special offers the perfect crispy outside and tender moist inside along with a heaping pile of onions. If you're having a rough day, La Isla is the place to grab some comfort food and contemplate the simple goodness of good cuban cuisine.
(5)Charlotte M.
totally the best restaurant in hoboken! the spinach salad is so delicious! and you HAVE to have the key lime pie - it's truly the best! the only down side is that it is small, so you should definitely not go during primetimes (7-9pm on weekends). PLUS this place is BYOB!
(5)Hannah L.
Delicious and super cheap. The most delicious food in Hoboken.
(5)Prasanna G.
Usually good food, but not the greatest service. On more than one occasion they have missed out on giving avocado in their spinach salad. Given that it's a key ingredient, and probably the most expensive ingredient in the salad, I would have expected them to knock off a $1 from the check. But never happens! I would still go there but not tip as much for the service.
(3)Mike D.
Excellent empanadas and I love the skirt steak, with chimichurri sauce, white rice with black beans, avocado salad, tostones, and just about everything about this place! Super casual, its a real Cuban cafeteria type of place that you would expect off the beaten path in Miami or something. Amazing quick service and its BYOB - need i say more about this place!!?
(5)choad x.
Awesome Cuban food. Had the Ropa Vieja, as always. Been here twice. Everyone liked the place. Get here early for a Sunday lunch or you'll be waiting for awhile.
(5)Andrew C.
After living in Hoboken for two years finally went back and had to go here. Amazing flank steak. Bill for two was $45 (since it is BYOB). La Isla is one of my favorite restaurants ever, second in Hoboken only to Augustino's and I haven't found cuban food in the city that compares. Amazing
(5)Jen L.
if the food is kickass, i don't care about decor. it's a small hole in the wall restaurant, but they have the best oxtail stew & roasted chicken over rice ever.... and the flan is a nice finish. all i have to say is, my mouth waters when i think about the food served here.
(5)Miguel W.
This place is fantastic. The cuban sandwich is awesome. The Ropa Viejo is fantastic. The flan is scrumptious. The French Toast is to die for (if you can get in). I usually order the food takeout and the biggest problem I have is not inhaling the food as I walk and having nothing to eat when I am comfortably at home. My fondest wish is they find a much larger location someday so I can visit far more often and be assured of a short wait for seating.
(4)Emily A.
So we came here on a weeknight, 8:30ish, and there was no problem getting a table. The atmosphere is nice in that it's trying to be a LITTLE bit nicer than a greasy spoon, but with the counter and stools and everything still intact it feels homey and relaxed. We got the chorizo and pineapple appetizer which was very good indeed, and I got the grouper special which came with plantain chips and on an avocado puree. Delicious! Again, more fancy than what you'd expect from just a straight up lunch counter, but not overwrought at all. The food looked beautiful too, and the fact that it's BYOB is just great. I totally enjoyed myself. I am only giving it three stars though because while it's good food, the prices are too steep and after having gone once, it wasn't so good that it ever came up in my mind as "oh, yum, I can't wait to go back". I haven't been back, actually.
(3)Ethan C.
I love Cuban food and this place absolutely does not fail. Their side of yucca doused in garlic is fantastic and probably the best I've ever had and I've lived in multiple hispanic countries. Just don't get the yucca to go, by the time I got home, all the oil seeped through the container and the yucca was just not the same.
(5)Zach S.
In a town of mediocre and overpriced food aimed at the drinking and yuppie crowds (and no one else) La Isla soars. Lunch is the main event with unbeatable Cuban staples that are just about perfect. The black beans are downright orgasmic and should make your satiated self pick up a pen and write a letter to your senator urging them to lift the friggin' travel ban.
(4)A B.
Great authentic cuban cuisine. We went for breakfast. The heuvos rancheros is beautifully presented and very flavorful. The spinach and plantain omelet is a very fun and interesting blend of flavors. Both dishes were very good but not quite as hot as I would prefer. Service was acceptable but nothing special. No one asked how the meal was or if we needed anything else once it was served. Water was not refilled, dessert was not offered. Some of this may have been because we were the only people sitting outside. I would definitely go back again as their lunch and dinner menu looks amazing.
(4)Allie G.
The food here is good, but the prices are high if you are used to getting Cuban food in Union City. If you have a car, do yourself the favor of trying El Unico in Weehawken instead. You'll get a better meal and save money even when you factor in gas costs!
(4)Marc M.
Awful, really. The croquetas were just a lump. The empanadas were way too thick and doughy; the food is greasy and the place is uncomfortable. Stay away. Try something different.
(1)Rondeep D.
I just went for dinner, and I have to say I am a bigger fan of the dinner menu. The chicken soup is great, it has hearty chunks of chicken that leaves you satisfied. The cubanos are amazing and for the price you pay...just eat two! i wish i did......
(4)Eric T.
If you want good Cuban food in the Hoboken/JC area, this is definitely the place to go. Well actually, I'm probably not qualified to be an authority on what is good Cuban food. I also probably haven't tried enough of the menu at La Isla to comment about the place with absolute certainty, since I almost always order the same thing ... the Saturday special Arroz con Pollo - Chicken and Yellow Rice Casserole. I have tried some of the rest of the menu on non-Saturdays with generally good results. The pressed sandwiches are tasty and cheap. I've also ordered the crusted snapper entree before, which was good but definitely more pricey. If you're looking for a $10 meal stick with the daily specials or sandwiches. Oh, for brunch, as others have mentioned, the stuffed french toast is awesome! If you're dining in, you sign your name on the sign-in sheet inside to the left of the door and wait your turn. It's BYOB which is a plus, but it's also VERY small, so you'll have to wait a while to get seated at a table during peak hours (or even to get a seat at the counter).
(4)Larry L.
I had ropa vieja, in fact, Cuban food, for the first time here and I still crave it. Once, when I knew I was coming down with a cold, I came here and took out several orders of it so I could feed myself. Check the menu for daily specials. Sit at the bar to enjoy the music playing from the boombox and to watch them assemble your plate or grill your cubano.
(4)danielle d.
small spotwith overpriced cuban food but the food is real good and their cuban sandwich is off the hook.....
(2)Judy I.
Great Cuban food at great prices. La Isla is almost always packed, which is easy considering its size. There are only a few small tables along one side of the wall and a counter with stools on the other. So expect to wait for a table. But it is totally worth it. Their servings are large and the food is authentic.
(4)Toats McGoats B.
La Isla, where a cafe con leche, empanada and pan con mantequilla set me back eight dollars. (That would have cost 2.50 where i'm from)...Anyways, the food here is decent. Pricey, but you won't notice if your not familiar with the cuisine and don't know any better.
(2)Ursula M.
very good brunch. the stuffed french toast is amazing. cute little place right on washington. nice waitstaff and good food.
(4)Edward I.
What this place needs is room, it's crowded, but the food is good. Of course there's a lot of better places but in the Hoboken area, I think this is the only place where I'd get my Spanish food.
(4)Sharetta H.
Had the Huevos Rancheros take out for breakfast, yum yum yum! I hate taking food to go but I couldn't do another dam egg and cheese sandwich or oatmeal for breakfast. So I indulged in a spicy pool of black beans in a picante tomato sauce, a crispy tortilla, 2 perfectly poached eggs topped with queso blanco and a side of Moro (rice and beans mixed together). This is completely non traditional for me to have rice in the morning but Jesus Fix It, it was delicious! But left me thinking, what do I have for lunch?... French toast? Lol
(5)Jennie B.
