This is my second time at this restaurant. Being from Miami I look forward to coming here to eat. Why? If there are enough Cuban restaurants in Miami. Well, I've had my share of overly greasy cuban food which is just too much. This place is right on point. Appetizer- Pulpo (Octopus) is really good. It looks a bit creepy on your plate but believe me it's soft and good. Dinner- The Vaca Frita was good. I read some reviews here that say it's overcooked or dry. Well it's supposed to be crunchy and seems dry but that's what Vaca Frita should be. Boliche was awesome with the sausage in the center just as I expected and very soft. Oh sooo good. Drinks- I had the Sangria typical Spaniard drink. Order in red if possible. It's the traditional one. Very strong very good. Zero space for dessert. I would have ordered Flancito or Tres Leche because again it's a traditional Cuban dessert. I can only imagine how good it would be. Cake Boss was down the street so I opted for that instead. Can you blame me? Lol
(5)
Dave H.
Everyone I know loves this restaurant, however, I'm not the biggest fan. I guess I could be wrong?
(2)
John M.
Actual rating was 3.5 but rounded up. Great atmosphere and food. Service was poor, and deserts could have been better, but this restaurants has great food at very affordable prices.
(4)
Luis S.
Brought my girl here on our anniversary and she loved it! Great atmosphere awesome food and the drinks made this the perfect night! She ordered the vaca Frita and along with a few mojitos! I ordered the churrasco which was to die for! I can honestly say this place is better than Cuban Pete's! Better atmosphere and u don't have to wait in the middle of the crowded room! We also come on Sundays for brunch and sit outside and really enjoy the beautiful city of Hoboken!
(5)
Liz S.
Definitely delicious. No complaints on the food or service. Table area near the bar is on the tighter side - let's call it "intimate". You are close to the table next to you but it doesn't feel too intrusive. Besides, we were too wrapped up in "yum-omg-sosos-good-ing" through our meal to even care. We left with a doggy bag and it tasted even better the next day!
(4)
Elizabeth K.
This place deserves five stars even though it appears on some nights they are severely understaffed. I have been here many times, it is one of my favorite restaurants in Hoboken, with the flavorful food and live music on occasion. Although I've never had a bad meal here, I have had slower than I'd like service. Fear not, it doesn't deter me from coming back for yummy coconut mojitos and crabmeat guacamole. I recommend this place to people who never even visit Hoboken! Edit (3/2/15): Service has vastly improved and returned The Cuban to its former glory in my eyes. It will always be my favorite place in Hoboken, but to see that they've made positive changes for the benefit of the restaurant and the customer is excellent for everyone. I will be back again and again and again.
(5)
Brian M.
Great looking restaurant. Came Here on a Tuesday evening by myself bar hoping..I had a pisco drink(viva peru) which was made extremely perfect by the awesome bartender. Had the ribeye for dinner which was cooked medium rare as I requested but needed a better crust on the steak..it's really important in this specific cut since its very fatty..also needed salt and fresh cracked pepper. Had to request it. A wise chef told me; there should never be salt and pepper on the table because the chef should season it properly. All in all I will be back to check out the weekends I heard it gets packed with beautiful girls..
(4)
Phil H.
The lady and I dropped in here after a Yelp event recently. The weather was still super nice out so we decided to take a seat on the outside sidewalk seating. Kick-ass mojitos, wonderful appetizers, excellent service, live music on Thurs night, outside seating. Perfect. What more can you ask for? Oh, maybe happy hour Tues-Fri 4-7pm, and Sat-Sun 3-6pm! $5 drinks and tapas! Live Cuban music Thursdays 6:30 - 9:30pm! DJ's Friday and Saturday nights! Strong mojitos and ridiculously authentic Cuban specialties. Drinks made with top shelf as the norm too! The staff and service was very attentive, warm and friendly. I felt like I was at a family's place hooking me up with a good time. Loved sitting outside under the stars listening to great music while kicking back with a few mojitos. Our waiter helped us navigate the menu and we were quite satisfied with our choices. Empanadas ( Chicken Fricase, Ropa Vieja, Escalivada ), Potato croquettes with wild mushroom, grilled mushroom escabeche, truffle jalapeno aioli, and a Tamale ( Traditional Cuban corn tamal, pork, Creole onions ). All very good. Basically, we just ordered a bunch of appetizers "tapas style" so we could try a few things out. Really, the food here is delish! Had to try out a few desserts. The Flancito ( Caramel flan w/ Malibu coconut pineapple salsita ) rocked it! We also had an ice cream that is hard to describe but oddly addicting - Mamey. I don't know what it was but could not stop eating it. If I lived in Hoboken this would be one of my go-to happy hour spots as you can't beat it! Fun atmosphere, great food, cheap strong drinks. Who am I kidding? I would be there on weekends too. Tasty!
This spot is Official! Bomb food and service! The tomato avacado salad with the pickled onion is bangin! The Vaca frita texture and flavor is on point! Def a great spot with great atmosphere and music!
(5)
JB S.
Favorite place in Hoboken. Great food, highly recommend El Classico (pork shank) and Churassco. Have been numerous times and want to try most of the menu. Service and ambience are good, price is on the lower end for hoboken (mid $20s for avg entree). I'd recommend asking for a table in the back dining room as the front bar area can be very noisy.
(5)
Vivian P.
I'm speechless, partially to do with how much I just ate, but mostly because of the amazing service, delicious food and great staff. The drinks were also to die for, try the mojitos and caipirinhas, best I've ever had! Highly recommended!!!
(5)
Zach T.
Happy hour bait-and-switch. I'll start off by saying I have really enjoyed this place for the past few years. Dinners are a treat and they have an excellent happy hour that runs through the weekends. I will be reserving most of my comments to the happy hour and I will likely never return here. I met some friends for happy hour before we were to head into the city for dinner. We arrived roughly 30 minutes before the end of the specials and ordered food and drinks at the bar. As we finished our drinks the bartender asked if we would like another round, we debated and obliged since we had time to spare, a late party to our group even ordered another chorizo she had just seen us finish. The issue came when we received the check. Our second round and additional order of food was all charged double. Now, I'm fully aware of The Cuban's tactic of replacing the bar menu when happy hour ends to their full bar menu since I frequent them during this time. However, I have a huge problem with not being notified of the change if we order the same drinks as the last round. Apparently it is our responsibility to look at the menu again and read that the same drink we just finished has doubled in price. This is so easily mitigated it is infuriating. Great service would include, "would you like another round before happy hour ends", but a simple, "happy hour has ended" would suffice when ordering again. My only consolation, "sorry, I did change the menu after happy hour" was received. Given that response, I can only assume The Cuban's goal is exactly what happened to our group and likely many others. This is a fair warning to all. The difference might not be a big deal to some but it certainly would have been the deciding factor for our group whether to stay for an additional round.
(2)
Yary G.
I'm always skeptical about going to Cuban restaurants because I feel like they're sometimes exaggerated like a Cuban Themed Disney World Ride ... (ahem I won't mention a certain restaurant in Montclair). However, The Cuban turned out to be perfect. The food speaks for itself, no over-the-top antics needed. I'm pescetarian so I ordered the salmon and seriously it was HANDS DOWN the best salmon I've ever had. It was so full of flavor and done perfectly. I was ranting and raving about it all night. The dishes might be on the little pricey side but it is WORTH it. With the low lightning, The Cuban is the perfect date night spot. I also got a classic mojito which was delicious (but a little on the strong side). Overall I had an amazing experience and I'm sad I just found out about this place. I will be going more often.
(5)
Brian K.
I almost want to give this place bad reviews so that I can actually get a reservation on a Saturday night! But it looks like the secret is out with the Cuban. The food here is outstanding. I've tried a few of the entree's but I keep coming back to the Vaca Frita (the twice cooked skirt steak). I have a craving for it when I'm away for too long. Despite the appearance from the outside, there is a huge seating area here. The bar is on the small side and can be busy if you go at a peak time. Highly recommend The Cuban!
(5)
Linda G.
Awesomeness!!! Hubby and I were in Hoboken to meet up with some friends earlier in the day, and decided to stick around after everybody left. I texted my niece, who comes to Hoboken waaaay more than I do and asked her where we could find good Cuban food (cravings kicked in). She recommended The Cuban - and boy oh boy, are we happy she did!! We sat at the bar, since that was the only open area to eat at that point (outdoor seating available, and it was a really nice evening, weather-wise, but we didn't want to wait the 45 minutes for a table). So, seated at the bar, we ordered 2 mojitos and checked out the menu. I have been craving empanadas and Ropa Vieja...not sure why, but I don't ask about my cravings...I just answer to them! So, I ordered both those items, my husband ordered a fried eggplant appy and the skirt steak. The empanadas and eggplant were served within 10 minutes and devoured within 5. Both were exceptionally tasty - just the right amount of chicken in the empanada, and the fried eggplant, although a teeny bit bland, was still tasty (there was a garlicy type sauce with it)... Our meals came out soon after, and both were also on par. Hubby's skirt steak was tender and flavorful and juicy - mmmmMMMM. and my ropa vieja was perfect over the side of rice and black beans. next time I'm trying the vaca fritas! (same thing, just pan fried)..... We will be back! (when the craving hits again, oh, within a few weeks).... (OH - I took a trip to the ladies room - which was very clean and well-stocked) - the place is way bigger than you think! There are 3 levels!!! There's the bar area, with tables along the wall on the other side, then there's a smaller room toward the back of the building, then go up a flight of stairs, and there's another room - which seems like a good place for a private party, or a bigger group. Bathrooms are on the 3rd floor (which now that I think about it - may not be handicapped accessible...just FYI)....
(5)
Chris V.
I saw this highly rated, so decided to try while I was working in the Hoboken. You Yelp peeps know what you're talking about as this place is fantastic. Ordered two dishes, the Paella Valenciana tasted like any home made Paella with the seafood on top of the rice cooked perfectly. The Vita Frica is steak w/white rice, avocado and black beans. The steak looked over cooked BUT once you take a bite just delicious. For a drink had the pomegranate mojito it was decent.
(5)
Kersonder W.
Awesome food, awesome atmosphere, and superb service. I'm new to New Jersey, and this will definitely be a spot for me.
(5)
Haydee A.
Great food! Was amazed how delicious it was. Came here on a Saturday night and it was too loud (took a star away) I would deff recommend to anyone!
(4)
Helen F.
This place look small on the outside, but was huge - comprising two floors. Really tasty mojitos - 1 free if you check-in, but believe me, you'll end up with 2 or 3 more. The apps & food were all very good and we ordered a variety. I had to be rolled out of there. Just heads up, the restrooms are at the VERRYYYY top of the stairs. Not so great, I imagine, for high heels & pregnant ladies.
(5)
Leah B.
It's really hard to assign a proper star rating for this. WARNING!!!!! IF YOU HAVE A SHELLFISH ALLERGY, THEY WILL NOT WARN YOU THAT IT'S ON THE GUACAMOLE!!! I've never had crab meat in or on a guacamole dip so I didn't suspect it, and it appeared to be mashed up garlic. My boyfriend took the first bite and warned me. A waiter passing by confirmed the mystery ingredient as being crab meat. I guess they won't learn until they have someone go into anaphylaxis at their establishment. What's good about this place: human sized dinner portions, perfect sangria (the only item I trusted after the guacamole). What's bad: pricey, attempted murder.
(2)
Ken B.
Just found out about this place through Yelp and already been there twice within the past two weeks. Have to agree with most of the positive reviews here, the food is very well prepared and the environment is pleasant. Definitely give the place a try and see for yourself.
(4)
Jeremy K.
I went here for me and my girlfriends two year anniversary and wow were we pleased! We started off with the Papa Rellena (Stuffed potato balls with oxtail inside and a nice dollop of cream sauce on top with a hint of truffle) They were extraordinary! Then My girlfriend had the paella and I think it might have been the best Paella i've ever had! packed with seafood and just incredibly delicious! I had the Ropa Vieja which is standard Cuban fare and they nailed! The drinks were friggin awesome too. Lots of variety. Cant wait to go again!