Not much has changed in 15 years but some new floors, paint, and a bunch of colorful pictures, newspaper writeups & photographs that adorn the walls! -Lunch is always busy. -The place is tiny. -Greeting is luke warm. -Service is indifferent- once they seat you they take the order, look away and then walk away basically mid-ordering. You definitely feel rushed here because they want to get as many people in and out. -The papa relleno is stupendous--seasoned ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes in a perfect breaded ball with spicy red sauce. -Cafe con leche is unmatched--strong Cuban coffee with just the right amount of warm milk and foam! -The Cuban sandwich has gone downhill--the pork is tough and overall lacks taste. Needs more mustard too. I remember La Isla when it was a REAL divey (moreso than today) hole in the wall! The food was fantastic and the service was the same as today...Eh. Oh well! This is one of those places you just tolerate the lack of warmth and friendliness because it's well priced, very tasty, and so authentic.
(3)Tanya F.
Growing up with a cuban mother, this was like going home again (without an expensive flight). Service and food were ON POINT. it was delicious and well presented. I would go here for every meal if my boyfriend would let me. I can't say enough good things about this place. It's SO good! Word to the wise though, brunch always has a long wait :(
(5)Jami A.
La Isla is always a great spot to grab a bite. I stopped by today for Sunday brunch and it was packed as usual. We didn't have to wait too long for a table. I ordered la papa a stuffed potato with bacon and egg cheese and ranchero sauce. Very tasty. My friend got el basero which is ropa vieja over white rice with 2 poached eggs and a side of beans. Beyond having a little portion envy I liked my meal very much. May need to stop in for dinner for some ropa vieja though.
(5)Asher H.
After FINALLY coming to Hoboken on a gloriously sunny day, I made my way over to La Isla and can honestly say it was one of my favorite dining experiences of the year. The restaurant is on the small side and as expected, relatively crowded when we entered. After a few moments however, we were promptly notified by the personable employees that the wait time wouldn't be more than a few minutes and thankfully we were seated shortly thereafter. After devouring the famous Papa Rellena appetizer to start and the succulent daily special (Fricasse de Pollo) a few minutes afterwards, any further words will only fail to do this place justice. Suffice it to say, La Isla represents in my opinion, perhaps the apotheosis of unpretentious home style dining in Hoboken.
(5)Christina S.
This restaurant is usually packed on the weekends and usually has a 15 to 30 minute wait. I wasn't fortunate enough to sit on a table so service was a little lacking. The hot chocolate was nice and refreshing with a lot of whipped cream. Now most people are aware that Bobby Flay is infamous for tasting Omar's french toast but I have to say if you're not a fan of sweet foods like myself you will not enjoy this. It's definitely not your traditional soft french toast , instead filled with strawberries, guava & covered in frosted flakes and almonds. I would recommend it as a dessert item not a breakfast item. The El basero was delicious, moist and made the wait well worth it, I was given a very large portion for $14. This Cuban place has tons of sandwiches to choose from but since there's pork in them you guys let me know how they are since I'm not a pork eater.
(4)Matt S.
A friend of mine posted a picture of La Isla's cubano and instantly, I knew I needed to finally have this. I've been living in Hoboken for over a year, only a block away, but never enjoyed this sandwich. After a long night, I decided it would be the perfect thing and it really was. Before I explain how great the Cubano really is, I ordered the Sweet Plantains on the side ($5) and was disappointed as I only received 4 halves. I definitely thought I was going to get more than that, so as odd as it is for going to a cuban restaurant, I'd skip the plaintains. The Cubano ($8) is perfectly put together packed with roasted pork, ham, and swiss cheese. The sandwich is pressed down making it crunchy and from the grease that your fingers develop from as you eat, it seems like butter is associated with the pressing process. For only $8, this sandwich is definitely a winner and with the ability to take-out or get it delivered, it's the perfect sandwich when you've had too much mozzarella in Hoboken.
(4)Sarah O.
Great food! Luckily, we were able to get a spot at the bar immediately - usually I know there is a really long wait. As an appetizer got the papa reliena - omg it was amazing! It looks like a fried ball but inside is mashed potatoes and ground meat - you must get this when you go there! As an entrée we got a chicken sandwich - which yes I know, a chicken sandwich at a Mexican restaurant but it was soooo good! The bread was fresh and the chicken was nicely grilled - it was delicious! Also got the tasajo con boniato - which was also very delicious! Had rice and meat on top - amazing! I definitely recommend eating at La Isla - everyone is also so friendly and great service! P.S. It is a BYOB
(4)Ben W.
Cuban food in Hoboken? Ño! Friday night brought us to an event in Hoboken and we were starving by the end of it. We walked down Washington St, our attention drawn to every crowded restaurant. We eventually found ourselves at La Isla and the four star rating sealed the deal. There's a list at the front to put your name onto, and luckily when we inquired about the wait time, two seats at the bar opened, so we jumped on that. The menu is huge, offering an assortment of entrees and sandwiches. We also noticed that they were featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives." We opted for Ceviche de Camarones, Tasajo con Boniato, made popular by the show, and El Cubano sandwich. It was at this time we noticed La Isla is a BYO (with no corking fee!), so the bf went to grab a bottle of white. The ceviche came out pretty quickly. Presentation was great and the plantain chips were perfect; so crispy, tasty, and not oily. The ceviche wasn't the best though. It was more on the sweet end and the flavors didn't have too much depth. I would however take another plate of plantain chips haha. The entree and sandwich came out next. The Cubano was probably my favorite. First off, it was so neat looking, carefully pressed to the point where the bread was a smooth, tan plane. The pickle brought all the meats together into a hot, gooey bite. The small detail of the Cuban newspaper clipping on the bottom was a nice touch. The tasajo was tasty, but like the ceviche, a little too sweet for my taste. Not to be crude, but the meat tasted like it was marinated in a sugary soda. I did appreciate the variety of textures though. It had something crunch on top (still don't know what it was, deep-fried potato strings?) on top, hearty sweet potatoes in the middle, shredded beef, and rice to bring it all together. Each bite was difference and despite the flavors, was an enjoyable dish to chew. For dessert, we split a Tres Leches cake. Once again, presentation was beautiful. The torched marshmallow on top and fruit accents made it almost too pretty to eat. Not to sound like a hypocrite, but the cake was really really sweet and I loved it. The creaminess of the marshmallow, tartness of the fruit, and the cake made for a great finish to the meal. Service was great. We did need to ask for a few things (water, wine glasses), but it was always promptly brought out. One of the servers behind the counter had so much sass, but in a good way. She kept us entertained throughout. I've only been to Hoboken three times ever, but this makes the short list of tasty places in the neighborhood! I will, however, need to sample a different part of the menu.
(4)Brian M.
I love La Isla. Growing up in Hudson County I know there is a lot of good (and cheaper) Cuban food out there. Normally, it would be hard for me to justify paying a premium just to have a meal in Hoboken but there is definitely something about La Isla that keeps me coming. I think mostly it's the vibe. I love/hate the cozy nature of the place. Love it when I can find a seat but too often it is packed. I am hoping the expansion to 12th street helps with this. I have been here a bunch of times and have never been disappointed with a meal. My personal favorite is shooting over for lunch and having a papa rellena along with one of their many sandwich choices. But make sure to get there right at noon or slightly before if possible to ensure you beat the crowd.