(5)
Jae W.
Excellent food! Came here for my birthday and the service and meal was amazing. They had live music, and the ambiance was chic n romantic! You must go!!
(5)
Eva G.
Came here with my husband today- so happy with food, service and atmosphere. The mojitos were on point and the appetizer we ordered Mejillones with chorizo was to D.I.E. for!! Guy: "I see you left half of your meal untouched.." Me: "Yes. Because I want to slowly enjoy the rest tomorrow." :) :) (Entrees were that big)
(5)
J S.
Fun drinks, cool specials. authentic
(4)
Luis M.
The Cuban restaurant experience really doesn't get better than this. The atmosphere is welcoming but not subdued. As soon as you walk in and take in the bar and music, you know you're in for more than just a restaurant experience. The friendly staff and specialty drinks, you have to have a Mojito, will make you feel relaxed and welcome. The food is authentic, generous and reasonably priced. The rope viewable is just like you remember your mothers -- if you're Cuban -- zesty and tender. The classic roast pork is elevated with the use of the shank, crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Some black beans and rice and Maduros and you are golden. Of course, save room for some guava fritters for desert. Then work it all off on the dance floor on the weekend. The location is great, right on Washington Street in Hoboken. Easy access from all parts, including a short PATH ride from Manhattan and there is no excuse not to try this gem. You won't regret it, and you'll be back often!
(5)
Rob R.
Had dinner with several work folks last night, one from AUS and one from UK. We were very pleased. The salmon ceviche was excellent, sweet and with a jalapeno kick. Our entrees couldn't be better. I had the organic chicken with Cuban rice, my colleagues had roasted pork; all arrived perfectly cooked and in big portions. Wednesday nights they have live music, an extra treat for us; not too loud either. We'll be back!
(5)
Lindsay K.
Can't get enough of this place! Tip: Sit at the bar and order the El Cubana sandwich (can't order this outside of bar). Every bite is like a party in your mouth! Best Mojitos in town!
(5)
Bill N.
I wanted to write an update, have been going back again and again, every time is excellent. This weekend I went for brunch for the first time. Music was a great background, not too loud and very lively. Had the Tortilla De Clara De Huevo - fantastic flavors. My friend had the French Toast. We were both very happy with our choices. I'm happy to say that The Cuban continues to have excellent service, attentive but not over-bearing.
This place pays attention to detail! Went here for my birthday one night for a nice dinner for the first time and I will be back for sure. Professional and prompt staff, great environment and delicious food. I had the salmon (which I recommend - perfectly cooked ) and the sangria is a must try! The Spanish music they play is great, some good salsa music is played throughout the place and I believe they even have a live band on some nights. I will be back to check that out. I'm all about customer service and the staff was great. Our waiter was very polite, professional and really delivered high end service. Happy girl I was! :)
(5)
Katherine P.
Food is good, service was great and location wise, few 5 or 6 blocks from hoboken train station. The pernil was tasty, so was the moro. Yuca and sweet plantains kinda dry but still pretty good. I am a huge Sangria fan and this was was tasty. Prices are very high and portions are conservative so eat a little something before arriving at the restaurant of bring a heavy wallet. What I didn't like was the fact that we were seated in the basement area of restaurant and the only bathroom is on the third floor. Was kind of a hike to go to the bathroom and get through the many tables and cramped up space. If we were seated on the third or second floor, much better. Was my first time coming here so I didn't know. Ladies, thought you may appreciate knowing this. Overall this restaurant is a little overpriced but has great ambiance and good food
(4)
Gurpreet Singh M.
One of my favorite restaurant in Hoboken. Amazing service. Charussco steak is to die for, it is delicious!!! Empanadas are amazing as well. Highly recommended.
(5)
Al B.
We walked in based on the music and the vibe. The bartender, Steven, mixed the best Mojitos we ever had. No exaggeration. We each had a delicious steak entree. Didn't stay for desert this time. We will be back.
(4)
Greg W.
For me - it was not bad but not the life changing experience of other reviews. Maybe because I lived in Miami for 3 years I have been to too many upscale cuban places. Either way, this is a nice spot that everybody should try. The food was quite good, 4 star food without a doubt. Mojito's were right on point as well. The service was fine, the manager/owner was very nice and got us a round when our reservation took forever to open up. The reason for the 3? Everything was overpriced for what it was. Say what you will about ambiance and decor (this place does well with both) but if you put La Isla's food next to this in a blind taste test, most of the time, La Isla would win. Now add that it's much cheaper and you can see the 3-star rating. Nonetheless, the food was good, had a good time, and will go back.
(3)
BriAnne O.
The food was delicious!! And so was the sangria. Only complaint is that it's tight seating and the tables are small.
(4)
Alex M.
I went here last night with friends. The food was excellent and so was the service. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because the prices were slightly higher than I was expecting. Still, very nice decor inside, great food, we all left happy! We were a group of 8 and they fit us with no wait. Highly recommended!
(4)
Isa I.
Good food but too loud
(4)
Kerry-Ann H.
Great girls night out spot! Awesome food! I had a shrimp dish with green rice that was scrumptious. The ambiance is cool, crowd was chatty when I was there (saturday night) but its a fun spot. Mojito was de-lish! My friends had virgin guava- mojitos and they loved it. Prices were reasonable, $20-$30 for entrees....$9-$14 for appetizers. Def going back to this spot. ADDED BONUS: the staff is very accommodating, friendly and genuinely interested in making sure you enjoy the experience.
(4)
Jonah P.
Best restaurant in Hoboken, without a doubt. I hate rating anything "5 stars" on yelp, but when you're three hours out from your meal, and your conversation is still lingering on dinner, it seems appropriate. There's a great energy to the place, which hits you the second you walk through the door with the bright red motif and smells of citrus, garlic and grilled meat. The drink menu is focused on rum and tequila-based cocktails, but injects creativity with original recipes. The food is the true star, though. Prices may seem at the higher end for Hoboken, but considering the appetizers are the sizes of typical entrees, and entrees are more than enough for 2, the prices turn out to be very reasonable. No dish at our meal was short of spectacular. All beautifully balanced richness with acid, and introduced me to new and exciting flavor profiles. I'd hate to recommend one or two if that means someone might pass over another dish they might otherwise order, but safe to say, you can't miss. My only regret was not saving room for dessert. One tip: make a reservation. The front space is tight, and seats are hard to come by on Friday or Saturday nights.
(5)
Vikrant B.
Good food. My burger sliders were amazing. I could taste the Chorizo in it. My wife's Vaca Frita was ok. Not a big fan of Fried steak. The Coconut mojito was too strong. The outdoor seating on a nice sunny day is a plus. Would like to try again for dinner.
(4)
Megan G.
I had the paella and my boyfriend had the salmon. Both dishes were very good, but nothing extraordinary. For $26-$28 apiece, we had expected something a little more exciting. Other than that, the wait staff was friendly and attentive. There are many other dining options in Hoboken, so we most likely will not return unless it's for live music or some kind of special.
(4)
Jessica H.
I came here with my boyfriend through a deal we found on Living Social. I like that we had access to the whole menu, unlike some other online deals. Of course, we both ordered the churrasco, which came very recommended after reading several Yelp reviews. The churrasco was indeed very flavorful and tender- and a huge piece. I thought the piece was big when they brought it out, then realized it was folded over and was actually double the size- wow. My boyfriend enjoyed the arguala salad that came with it, and he usually hates salad. The reason why this is a 4 and not 5 star experience is because the tables were tiny and space was very cramped. When you repeatedly burn yourself on the candle on the table, you know there's not enough room.
(4)
Andre N.
OK at first i was reluctant to like this place I actually loved the NINE ..well perhaps for the night life it was all ways cool to go and was close to my apartment. lets face it during the day the place was never as packed as it is now. I was there with YOSTEPH (good times) yes for some reason i always get this place confused with "Havana" remember the "CAGE" But now i have ventured to CUBA---N the place every time i walk by its full of people, So was there on a Sunday afternoon the Cuban sand witch and the beef sliders had there was superb. there was a happy hour special on Sunday where it was 5.00 so this will definitely be my Sunday go to spot Still the same format couple of changes from NINE lounge in terms of decor i guess more Cubans details put into the design. In all I am going to have to agree with these reviews I am thinking this is the best restaurant in Hoboken the food is that good and really nice atmosphere
(5)
Alex P.
Ate here Saturday night and had an awesome meal. I've been wanting to try this place based on the positive Yelp reviews, and finally had the chance. The decor is very nice with picture (I think) of Cuba on the wall. The bar is very nice and the entire restaurant really looks great. The service was excellent. They first bring out some very good rolls with garlic butter. Very nice start. We had two appetizers. One was a special the waiter highly recommended which was raw Filet Mignon cut carpacchio style and rolled with avocado and mushrooms inside. It is then topped with jalapeno, fried garlic, and cilantro and has a horseradish cream sauce on the side. This appetizer was amazing! We also had the shrimp and scallop ceviche. This dish was pretty good, but a bit too sweet. It did have some real spice in it which offset the sweetness a bit. My wife had fish (forgot which one, but it was like snapper) pan roaster over some sweetpotatoes with asparagus and other vegetables. She loved it. I had the Ropa Vieja, which is what I get 90% of the time at Cuban restaurants. It was very good as well. It comes with rice and black beans and I got sweet plantains on the side. We didnt really plan on dessert, but the waiter was raving about their dessert special which was a purple corn pudding with pineapple and topped with yuca something...not sure exactly what it was. It tasted like rice pudding over a fruit marmelade and was really good. It was one of those desserts that just got better and better with each bite and when you finish it, you are sad that it's gone. Overall, this place is awesome. I would come here again in a second. Service was great. Presentation of all the dishes was great. And everything tasted great.
Started off weak- we almost left- but by the end after our multiple foodgasms we were vowing to return. Had a reservation at 10 but got there a little early and were seated at the bar. The 2 bartenders, one of which we later found out was the manager, were swamped between the bar and table orders. Had a delicious grilled pineapple and sage caipirinha. And waited. And waited. Finally about 25 minutes after our reservation time we were seated. Whatever doubts we had were erased by the killer food. The soft shell crab special appy was a perfect combo of warm, oily, and acidic with the accompanying relish. Our entrees of skirt steak and paella were enough to feed a small village but each bite was a wonderful explosion of flavor. The manager Luis kindly came to our table and apologized for the wait, and offered to comp us drinks and dessert. Now at that point, we were stuffed but figured hey, why not? The frituras were perfectly crusty on the outside, soft warm and gooey on the inside, and we kind of wished there were more. Our visit went from 1 star to 4 stars. Hopefully will be able to give it 4 when we return.
(3)
Pat V.
I had reservations for mother's day and I was pleasantly surprised that when we got there there was no waiting lines and we got seated right away. The service was great and the food was excellent!
(4)
Shami L.
Great ambiance. Best to make a reservation less you be placed at the bar. Still, a great experience non the less. Friendly staff, great location. The guacamole & plantain chip appetizer was in short- yummmeeeee....the dishes are a good proportion and very tasty as well. 4 stars because the dessert I had was so so (bread pudding) and the pork in the el classico was a bit bland. Could use some more seasoning.
(4)
Mel C.
So the brunch causes me to upgrade my star rating!! Walked in at 11:45 and seemed deserted... I'm okay with that seeing that my hubby and I could have the place all to ourselves! What I'm not okay with is that a brunch this good deserves to have a packed house!! Our table was greeted with a yummy, cheesy, chewy, pan de yucca!! Seriously the best starter table bread ever!! We opted to try an appetizer bc we luv variety, got the empanaditas (chicken and the jamon con queso) so delish. The jamon emp. Was drizzled with guava so you get a flavor explosion of salty sweet... My favorite combo!! Then our main entree the bistec... The most perfectly cooked skirt steak joined by the Cuban styled fried rice and a sunny side egg, the flavors were awesome! The rice was laced with plantains and peas and it coupled well with the steak and egg. My only complaint is that it came with one egg and not two, just threw me off... I think they can spring for one more egg...but this won't stop me from coming again!! Muy bueno y saboroso!!!