(4)Danna M.
On a trip to hoboken we came across this Great restaurant. Very authentic dishes and the taste is great. Me and my boyfriend arrived when it was packed, but they sat us down pretty quickly and our service was not half bad, considering how packed it was. We watched as they made the cuban sandwhich, it came out oh so crisp and filled with flavor, and for dessert we ordered mango glazed cheescake it was the perfect ending to the meal. I would definately be a regular if i lived in the area.
(5)Jimmy M.
I've lived in South Florida pretty much all of my life and tried my share of Cuban food. I can honestly say this place serves arguably the best Cuban sandwich. The pork is delicious and the mojo sauce goes with the sandwich perfectly. The stuffed french toast here is also the best. Every bite of the french toast is bursting with sweet flavor. My girlfriend and I split both and the portions were such that both of us had a very full and satisfying meal.
(5)Bej B.
Great cuban chicken. I'm excited that the uptown location is open!
(5)Linda F.
This is the first time ever that Yelp has failed me (and my bf). We were visiting Jersey from Manhattan and excited to try this place but everything was awful. My shrimp dish was too salty, his chicken was bland, the rice is the parboiled fake kind (he's a Dominican and rejected it), the beans were ok. Got stomach ache afterwards. Nice staff but the food is awful.
(1)Christina L.
We stumbled upon this gem of a place when we were in the hoboken area and can i just say it is the most popping place in such a tiny place. After about. 15 min wait we were seated and because we stumbled upon this place without really yelping we didn't really know what to expect. But it was the best experience with cuban food we had in jersey. We first started with the Ceviche as an appetizer and it was just bomb.com . Very good and very fruity with a slight tangy taste. I have no other words to describe it other than you can not pass on this one. The Choripan was definitely an authentic cuban sandwich and it wasn't over or under cooked but just right, with the right amount of crisp. Now the desserts alone should receive a separate rating because the restaurant can operate as a dessert bar alone with their Coconut Mango Cheesecake and Tres Leches. I'm not a big fan of Coconut, Mango or cheesecake but they somehow managed to satisfy my tastebuds with all three as a combo and I have to say I can't complain and they did a pretty damn good job of it. Tres Leches was definitely on the sweeter side, but then again it is tres leches. No other words than you be the judge. This restaurant has a lot of hits and rarely any misses, and if you are on the go and need a quick bite, just get their empanadas to go because it will definitely make you come back for more.
(5)Bart A.
I'm a frequent visitor because this place is great for lunch or dinner. Seared salmon or garlic chicken are good entrées. Their famous papa rellena app is also a must. Seating is limited due to size so it can fill up quick.
(5)Sandra B.
Walked in past the the outdoor dining area. No one was at the host stand, but we could see all the tables were full, so we bellied up to the bar. It's a diner, and a small one. Seating is tight. The place was bustling at 8 on a Friday. Our server, Yosenia, was deep in the weeds, but never took it out on us, quick with a smile and very friendly. We got the papa rellena to start. Think grape fruit sized, tater tot consistency outside, shepherds pie inside. The mashed potato filling was buttery and creamy. Could have had more ground beef at the center. The best part was the salsa ranchero that came with it, smoky with heat that snuck up on you. Get the salsa! Good but I probably wouldn't order again because everything else was better and the portions are massive here. Need to save real estate in the belly. Entrees were pollo al ajillo with arroz con gandules and tostones as the sides and churrasco with spinach and French fries for the sides. My chicken was slammin'. The chicken itself was at least a pound of flesh covered in garlic and herbs over a bed of perfectly sautéed spinach, not overcooked, swimming in a tangy white garlic sauce that I would drink out of a mug. Oh. So. Amazing. Tostones were pretty good but I was kind of wishing i'd gotten the maduros instead when they came walking by. Will do next time. The yellow rice with pigeon peas was tasty, but I only had room for a few bites. My man's churrasco was okay. Also a huge portion and the chimichurri that came on the side was dee-lish. The fries are very cute shoestring fries that were super crispy. Though I had no room left, I insisted on tres leches. Their version is unique in that in comes in a ramekin and is covered in meringue. The sponge was denser than I'm accustomed to, and this version was less sweet than some others I've had. My sweet tooth is on steroids, so not my exact preference, but I still devoured every morsel. Those without a strong sweet tooth will probably love this version of the dessert. I saw a key lime pie walk by after I ordered. That looked incredible with a massively thick graham cracker crust. I def have to try that next time. I also am dying to try the soups, salmon entree, and arroz con pollo based on what I saw. This is one of those instances in which not every thing was 5 star, but the overall experience was great and there are so many things I want to go back for that they get the nod. It's not just for French toast. Run here for dinner!
(5)Melissa G.
I have to give 3 stars, because after hearing all of the raves about this place - they couldn't' serve me! I suffer from a severe mango allergy and when I explained this to our water, they wouldn't serve me. It does make me question how clean this place really is.
(2)Brett S.
Very high quality when it comes to the food. They don't skimp on anything and it shows on presentation as well as taste. Make sure you get the cafe con leche!!
(5)Michelle J.
It's a refreshing change from your typical gentrified Hoboken establishment. (It's been a while since I've been, there may be a Starbucks inside now for all I know will update you soon!) I've never been disappointed at La Isla, fast, easy, cheap, delicious Cuban bocaditos. Authentic flavors, always on point with my palate.
(4)Peter L.
Been coming to la Isla for years for breakfast and never disappointed. I always get the churrasco and eggs, so good. This restaurant is small and could get very crowded on Saturday mornings, so either come early (I know, not easy on Saturdays after a night in the City) or expect to wait, but worth it. I really enjoy the coffee, nice and strong, the way I like it. I haven't tried everything on the menu, but all the dishes I've tried were so good. The French Toast is amazing and was featured on the Food Channel.
(4)Juan M.
To be fair, my review is based on the Cuban sandwich only. I had hopes for this place, but I'm disappointed to say it was the worse Cuban sandwich I've ever had. The pork was extremely dry and it appeared like someone left out the butter. Not what I expected at all. I'll give other dishes a try next time.
(2)Maly A.
A friend had been wanting to try this place out for a while (apparently it was featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives : Food Network). So we came by a week ago on a week night. - BYOB. - Packed! It's a hole in the wall, very casual, very small place. The food is good & very reasonably priced...but you get what you pay for...the steak wasn't the greatest I've had. Neither was the tres leches. Appetizers were better. Loved their Papa Rallena. So for what it is & the price range it's in.....it was good.
(3)Juliette J.
BRUNCH REVIEW The deets: 1. BYOB!!! 2. Brunch ends at 3p. 3. Restaurant gets cray around 1p. 4. Cafe con leche is the truth, the way and the light. Get it! 5. BYOB!!! 6. Price points - mega cheap! Surprising, considering this restaurant's popularity. 7. Setting - small and modest. Diner-esque in style, with some Cuban flair added for character. 8. The eats - muy bueno. I ordered the maduro, spinach & queso blanco omelette, [served with home fries and toast - $9.00] Screw your diet and get the CUBAN BREAD instead of regular, boring 'healthy' bread. 9. About their famous stuffed french toast - This did not live up to the hype. While the guava stuffing was delicious, the bread itself was entirely too hard, akin to pie crust. 10. But that BYOB tho... #praises #popbottles #CHEAPBRUNCH I'm about this place. Will definitely be back!
(4)Patrick D.
This place was really awesome. For dinner i got A chicken empanada -a little bit of spice but just enough to keep it tasty, not to greasy Tostones -a little greasy, but delicious. Papa Rellena -What in the hell have a been missing, a giant ball of mash potatoes and meat and breaded and fried.. sweet loving hell was this thing good Garlic chicken -the sauce is unreal and the grilled chicken has a great taste to it Overall not too expensive, very reasonable and quick
(4)Sylvain F.
Very nice and tasty food, gentle and welcoming service. A great place to discover and enjoy cuban food
(5)Juan T.
In not sure why are people giving this place 4 and 5 stars. Its mediocre at best. Let's begin. Showed up on Feb 4h around 9 pm with a group of 5. Well 5 can't be seated so one had to leave. Now is 4 and we get seated. We get 2 menus for 4 people and 2 sets of forks for 4 people. We were like, WTF are we supposed to share the utensils. We flagged the waiter and he promptly resolved the issue. Placed our orders and the appetizer came first. We got the yucca or casava frita and it was the best thing we had from this rest. I personally ordered the Moro's y cristianos with pork chunks. : The fried pork chunks were not bad but lacked seasoning. It was just a piece of fried pork. I had to add hot sauce to it, to make it better. The rice was so grainy and tasted like came out of one of those frozen meals. I was supper disappointed since I love Moro. The others ordered el Cuban sandwich which was dry. I mean the girl had to put so much ketchup, yes ketchup to make it moist since there was no other sauce. The others ran into the same situation with the pork. It was just dry. Not sure if the chef was there or maybe on vacation but I think he needs to visit the place and try the food. Just having pictures with Bobby flay and Guy Fieri does not make it rock solid food. Get back to basics man, Cuban food is supposed to taste like home cooked meals and not like boxed/frozen crap. Maybe it was his day off but 4 meals and all had the same problem? Old pork? Frozen too long? Don't know but I know its fixable.
(1)Art C.
A friend took me to this place for breakfast. She had been raving about it for weeks and I can honestly say is was fantastic. The flavors were like nothing I have tasted before. Hash browns with steak, eggs and rice and beans. From the coffee to the French toast with guava and strawberries I can't think of any breakfast that I have had that was this good in a VERY long time.
(5)Meghan J.
great, cheap, large-portioned, diner-esque cuban comfort food! not only is the food tasty, comforting, and plentiful, i really like the drinks! the coffee and the soda....i absolutely hate soda normally but they got some exotic ones that are super fun and delicious. ropa vieja is one of my faves, skirt steak is ok, enjoyable but not the best ever. the fried meat-potato ball thing rocks. empanadas always rock so no surprise there. i recommend splitting the stuffed french toast- too rich and decadent for one person to handle alone. overall a fun, unique, and yummy experience.
(4)Jakeem H.
I have been wanting to go here for a long time and I decided to take the train there. It's on the famous Washington Street where you can find all kinds of different restaurants, bars, etc. so I had Ropa Vieja (Shredded Flank Steak) with rice and peas and plantains. I also had Papa Rellena (mashed potato stuffed with ground beef) and then breaded and fried.
(5)Eric G.
La Isla has been on my to-try list for SO LONG and I finally tried it the other morning for breakfast. This place is usually packed so I went early-ish during the week and I was able to sit at the bar without a problem. Since it was featured on the Food Network, I ordered Omar's Stuffed French Toast. What's it stuffed with? Strawberry/guava cream cheese. And it's dipped in cinnamon batter. And coated with corn flakes. And almonds. SO GOOD. I also got a Cuban Latter, which tasted like a regular latte to me, but it was still good. I would definitely come back to La Isla for breakfast. I'd really like to try it for brunch and dinner too. Now I understand why it's always so crowded.
(5)Con S.
I was really excited to try this place after reading the raving reviews. I have to say its good but not amazing. Papa Rellena - 3/5 Pap Rellena with the salsa ranchera (note theres a 1.00 surcharge for the salsa) - 3.5/5 The salsa Ranchera is missing a kick. It's good but not great. El Cubano - 3.5/5 Bread was perfect but the pork was too dry and not flavourful at all. Roasted chicken thigh Pollo Asado with yellow rice and Black Beans - 3.5/5 Have you ever tried Sophie's in NYC because La Isla's version is like a healthy version of Sophie's. The yellow rice was not as good as Sophie's. The chicken leg was really flavorful no complaints there. The black beans was also meh compared to Sophie's. Maybe La Isla is the best restaurant in Hoboken? I don't live in Hoboken but was there for a day trip. Will I dine at this restaurant again? Yes to try the French Toast seen on the TV show Throwdown.
(3)Honest T.
Best Cuban spot in the area. That includes Sophies in lower Manhattan. Try the stuffed French Toast, but don't do it unless you brought your appetite, because the portions are huge. It is a tiny little place right off Washington Street, but the coffee is great and the people are nice.
(5)Jannette G.
Their palomilla steak was on point along with their cheesecake surrounded with mango purée and coconut shavings.The crust was very different; sweet like caramel which worked very well w/the cheesecake. The location is small and very busy for brunch, which you may end up being on a wait list. On weekdays they only offer their famous stuffed French toast until around 11am. The way they dip the French toast with cornflakes and almonds makes it so different from other stuffed French toasts. The toast itself has such a fabulous combination of subtle flavors that really come together. It's crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. I felt it needed a little more cream cheese to better balance out the amount of strawberries in it's stuffing (this is just my opinion of course). Parking can be a nightmare during the brunch weekends. Everything tasted delicious and would recommend.
(4)Irm M.
I came for lunch the other day. I've been hearing rave reviews from friends so decided to try it out for myself. I got one of their pressed sandwiches with ham, swiss cheese and pickles. It was fine but the bread honestly tasted like cardboard. My parents were with me and they got a chicken dish with rice and beans. They seemed to really enjoy it and it was a generous portion for only about $7. Maybe I need to come back for brunch or order something else but I wasn't overly impressed. It's also very small inside and although it wasn't that busy since we came after the lunch rush, the service was horrible. It was like we were inconveniencing the waiter by being there. You could not have forced a smile on that guy if you tried...
(3)Sandra M.
I don't think I've ever had a bad meal here. Had the chicken empanada, then the chorizo and shrimp skewer, and we split a braised pork with rice and beans. I think I've had fish here once before too. This is probably in the trop 3 Cuban restaurants in the NY/NJ Area and short distance from the hoboken path train.
(5)Arabella Q.
Had their famous stuffed French toast and a latte.(toast and latte were pretty big portions),Delish!! I'd love to come back. The seating is a little tight for my taste. Service is friendly.
(4)Brian K.
Went for a Sunday brunch. We ate at the counter so the wait was not terrible at all. The cafe con leche was really good. I ordered the pancakes and my wife ordered the french toast. As soon as I took a bite of her french toast, I realized I had ordered the wrong thing. The french toast was amazing. The filling was really good and the crunch of the bread was great. The pancakes were ok, nothing to gush about. The sandwiches looked really good and I hope to try one soon. If I go back for breakfast/brunch, I will definitely get the french toast.
(4)Annette P.