(5)
Linda P.
3.5 stars but I will bump up to 4. While I enjoyed my meal at The Cuban Restaurant, I had a lot of issues. My husband called and made a 6 pm reservation for Sunday evening. When we arrived, we were escorted approximately 15 feet into a very narrow restaurant with a modern bar with fiery red and yellow pendant lights hanging to the left, and bench seating/chairs tables to the right. We were seated at a small table for two about 5 feet away from the bar. I assumed that the rear of the restaurant was full so I took my seat ready to have a great meal. Unfortunately, happy hour was just finishing and a young lady who sounded and looked like Snooki was at the bar with her group of her inebriated and loud friends. We listended to F-bombs and shrieking girls laughing and talking our entire meal. Even the waiter apologized. Still, I did not knock off a star for the colorful bar crowd. What did upset me was when my husband informed me that the rear of the restaurant had many empty tables. Bar seating should be last resort seating for dining patrons, we were there for my birthday dinner, not for drinks and tapas in the bar area. Ok, my rant about my shitty seat is over. On to the food & drink. My mojito was excellent, lots of muddled mint, strong with a nice sugarcane garnish. The bartender must have been distracted by Snooki because my second Mojito had no garnish. Dos XX and Presidente light on draft were enjoyed by my husband. We ordered three appetizers. * Garlic shrimp with Yuca mofongo......brilliant, delicious. * Empanaditas. not impressed..the meat seemed underseasoned but the black bean/goat cheese puree that they were placed on top of was delicious *Bacalao. Baked cod with onion/tomato stew/corn cake topped with a sunny side up egg. Visually beautiful, unfortunately, very bland and underseasoned to eat. Perhaps they ran out, but there was no corn cake in our appetizer which I am sure would have been a lovely, contrasting taste and texture to the cod. Instead, there were two slices of toasted bread served. (see pic) Entrees: Sea bass with pineapple/lemon butter salsa. Fish was prepared excellent, nicely salted crispy skin, perfectly cooked. Potatoes/spinach were bland accompaniment. Churrasco: Skirt steak, very generous portion, perfectly cooked medium rare. Side salad of baby greens delicious. My husband opted for cuban black beans and rice instead of yuca fries. Fantastic/authentic black beans.... Sadly, we skipped dessert. The Cuban Restaurant has some very nice innovative twists on traditional Cuban. In my opinion, it is not a 5 star restaurant. The ambiance is narrow and cramped. Sitting dining patrons in a loud bar with tiny tables (even the waiter apologized for our small table that could barely fit the bread basket and two appetizer plates) When our waiter read us the specials,he was completely inaudible due to the noise. So if you do decide to check out The Cuban, request to be seated in the Zebra room in back, because our bar seating felt like the jungle. Also, parking absolutely sucks.
(4)
Elizabeth G.
best happy hour, and strongest mojitos!
(5)
Belkys S.
Great atmosphere , Great food, music isn't over powering . Decor is tastefully done & the plate presentation is impressive. Overall Hoboken's gem on Washington.
(5)
Holly N.
Shhhh... please don't tell anyone else how great this place is! Our group of girls decided to check out The Cuban for Happy Hour on a Friday and the prices are so reasonable you question whether or not you're still in the tri-state area. Two of us started out going for the cocktails and they weren't the run-of-the-mill house drinks on special, it was the fru-fru-fannnncy cocktails on special for a mere $5 each! I went for the Antiqua Havana (rum, pomegranate, sugar, orange, maraschino cherry & bitters), the bar tender likened it to a Cuban Manhattan but I felt like it was milder while still packing a punch. Next, the Siesta which was a margarita-ish martini - yum! Other HH specials included $5 sangria, $3 beers, and appetizers starting at $5. So, for HH alone, this place was totally worth it! But, we stayed for dinner..... Holy heck, dinner fantastic, too! We started by splitting the special appetizer, which they might as well put on the standard menu because it was super scrumptious! It was a "pizza" with braised short ribs and other yummy herbs and spices - plenty for our group to share. For our main meal my friends went for the salmon and steak entrees, but I was full so our waiter recommended the "Bacalao a la Vizcaina" appetizer and I was so overwhelmed by the menu that I agreed, even though I wasn't sure what I was getting into. The dish was plenty for dinner - it was a beautifully layered dish containing baked cod, onion tomato stew, corn cake, and an egg sunny side up. It was flavorful and a dish I will gladly order again! Also, let's talk about the service! When we were at the bar both bartenders were very nice, informative, and attentive. They even helped us find an extra stool so that the three of us could sit together. Then, one of the bartenders morphed into our waiter when we sat down and he was great! He answered all of our questions, was beyond well educated about the menu and offered fantastic suggestions. I never made it inside when it was "Nine" but I can tell that even from the outside peering in before, this place has undergone some serious changes. The decor is elegant and modern and the layout of the back rooms is unique. I can't wait to come back and have dinner in one of the back rooms. This place is exactly what the good 'ol Boken needed and I can't wait to come back!
The Cuban is one of the best restaurants in Hoboken (probably the best). I've gotten the skirt steak, short ribs, and pork chops special--all top 10 meals I've ever had.
(5)
Vanessa M.
I loved this place I came a couple weeks ago for a friends birthday it was a group of about 13. Larg groups can get messy when it comes to dinner but the staff did a great job. The food was awesome the menu had so many different options and from everything I tasted it was all great. The drinks from the bar were well made the place had a great vibe. I cant wait to come back ! ps i waited too long to review this place otherwise i would have added more details Also Keep in mind dishes like Ropa Vieja and Vaca Frita are HUGE
(5)
Lyn R.
Went last night! We had the meatballs for an app and they were really good. The sauce they come in is full of flavor. I had the Churrascurro and my husbnad had the twice cooked skirt steak. Both were out of this world...the rice..ay yi yi sooo good. Also the yucca was perfectly cooked. My husband is definitely discerning when it comes to food and he rà ved about everything from the app to the flourless chocolate cake for dessert. I had a glass of wine, altogether with tip it was $111 which we both thought was fair for the kind of quality and the wonderful ambiance we experienced. We were both stuffed when we left but both kept saying " That was SOOO good!"