Three of us went for breakfast on a Friday morning. Luckily, it was not busy at all. We were able to pick where we wanted to sit and put in our orders quickly. Each of us selected Omar's Stuffed French Toast. We also ordered one coconut and one banana batidos. The food and drinks were excellent. Each of us cleaned our plates. Although it was a quiet Friday morning, the restaurant only had one person working the tables and I don't think she could handle it on her own. We were seated near the kitchen and could see our food just sitting there for minutes before she made her way to bring it over. In between running around the tables, she would stop (and spent ample time) talking to the table in front of us which was clearly close friends/family of the restaurant. Her priority was to handle her friends first rather than paying customers. When we were waiting for change from our bill - it took at least 20 minutes to get it because she was so wrapped up in her friends' conversations and the restaurant was under staffed. She simply forgot about us until her friends reminded her about our table. I would come again for the french toast but order it to go so I don't have to deal with the service.
(4)Amanda E.
I went here after seeing it on Food Network and realizing it was right down the street from me. I had the Papa Rellana (basically a fried mashed potato ball) - which I had seen on the show and it was AMAZING. For my entrée I had Camarones Encendido - which I found a bit spicy for my taste, but the sides (black beans and yellow rice) where wonderful. My friend had the special of the day Guava chicken, which I thought would be very sweet but turned out to me really balanced and flavorful. As other reviewers have noted the servers were a bit rude - but the food made up for it.
(4)Erika V.
Just drop me off here, I've found my life long partner in a restaurant. I could eat here every day for the rest of my life and be happy. The wait was 40 fucking minutes to get in. I was impatient, crabby, hungry and getting irritated. By the time I got in, I was like THIS BETTER BE THE BEST BREAKFAST I'VE EVER GOD DAMN HAD IN MY LIFE. It was. I am sorry for bitching. This, right here, is Cuban food. This is what I grew up having. This is everything that is Cuban, including the loud atmosphere speaking a Spanish dialect you could only understand if you're Cuban. Machine guns speaking to one another is the best way to put it. The coffee cups say ÑO on them. Uh, of course I had to take one home. Soooo BESIDES the breakfasts my abuelita made for me as a kid, this is 2nd. Sorry, mom. Cafe Con Leche, stuffed french toast (from Throwdown with Bobby Flay) and Choripan. HELLO! Oh, and their Cuban bread is REAL Cuban bread. @(*#)@(#*)(@* gahhh I can't tell you how happy this made me. Cuban bread is a rare find in California, maybe not so much on the east coast, but this was my first and only Cuban food experience in NJ. I left happy as can be and borderline packing my bags to Hoboken just to eat there all the time. I see how Bobby Flay lost on the french toast though. This is a pastelito de guayaba on crack. Who DOESNT like guava? You're a fool if you don't and I should slap you. This will convert you to a guava lover, I swear. Someone please give me a room in their house that's within walking distance from here. PLEASE. I'll cook and clean! LOL!
(5)Tom S.
A Hoboken classic, and for good reason. Been here twice now and have loved it both times. I'd probably visit more often if the wait wasn't so long some nights! The sandwiches are great -- the traditional El Cubano is extremely enjoyable. Just this week I had the pollo habanero, stuffed with ham and swiss cheese and served over black beans and sweet plantains. Absolutely excellent. I love the cozy, neighborhood feel, but it's both a blessing and a curse. The space is borderline tiny, making it easy for a crowd to form at the door. However, the meal is certainly worth the wait.
(4)Cristina P.
Not a big fan of this place. My food was so cold and I think the prices did not meet the quality of the dishes.
(3)Bklyn R.
Their coconut mango cheesecake was fantastic. I felt the coffee wasl weaker than what you would find in union city.
(3)Cassie L.
7/1/11 Update: Finally got in for brunch and had their famous guava and strawberry stuffed french toast.. and WOW it lived up to the hype! It was incredibly decadent and very pastry like! My friend and I chose to split this (since it was more like a dessert than a breakfast!) and we also split the egg sandwich (scrambled eggs, avocado, fresh tomato, onions and bacon). You cannot go wrong here! We each also got an iced coffee that was delicious, and came in to-go containers that we got to walk around town with since we didn't finish them during breakfast. Only reason La Isla stays 4 stars is the service. We had to get our own silverware when the food was brought out, and our waters were never refilled. LOVE the food though. Highly recommending for any time of day! 4/11/11: YUM! I normally eat Cuban at Cuban Pete's in Montclair, and La Isla gives them a run for their money!! My cousin and I managed to get the last 2 seats in the house on Saturday night for dinner and we were starving. Lucky for us, their portions were huge and the flavor was in your FACE! I got the shrimp in garlic white wine sauce with yellow rice and pigeon peas, and a side of double fried plantains and it was absolutely excellent! There was not one grain of rice left on my plate, and then I started picking at my cousins delicious shredded beef over white rice and beans. I think I could live off their rice and beans. Absolutely wonderful! I can't wait to go back and try the stuffed french toast I hear so much about! Only reason it didn't get 5 stars is that they couldn't keep up with how fast I was drinking water, and it was chilly because the door was kept open (and we were the very first table so we were a little cold).
(4)Todd C.
The blueberry banana pancakes are delicious. Have breakfast here. Great way to start the day.
(5)Ed A.
I've been here twice.. but I don't remember the food being super great. It also wasn't terrible, otherwise I wouldn't have gone back after the first time. It's a decent option if you want to switch it up a bit. I think I owe it to myself to go back again one of these days. The main negative is the inside isn't that large, so it's better if you take out rather than eat in. Overall 3 stars.. not bad but not my first choice either.
(3)Mar P.
If you want amazing Cuban food go to Union City or Miami. La Isla does not impress me. I do not think their food is trash, but in my opinion, Hoboken is known for its diversity in food; and quite honestly there are much better priced and quality cuban restaurants in that area. Their quality of food and service has plunged dramatically in the last couple of years. For anyone who is not an avid spanish-caribbean (dominican, cuban, puerto rican) eater...you may just think its the best thing in the world, and easily impressed. Isla, please tell your wait staff to smile, despite of the craziness and crowded work-space, because we keep your business "in business".
(2)Danielle G.
I had the La Isla breakfast sandwich. It was fine and definitely filling, but a little overpriced and made me question what all the fuss is about. However La Isla has a very friendly and laid back staff, plus Cuban music in the AM never hurts. I'll be back to give it a second shot.
(3)Steve R.
Amazing authentic Cuban restaurant, a little cramped but absolutley worth it. This restaurant is located right next to blimpes, I must have walked past this place hundreds of times and didn't even see it. Truly is a hidden jem. I had the skirt steak of course, and my bro had the pork chops. My steak was great!!! With a side of chimiquiri I was in heaven, and black beans and maduros were awesome as well. Will be back for sure,...like very soonish.
(5)Jared C.