(5)
Mabel B.
This review is long overdue. Been here a couple times so this review is based off my experiences all together. Love this place. The place is bigger than one would think. The front portion is the bar and several tables for more informal dining. The further you walk back the better. Ambience is nice. Food is delish. Haven't had a bad starters dish yet! Sampled the Empanaditas, crispy pork, pulpo, and the roquetas de jamon. All were good but what stood out was the pulpo . It was cooked perfectly and tender to the bite. As far as main dishes..the Rabo Encendido wins hands down for me...enough for me to order twice in separate visits. The ropa vieja and the churrasco was also yummy and doesn't disappoint. Hubby also enjoyed the yuca frita as a side. The waitstaff for each of our visits were very attentive..but perhaps they can speak a little louder to be heard over the music and be not as softspoken but this didnt ruin our experience overall. This place is def a must try. A very good addition to the area.
(5)
Rui C.
Awesome decor, cool vibe and most importantly delicious food!! Came here with my wife and a couple of friends for my BDay. Although we waited a bit even though we had a reservation there was room at the bar to enjoy some Mojitos while we waited for our table. The papa relleno & barrigada de cerdo were a great wait to start the meal!!! Had an amazingly delicious skirt steak that was cooked to perfection (could've done without the yucca fries). My wife had braised short ribs which were equally delicious!! Oh and almost forgot the small bread basket was also great (think Brazilian pão de queijo) which with the garlic butter makes a perfect pair!! Will definitely be coming back!!
(5)
Courtney N.
I always always enjoy going to this venue. I love the decor and the outdoor seating during the summer months. I love how clean it is as well. There is a man at the door that always greets you and ensure that your experience is plesant. I am always happy to bring family and friends to The Cuban because it has very good eats and an awesome drink menu. This is one of the best resturants Hoboken has and it is always a pleasure doing business here.
(5)
Donna M.
The Cuban is a very welcomed addition to Washington Street! Favorite dishes include: Chicharrones de camarones- mmm mmm mmm!! Not only are rock shrimp the most delectable food to begin with, but these sweet and spicy morsels exceeded my expectations! Paella Valencia- the rice was so flavorful and there was ample shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams and chicken.. The chorizo was also DELICIOUS and I left more than full. Salmon- seasonal pumpkin mash, tomatillio mustard glazed salmon and refreshing shaved apples. Next time I have to leave room for dessert and keep the mojitos coming!
(4)
Chalina H.
This was so good!!! I had the steak and the bf had the paella. Each dish was delicious and very well prepared. the bread was awesome and the mojito was to die for. I really wish it was a bottomless glass. The service was impeccable and the decor is super cool. We had a great time there and will return. Get the yucca fries!!!
(5)
Jon E C.
I never thought much of Jersey being a hard core New Yorker (QUEENS and LI, BABY!) but I have to admit it's got some great restaurants, this being one of them. A great atmosphere, delicious, thoughtful food a great wine selection as well as an attentive, friendly staff. I could go on about some dish in particular but I was thoroughly impressed with all the dishes we had especially the Vaca Frita. The Spanish wine we had was also very good and complimented the meal well. I would definitely make the trip back for this place and highly recommend you do....Jersey aint so bad after all!
(5)
Susana F.
Great food! I love Cuban food and this place did not disappoint. Service was equally as good which is so important! The manager gave us a little tour showing us their private room in the back. It was so fabulous! Zebra printed seats- every Jersey girl's dream! But let me clarify it was tasteful not trashy lol! It would easily sit 30 people. Great little nook for a private party.
(5)
Bryan S.
4 stars mainly for the food and service. However we were seated near the door and got hit with the wind everytime someone opens the door. We didnt mind it as much so we stayed. We ordered the guac with crab for app and it was amazing. For our entrees i had the porl shank which was great too. My gf had the long cooked steak or beef looked like shredded beef on a plate. She liked it but it really had a bad aroma iny opinion. It smelled like old meat. Brw the tres leche cake here was one of the best. Will def go back and sit in the back and order something else. Great and fast service also
(4)
Liz R.
I'm not really sure were to begin. The Cuban is probably my favorite restaurant in Hoboken, so it was an obvious choice to bring my friends from out of town here for dinner. I made a reservation 1-week prior to coming, 8 PM on a Saturday night. Saturday came and I arrive at the restaurant prior to my friends, say my name, reservation for four at 8 PM to the hostess. She checks her book and tells me she has no one by that name then asks for my phone number, again nothing. I informed her that I called a week ago, spoke with a man and that he took my phone number and said I was good to go. I showed her the record of the call in my phone. She informed me I called the wrong number and that it would be an hour wait for a table. Thanks for accommodating me. I walked outside and compared the phone number I called to the number on their delivery van. It was the same number. I looked up the phone number via google (same thing I did when booking my reservation) and again, it was the same number I called to book my reservation and the same number printed on the van, so I hit call to ensure I wasn't crazy and that it was the correct The Cuban. It was. The person I spoke to on the phone was about as accommodating as the hostess. I stormed inside to inform them they clearly have two lines and they proceeded to insist I was still wrong. So I called the "wrong" number and guess what? The phone rang! Alas, still no table and no one even tried to accommodate this very pissed off patron. A friend who was meeting me for dinner proceeded to call the restaurant, lashed into them and somehow got them to agree to give us a table at 8:15 -- thankfully a reservation didn't show. Fast forward to 8:45. Were still not seated. They kept telling us we would be next and yet other people were seated around us. The entire time we were waiting the hostess kept pushing us out of the way and was downright rude and dismissive. A couple was waiting next to us, they had an 8:30 reservation and didn't sit until 9. Something is very wrong with their reservation process. I understand being busy, but before you take a reservation you need to ensure you'll be able to seat the party. Table turnover is a good thing. We finally sat around 8:45 and asked to speak with the manager. Again, not accommodating and didn't seem phased by the series of events that unfolded earlier in the evening but promised our food would be out promptly since we had to be somewhere at 9:30. Thank god the food and drinks were and are good or else the night would had been an even bigger disaster than it was. The manger comped our one round of drinks - gee, thanks. Needless to say, I won't be back for a while and next time I do go, I'll needlessly triple confirm my reservation and will make it for a half an hour before I actually want to eat since that's how long it seems to take to be seated.