La Isla just has a good feel to it. The vibe is right on, with friendly staff and good music. I'm not the biggest fan of Washington Avenue in Hoboken, but this is welcome respite. Another charm (read: perk for cheapsters) is that they serve no alcohol, but let you bring in whatever you like from outside. Grab a six-pack and take a seat somewhere in the restaurant that is divided between tables on one side (mostly seating only 2) and the long bar with stools on the other. The ceviche de camarones ($8.50) tempted me off the appetizer list, but was ultimately a little dull. The onion-cilantro-lime mixture was not heavy enough on the lime or something, and the shrimps were a little chewy for my liking. The sandwiches are well-priced, but downright boring unfortunately. I have said this before, but a Cuban sandwich is not rocket science, and is either good of bad. The Cubano here ($6.50) is the latter. No sauce, no pickle taste, thoroughly dry. Also dry is the choripan ($6), which comes with rubbery chorizo and a bed of little crisps which actually provide most of the taste. The entrees section of the menu is possibly trying to shine too brightly, or maybe it is just my general distaste for all things fancy. The pechuga rellena ($17) is certainly interesting, but doesn't live up to it's artful design and price, which would also put it out of reach for this blog's purposes. Hmmm.... I have not said much that is nice here. But I leave the restaurant very happy, and that is key. And for Hoboken, it certainly shines out from most on offer.
(3)Adam H.
La Isla, talk about an off the wall hole in the wall. I walked past it at least twice within the past 2 days, knowing it existed but not noticing it. Finally a friend brought me there last night and it was awesome. She had the special, braised beef topped with onions and served with rice and black beans, I had the tasajo con boniato (sp?) - braised shredded beef served with rice and cuban sweet potato. Both dishes were authentic and delicious. I had a mere bite of hers, but the beef has a nice char broiled crunch and a great flavor. My dish was the definition of complete - separately the components were good but the sum of the parts made one fantastic bite. The beef in my dish was a bit salty (and I love me some salt) and the cuban sweet potato was REALLY starchy, but together on a fork with rice and some black beans was one of the best bites of Latino food I have ever had. The service was quick, attentive enough and friendly and the place is BYOB, you cant beat that. Overall its a must eat, great food, great atmosphere and great service.
(4)Jin C.
I reallly wanted to like this place as I always look for a local joint to try but wasn't impress. First time I tried to come here for breakfast but nobody was moving and after 20 mins left. I heard their french toast is good and they had a throwdown with Bobby Flay. The second time I came was for dinner. I ordered carnarones encendido which were jumbo shrimps sauteed in herbs and a tomato sauce. It was ok but not really what I expected. My friend ordered the bistek de palomilla-skirt steak but he thought it was tough and not flavorful enough. The sides were tostones, maduros, yucas and moro which were all good. End note-I do want to give this place another try and hopefully give it a better review.
(2)Adam C.
I have been in Hoboken for 6 years and La Isla is still my favorite Hoboken spot. It is our favorite brunch spot in Hoboken and better then most spots in NYC. I also love the dinner and the fact that it is BYOB. I have been there 25+ times and I will keep going back. I don't think the staff is very friendly for the most part but clearly it doesn't keep us from going there all the time.
(5)Olivia N.
To me, this place is a little overrated. The food is good, but not for the wait. I have been here three times for brunch, and the only thing that I really enjoyed was the Churrasco a Caballo con Arroz y Frijoles Negros. The outdoor seating is definitely a perk.
(3)Mitch R.
had dinner here before the storm on thursday night. cozy and great cuban food!
(4)Cassee H.
La Isla, while a little on the pricey side, is worth the 5 stars. That being said, it's not a place I go every week or anything like that. I go here with girlfriends for brunch or with my mom for lunch or dinner. Portions are always great, I have never ordered anything I didn't enjoy, and service is generally quick. Again this is a personal review- I am not a person who minds a crowded small joint which this is, I don't get offended by rude waitresses which this place can have at times. The food is great, prices are worth it for me, a person who only goes out once in a while. If you prefer very a spacious dining experience, talkative friendly servers and cheap good food, which let's be honest is an ideal situation, this might not be quite right for you, though I still recommend those who haven't tried La Isla to do so!
(5)sally w.
I rarely venture out to NJ but after eating here, I'll have to reconsider. I didn't realize that the restaurant was covered on the food network. Their stuffed french toast tasted weird at first but then the flavors start to meld: it had the perfect crunch and the sauce inside was addicting. At first I thought it was a dish that you can't have too much of, but I was obviously wrong after the 10th bite. My friend tried it and her response went progressively from "it's alright" to "omg this is so good!" We also ordered the cuban sandwich which was standard. I wish there were more pickles in it. The steak and eggs was cooked perfectly (can't go wrong with that). The only thing I didn't like was the choripan: it was dry, not a lot of chorizo, and just didn't do much for me. We shared the dishes and everyone liked that the least. It's a small restaurant so if you head there during brunch, expect a wait.
(4)Danielle C.
Been here twice. Once for brunch and once for dinner. Brunch is a LOT better than dinner. Brunch: Stuffed French toast is OK. I've had better. Both times I've had it, the crust was too chewy and not as crispy as what I wanted it to be. The sauce was good, but after a couple of bites, the whole thing was really too sweet. Others in my group got the skirt steak and it was "just ok"- kind of bland. We left feeling slightly used and full from mediocrity. Dinner: On a whim, we came here for v-day, hoping that the restaurant could redeem itself. I made the mistake of ordering their valentine's day special 0 filet mignon, mashed potatoes, and grilled shimp. MY MISTAKE to order something that outside of the Cuban specialty. I should have known better. (still don't know what I was thinking!) Everything was unseasoned, the mashed potatoes tasted like soap, the shrimp smelled "fishy", and the steak was severely undercooked. I actually spit out my food into my napkin. It was that bad. I ended up sharing my husband's entree- the garlic chicken. The chicken was a little dry, but the sauce was pretty good. It was buttery and garlic-y. It comes second to the beef dishes that we've ordered here in the past. Sorry La Isla. I want to like you, but I can't get that taste of the soapy mashed potatoes or undercooked meat out of my mind. Even your famous french toast can't make up for the horrible Valentine's Day dinner I experienced.
(2)Susan A.
This review is for take-out. Got the famous stuffed french toast... YUMMY!!!!! It came with 2 pieces and I could only eat one. It was sweet, more like a dessert. I didn't even need maple syrup. I'll be back to dine-in, and I'll up date this review :)
(4)Gustavo L.
While I don't drink coffee, I find myself breaking the rules at La Isla. Their cafe con leche is out of this world. Minor pet peeve is related to their servers. Some are warm and inviting and others can turn your appetite off with their facial expressions.
(4)Mike L.
Oh how I miss La Isla since I moved from Hoboken to NYC. I still try and come back every so often. The empanadas are out of this world, the best I've ever had. The picadillo is delicious. How about the mango milkshakes for brunch! amazing as is the stuffed french toast. Lastly get the iced coffee.. delicious. My favorite spot in Hoboken and one of my favorite restaurants period. I tried Victor's Cafe in NYC and it didn't compare to this place.
(5)Liz W.
How have I not reviewed La Isla? Considering how many restaurants are in Hoboken (and how many Cuban restaurants, at that), the fact that we've been here as many times as we have speaks volume. French toast: ah-freaking-mazing. Not quite as good as my favorite from Jane in NYC...but a close second. Meat-beans-rice dishes: likewise. Who knew RICE could taste so delicious? Iced Cuban latte: just the thing for a hot day. Coconut frappe thingie: ordered by my husband, wished it was mine. Sandwiches: More than just sandwiches. Trust. The wait isn't that long, considering the size of the place and the quality of the food. Quickly turning into a regular brunch stop for us--and we all know brunch is the most important meal of the day.
(5)Kelly R.
La isla is awesome. They have the best breakfast ever and it makes you feel like you are on some island with the old fashioned lunch bar and Spanish music playing. Omelettes are so so good. Docking a star for the women who work here they can be a little rude and make you feel like they are annoyed if you take too long.
(4)Ivonne M.
Go here for the stuffed french toast! Guava, strawberry, cream cheese and a nice crunch. Seriously, they are good!
(4)Danesh J.
This is as good as it gets. The portions are right, the menu is fresh and is not a book. The place is small but they make it work. It's has a bright, summery diner look, but it also feels like you're in someone's home, it feels that comfortable. Get the La Isla Huevos Ranchero. Heaven. So perfect, I cannot describe. Their Cuban Coffee is strong but tasty. Definitely go here for breakfast if you can. Also, the place fills up fast. We got there around 9, just before a flood of people came.
(5)Lu H.
La Isla does a fantastic job with a lunch order for 15 people or more. They do a much better job with trays than with individual orders, where I've had problems when I ask them to put names on the orders. For trays, pollo asado was amazing, and they did a great house salad with avocado. Chimchurri steak with onions was just okay. Ropa vieja got rave reviews as well. The moro and plantains were really popular. We would not get the tostones again. Only thing is sometimes they can be forgetful - for one order they forgot the empanadas, which was a shame because everyone loved them. They also promised us utensils and forgot them as well - we had to scramble to find utensils for 25 people. Despite those snags, we will be ordering from them again. They were on time and the food was great.
(4)Melyssa B.
Deliciousness in a roll. I've loved everything I've ever ordered from here. Sometimes it can be hard to order for pick-up, they close early sometimes. Definitely a top place for flavorful sandwiches. They also give me extra hot sauce too :)
(4)Reef H.
Pound for pound, my favorite restaurant in NJ, maybe anywhere. Consistency reigns supreme here. And you can tell I'm not the only one who noticed - they're packed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and i enjoy La Isla equally for each of those 3 meals. From the loud Cuban music to the just-rude-enough-to-be-charming workers, it's Havana Heaven. Garlic Chicken with a mixed salad is my go-to for dinner, juevos rancheros with cuban bread (for dipping) for bfast, but honestly, everything's good. Like really good.
(5)Michael O.
Wtf just happened in my mouth? Go here... eat... ecstasy!
(5)Ngoc P.
I LOVE this place. I honestly don't care about the service, the food is way too good to even notice. The joint is super small, I mean really small. It probably has only 6 tables that seat 4 or 5, some bar seats, and 4 outside tables. But I really think that's what cuban food is all about, homey, nothing fancy and cozy. You'll hear awesome spanish music in the background but it's not too loud so that's a plus, nice decor, a bunch of pictures everywhere on the walls and a little flower in the table all the time. I always try to make it there for lunch, lunch food is always better than dinner food at La Isla, plus it's much cheaper. The arroz con pollo is awesome! Almost as good as my friend's mom's. Honestly, restaurants can't beat a spanish mom's food but La Isla was pretty close. They fry their maduros soooo well. I love it. Slightly crisp on the outside and wonderfully sweet on the inside. Their arroz con gandules is sooo flavorful too. They give you huge portions and I come out stuffed but I always try my best to clean off my plate. I've never even had their dessert before. Compared to other restaurants in hoboken, this is pretty cheap. Around 20-30 bucks for huge lunch for 2 people (if you order drinks) or 30-40 for dinner (excluding wine). Awesome homey food, but I really do encourage you to have their lunch before you try their dinner though. Their dinner specials really aren't as special. Oh and their cuban sandwiches are amazing! I want to try their stuffed french toast one day, rumor has it is that they're amazing. If you don't think this place is good for a date, you should reconsider. It's such a comfortable and non-stuffy environment that you end up talking so much over some really great food. Plus there's no awkward silence, just really great music at the right level. There's no better date than that. I don't encourage bringing babies though, the place is pretty cramped.
(5)John F.
Absolutely delicious Cuban food at a low price. I loved the Cuban sandwich and I can't wait to go back and try something else. Try the croquettas. Only downside: very crowded at times, spartan decor and service is just "decent".
(4)Anthony M.
Unfortunately, I had to come back and downgrade La Isla because I don't think they are living up to the expectations I set for them. I think the quality of the food and wait staff has been slowly diminishing over time and it's getting to the point where I don't prefer to go here anymore, I would rather wait to eat Cuban elsewhere. I think the kicker for me was that when I went for brunch, it was exactly the same as lunch except they threw 2 sunny side eggs on top of of my food. I see what you did there.
(3)Leah M.
I have yet to have a bad meal here. Eaten here prob 6 times, both breakfast and lunch and loved every minute of it. The french toast (stuffed, food network famous) is amazing, calories filled and totally worth it! Share with a friend and feel less guilty. Good omelettes, maduros, arroz con habicheulas, tasty lechon (roasted and shredded pork), yummy empanadas...I love everything I've eaten here. The last time my man and I ate here we realized this place is the most consistently delicious place we go to. Yummy batidos, cafe con leche, todo esta ricissimo!! cons: tiny space, some seats are better than others. Can be hard to flag down a server excepto si hable espanol ;)
(4)E P.
Love it! Great food, fast friendly service and did i mention good food? hehe. Their place is small but when you are there you always feel like you are in a warm island location.
(5)Kay B.
4.5 stars I heard great things about this place and saw it was on tv also so I came here and ate a few times yes they do have excellent food... only complaint is also somewhat of a compliment to the owners (for how popular they obviously are for bringing in business) but inconvenience for customers... they are so busy with a line out the door and people waiting to be seated that it is a little too crowded feeling... the place is really too small and kind of cramped but the food is good enough to overlook that so I would come again and still recommend it here if you are looking for good food and don't mind the tight space... however I won't sit at the table directly by the front door again like the first time I came because people kept opening the door and the cold draft of air was making my food get colder faster and also I felt awkward somewhat everytime I looked up at the people standing a few feet away from me looking at me eat as they were waiting to be seated lol... so my complaint is that I hope la isla will maybe move to a bigger location ... but other than that it's great food and I will keep coming back
(4)Lowlow M.
Omelettes and sandwiches here are to die for! Also try the mango shake drink thing. It's very very good with breakfast. Best breakfast/brunch in Hoboken.
(5)E G.
Great, authentic cuban food that pleases the palate. The place looks like an old, tiny diner but don't let that fool you. They have the best home cooked cuban food in town. Their chicken soup is amazing, filled with chuncks of chicken, potatos and vegetables. I get it whenever I am sick and I swear its the cure. Garlic shrimp is delicious, their red beans really hit the spot. Best cubano sandwich I've ever had.
(4)Prasath S.
Finally went to La Isla for Brunch Today. Tried the Steak n Eggs, Steak S/W and the Loaded French Toast. I can see why the Loaded French Toast gets all the hype and spotlight here, But I think the Chicken and Beef Empanadas are the hidden gem here. Chicken and Beef were so well seasoned and stuffed in a nice crispy dough, it was probably the best empanada I've ever had. I can't wait to go try their regular cuban fare on a non-brunch day. The Brunch food was just average I thought..The steak was nothing to rave about honestly...
(4)Tanya G.