(2)
Richard H.
The Cuban has quickly turned into one of our favorite restaurants in Hoboken. Favorite drinks: Mojoto dfe Ginebra, Antiqua Havana Favorite entrees: Churrasco, Merluza & generally any of the seafood specials. I've been here for date night, double dates, guy's night, dinner with the in-laws, and even threw my fiance a surprise birthday party with ~20 people. Never a complaint on service. Keep it up guys.
(5)
Liz D.
Great service (Lavanna was a wonderful server) and the food was outstanding. Nice ambience too. Best octopus appetizer (so tender) and the skirt steak was delicious! We wanted to try so many other things on the menu--will have to make a trip back soon!
(5)
Jonathan C.
Hoboken's been dying for good food and we finally have a contender. The Cuban is my new go to in Hoboken. The apps: The best Octopus I've ever had. It's super tender, can cut it with a fork. everything about the dish from the tangy sauce to the potatoes works so well! We also had the empanada's, the shrimp and the Chicken one's were my favorite. so flaky and flavorful. Dinner: Ropa Vieja- just as everyone said, some of the best i've ever had. Roast Pork- super tender and flavorful. we were lucky enough that night to have the Chicarones included that night. They normally don't come with the dish. Rice and beans that came with both entrees were super flayvorful and done really well. Great place for dinner with friends with great drinks. Only issues were the reservations. we had to wait 15 minutes or so but the owner was kind enough to buy our group a round of drinks. The Cuban's definitely a welcome addition to Hoboken!
(5)
Michelle C.
Love the service, atmosphere, and food but it is on the expensive side. The portions can be on the lighter side depending on what you get. If your dish doesn't come with potato or rice, you may want to get appetizers or side dishes. Our waitress was very tentative and amazing which is a plus.
(4)
Brian M.
We stopped in for brunch based on yelp reviews and all was great. The twist on the guacamole was a great starter and the skirt steak was flavorful and well prepared. The mojitos complimented the meals well and all this came together with a friendly and attentive servers.
(5)
Stella Z.
My friends and I decided to go there because of all the good reviews on yelp. Three of us each ordered a different dish and a different mojito. The food and drinks were good but not just normal good. Nothing jumped out and made us really want to come back again. I eat out a lot. In fact, there were a few times that I were picking a restaurant on Washington St, I decided to go somewhere else instead of going there again. The waiter we had that evening was very pushy. We stayed there for about an hour before we were asked to leave(it was a relatively early dinner on a Friday night), and the waiter kept coming by as soon as we finished our food. While we were still chatting and finishing our drinks, he just stood by us "casually". In the end, he asked us to leave because there were people waiting for a table. If you are looking for a place to catch up with your old friends, this place may not be a good option.
(3)
David L.
My gf and I went on a triple date to The Cuban this past Friday and it definitely lived up to the positive reviews. The drinks appeared to be very complicated to make and although the bartenders were very friendly and didn't seem to mind, I felt bad ordering additional cocktails since each one took 20+ steps to prepare. Charrasco was muy deliciouso and a very generous portion. Gf had some skirt steak dish that according to her was "twice cooked with a crispy exterior and a yum yum interior." Definitely have a repeat customer in my GF and I, possibly the Graham's as well -- they're quite the characters.
(5)
Jerrica J.
Who knew Hoboken had good food? Not I! Rarely do I leave Brooklyn even... but Hoboken? It was a rare occasion. My roommate and I travelled to Jersey to scope out some wedding venues for work. I happened to be on a search for some good Cuban food at the same time and this one popped up with some great reviews. It was also convenient because it was on the same street as Amandas, which was just a few blocks away. One gripe I had was the parking. We literally drove around each block for about an hour looking for a parking space on Washington or even on a side street. Finally we parked about five long blocks away. Walking into a packed Cuban bar/restaurant also didn't help because we were so hungry we assumed it would be a long wait. I was wrong because we were seated in the back room which was more like an event space. SO much space it was great. We ordered and the server brought out the most delicious Cuban rolls ever. I asked for a second basket which was a mistake because I started filling up on them before my food. I'm practicing vegetarian now so dining out is a little bit of a challenge. I ordered a few side dishes since I wanted to try the quality of the food. I had white rice and stewed black beans, side of sweet plaintains, and steamed yuca with pickled onions. All of my sides were so delicious and the rice was really soft. I was so full after that bread that the other half of my sides had to be taken home. My roommate had the half grilled chicken over yellow rice and vegetables. She said the chicken was really tender and flavorful as well. Service was really nice and matched the vibe of the restaurant. I would definitely come back to Hoboken for this restaurant!
(5)
Olivia R.
I met up with an girlfrannnn here for dinner and she loves Cuban so I had my fingers crossed that she would enjoy this place. She and I both realllly enjoyed it. It is definitely a nicer venue and we missed the $5 appetizers so we had to cash out for a good meal but it was worth it! The cocktails were fantastic and really interesting flavors. We had a few tapas which included the crab guacamole, potato croquette, and chicken empanaditas. Very delicious and generous portions for "tapas". Really interesting flavors and tastes .. "fancy". There's no better way for me to describe it but as swanky Cuban cuisine with a blast of flavor. Really enjoyed it and we were both full after three "small" plates. Woud love to come back here for a date.. with a man.. because the venue was sexy and romantic.
(5)
Nancy C.
Check in on Yelp and get a free mojito! The wait staff was friendly and attentive to our large group. I wasn't expecting much from the food, since I don't expect great latin food in Hoboken. I was pleasantly surprised with the churrasco. It was scrumptious! Tender and very flavorful. My group also greatly enjoyed their meals. I would definitely return if I am in the area. Recommend!
(4)
Pascal D.
Yes, 5 stars restaurant in Hoboken. Probably the best. Get a res or you will eat at 10pm. Only bad thing: the back of the restaurant is a little noisy, I recommend the tables in front of the bar, these are ok. Best service ever. Food is amazing.