After several failed attempts to dine at La Isla, due to a long wait caused by ravenous regulars, I finally managed to brunch here twice. The atmosphere is authentically charming as the decor, waitstaff and music are all Cuban. They brew excellent, creamy coffee that has a slight bitterness to it. It is pretty clear why this place has a cult-like following. Empanada de Carne: My roomie and I were sitting at the counter when we saw a waitress walk by with a tray of freshly made empanadas. On a whim we split one. The interior was packed with a lightly spiced beef, which was encased in a light and crispy outer shell. Very tasty. El Cubano: I'm not going to lie, but I expected better. The bread was toasty and the meat was piled on. However, I felt the sandwich was too dry and fell flat in the flavor department. The ham and pickles lacked the sweetness that I felt would balance the sandwich better. Omar's Stuffed French Toast: The hype is totally deserved...this french toast is off the chain!! The exterior is golden and crunchy with a sweet and sticky caramel topping. The interior is fluffy and delightful with a slightly sweetened, slightly savory strawberry-guava cream cheese. Despite it's obvious richness, it is incredibly easy to devour this entire plate. Churrasco a Caballo (Skirt Steak): I give them props for actually cooking the steak to our requested medium-rare. Unfortunately, this plate didn't do much for me. The yellow rice was great, the steak ok, the eggs not too good. The french toast itself deserves more stars, but I wasn't wowed away by enough dishes to give La Isla more than 3. NOTE: Sitting at the counter is generally roomier than the tables and your wait will be substantially shorter. In addition, service is better because its much easier to grab a waitress' attention.
(3)Cindy G.
Awesome little spot with delicious meals! Arrive early if you want to be sat quickly.
(5)Whiz D.
Came here on a date. Shockingly, the food was good and super fast... and wasn't expensive at all.
(4)Rob H.
Easily my favorite restaurant in Hoboken. Try the Churrasco steak with Chimichurri sauce. The sauce goes better on a steak than A1, it's unbelievable. One quick thing that I haven't seen mentioned in the reviews, but absolutely needs to be, is their coffee. I grab one to go every time I walk by. One time I threw out a cup of Dunkin I had just bought because I walked past La Isla and the thought of their coffee made me feel ashamed for drinking the Dunkin. I think it's technically a Cuban Latte, but when you order a regular coffee it's what they give you. Best coffee I have ever had (and I drink coffee everywhere).
(5)Brandon E.
The food here is phenomenal and not expensive! Be aware that it is BYOB. The service is hit or miss, it's been great, it's been so-so, but never horrible. It's a tiny space so if it's full when you get there make sure you put your name on the sheet on the left hand side when you first walk in. Overall, excellent food for a good price! One thing to mention, if they're busy and have a line out the door, be prepared to be asked to leave, not nicely usually. It's usually this statement "are you done?" yeah "then you need to go". Not a place to sit and chat over a bottle of wine.
(4)Rebecca P.
I cannot claim to be an expert in terms of Cuban cuisine, but I can will make the following assertion: La Isla provided me with one of the most delicious meals that I have eaten in qutie some time. I fully recognize the place looks kind of dumpy when you first enter the door, but do not be deterred. Actually, while we are still at the door, make sure you SIGN IN for a table. The last time I was there some people tried to sit down before us that had not signed in...any how, the wait staff regulated, which was much appreciated (line cutters drive me insane). The first time I was here I had the garlic shrimp dish with the rice/beans combo and the plaintains. Delicious, though I think if I were to get the shrimp again, I would opt for the tomato-based version (I like things a little spicier). One of my dining mates on my first trip to La Isla got the broiled yucca as a side...I tried it, and I was hooked. It is my "go to" side now. It's heartier than a potato, and definitely way more delicious. I've since sampled their empanadas, which are delicious as well (beef was far tastier than the chicken). Their cuban sandwich was the first I'd ever had, and while it normally wouldn't be my thing, it was straight up awesome. Service isn't super warm, but they're very efficient (I once ordered lunch with a friend and no joke, we got our food in about 1.5 minutes...granted, we got sandwiches, which they may have been making in mass quantities). While I appreciate a friendly waiter/waitress, I go to dinner to enjoy the company of those I go with, not to make friends with my server. Thus, I can't really complain about the service here. Basically, in a nutshell, ignore the lack of ambience (hell, bring a couple bottles of wine - it's BYOB - and then the cramped setup/lack of decor won't matter anyway) and go to La Isla to enjoy an affordably priced flavor adventure.
(5)Will N.
Subpar food + Awful service = FAIL! Here are a few questions to prepare you for La Isla... Do you like being ignored when you walk in a restaurant & not spoken to even while ordering? Do you like paying for overpriced entrees and $4 for small fries? If yes, then this is your spot! I'm sorry but Hoboken is a hop, skip and a jump from Manhattan and there are other good Latin & Cuban spots in Hoboken so I bid La Isla farewell! The best part of my meal was leaving and knowing I never have to come back.
(1)Reuben A.
This place is frustrating. If you go for lunch, you get all the good stuff (i.e. Ropa Vieja, Carne con Papas, etc.) Good prices, too (for Hoboken, that is.) BUT you go for dinner and suddenly the menu is not Cuban anymore. The food is ok, but it's not the same. It's like two different restaurants. Lunch, is 4 stars. Dinner is 2.5.
(3)Tully O.
I don't get the hype. Not that tasty and quite pricey in comparison to Zafra which is cheaper and better...
(1)Meghan M.
Brunch Review... At 11:30 Sunday morning, we stopped in to grab a bit to eat, mainly because there was a line and, I thought to myself..."Good sign!". Lo and behold, I was right, as usual! Item #1 - Stuffed French Toast with fresh strawberry cream cheese and guava syrup. I am not a french toast fan at all but this was DELICIOUS. Crispy on the outside sweet and creamy on the inside. So good. Item #2 - Omelette with fresh spinach, queso blanco and sweet plantains. Wow, another home run. The sweet and salty combination was balanced...not overwhelming at all. I didn't try to the potatoes on the side. Item #3 - Side of a ham croquette. I've never had anything like this before but it was okay. I'm sure it was fantastic for those who love smokey ham flavor but that's not really my thing. Items #4 & 5 - Shakes...One guava (no milk), one banana (with milk). Both were good but banana shakes remind me of baby food so I'm not a huge fan regardless of how good and the guava one was a tiny bit too sweet for my taste. The wait time wasn't bad for two but the service was weird. Our order came out at all different times...First french toast, then omelette a few minutes later. Then a few more minutes later the banana shake. Fast forward five minutes more later and the ham croquette followed two minutes later by the guava shake. No rhyme or reason to how/when they bring out food and drink. I quickly forgot about that, though, once I actually tasted the food. For a bill of $32 with tip, it was a perfect brunch!
(4)M M.
Overall pretty cool restaurant with friendly staff. The location is somewhat hidden. This is more of a fast food location and although the food is tasty, it taste like fast food. Good place for lunch or grab and go but not for a special occasion.
(4)Lovet O.
I ordered the churrasco con chimichurri with fried yucca and moro. The steak was prepared well and it was my first time having yuca and I'm a fan. My lil sis had the oxtail stew with boiled yuca and yellow rice. Her meal was good also. The restaurant is really small and luckily we didnt have to wait for a table. The service was ok but I did enjoy the food here. Another thing I didnt like while eating here was when one of the staff members would sweep and mop while we ate. Anyways, we plan on coming back to try their breakfast. I'm dying to try their stuffed french toast.
(3)