(5)
Ed A.
Nightlife review So I just recently got done reviewing the long-defunct Nine Lounge (I guess I had never gotten around to it...better late than never). In that review, I lamented the loss of a reliable, if unspectacular, nightlife option on Washington. Imagine my amazement, then, when I walked down that block Saturday night, only to see its new incarnation, "The Cuban", open for business. My friend and I walked in, hoping to see what new and exciting changes were brought about. Now, this wasn't exactly a late weeknight in a sleepy suburban town. This was Saturday night - a week after the place's grand opening - in a town buzzing with 20 somethings (on a night where the line for Black Bear was almost to the corner). The bouncer (a pleasant guy) also doubled as the coat check manager. He did inform me that the coat check - while mandatory - was free. I guess I had the look of a pauper on my face. The coat check was conveniently a small broom closet by the entrance. Not very classy, but I digress. The main bar...looked exactly like the old Nine bar. Down to the dark, ominous light settings and everything. Actually, they did make some changes. For one, they got rid of the TVs behind the bar. I guess that's considered a downgrade, not an upgrade? Not sure Anyway, the front bar was empty except for the bartenders. Weird, but everyone must be in the back I thought. We walk to the back room...again, identical to the old Nine layout. Well, except for the miniature fake palm trees at the bar. Also the lights seemed more "orange" than I remember. The back room had 4 people in it. By the time we got situated and ready to order, that party had left. So, there we were: my friend and I, the only 2 patrons, in a brand new, recently reopened nightlife spot. WTF Nine, get it together! Engage in some marketing. Flood Facebook / Twitter. Take out ads on MTV. Anything! So why does this place get a 3 instead of a 0? Well, for starters, they did have a few interesting Latin American beers in the back (which were curiously not even on the menu...comeon Nine!). The bartenders were very friendly, and the music was actually pretty good (some salsa/merengue, to go with the Latin/Cuban theme). I suspect that this place will have some early hiccups, but in time I can see it become an interesting variation of a tried and true Hoboken restaurant/lounge theme. I just realized I called this place "Nine" instead of "The Cuban" several times in my review. Just goes to show how similar this place is to the old spot. If you liked it then, swing by and check out the new one. You won't be disappointed.
(3)
Dev R.
Went here for an extra-early happy hour and were seated in the mostly empty patio. The server was helpful and prompt. The cocktails were strong and not too sweet. The sangria however, was a tad too sugary. Not knowing much about Cuban cuisine other than the plantain-based dishes, we were recommended some good non-meat appetizers (maduros?). The chicken empanaditas were delicious and the chicken was perfectly mixed with the tomato sauce. Our dessert choice 'Dominos was the best surprise -- the spongecake in the shape of domino tiles with the banana ice cream was perfect and the presentation was definitely a stunner. We will definitely visit this place again to try the entrees. *** Update: Went there again on a Saturday night with 7-8 people and we were escorted to a nice little bar area upstairs. The same waiter who had served us was the bartender and made consistently strong drinks for all of us. Still haven't tried the food yet, but can't wait to go back.
(5)
Tyler I.
Wow, this is really is surprisingly excellent. Sometimes I worry that positive reviews in Hoboken are compared to other restaurants in Hoboken, which, unfortunately, doesn't set the highest bar. But no, The Cuban is good compared to anywhere, including New York. What I loved about it was that every dish was rich and strong, the way you typically think about Cuban food, but it was also so subtle. This is what made it, I think, better than Cucharamama (the other contender for best restaurant in Hoboken). In every dish there were flavors that stuck out, but there were also hidden lingering flavors that were hard to place and made it each dish complex and interesting. Before I get to the food, the ambience is nothing spectacular, but it is intimate and inviting. It's a small restaurant with one row of tables and a bar. The lighting is low and intimate and the colors are dark and rich. Decoration is minimal, just some old photographs of Cuba. It feels comfortable. I care a lot about ambiance, because the aesthetics really affects my whole perception of a place right down to the taste of the food. The Cuban doesn't look spectacular but it certainly doesn't detract from the food. Also the service is great. They are very attentive, frequently asking if you need anything and clearing silverware, plates and then cleaning the table after each course. Our waiter was quite friendly and down to earth. The drinks were great. I had El Macho, which was sweet, tangy from orange and lime, and spicy from jalapeño. We had goat cheese croquettes, which were so soft and flavorful, then a playful salad with clover and other greens, mango, cherry tomatoes, other delicious things and can't remember, and it was all artfully bundled up in strips of cucumber. Food presentation won't blow you away, but it is definitely thoughtful and creative. For our main we had Salmon and vegetable paella. My girlfriend says it was the best salmon she has ever had -- slightly crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside. The paella was good too.
We went based off of reviews, and we're so glad we did. We decided to try a bunch of appetizers and were impressed with the size of them, we ordered 5, which was more than enough for two people. Our favorites were the guacamole with crab meat and steak empanadas, we also got the mussels, which weren't as fresh as I like, but the preparation was very nice and the ceviche which was good, but I guess coming from Maine originally, Jersey seafood will just never satisfy. The standout was the pork morsels. The garlic mojo and onion topping, we couldn't get enough! Definitely give this place a try for a satisfying night out!
(4)
Margo G.
After reading a review in the NY Times, we decided this would be a good place to try. My husband and I went with two other couples. We're all good friends and don't get to go out together too often so were looking forward to a night of good food and conversation. The drinks were wonderful, the food fine but, forget conversation. The multi-level open space with high ceilings made the noise level too high for 6-person conversation. I was able to speak with the two people on either side of me but felt like I needed to shout to the others. Perhaps that wouldn't have been the case had there been only four of us or if we had been seated downstairs but, as it was, we got the noise from our floor as well as from the one below. I realize that many people wouldn't be bothered by a high level of noise but, if that's something that would impact your enjoyment, this might not be the place for you. About food, drinks, and service: Three of us ordered specialty drinks and loved them. The other three went with Sangria and enjoyed it very much. Appetizers were delicious. Entrees had mixed reviews as did desserts. I'm not inclined to race back here for dinner but I wouldn't say no to it either. However, if I was going with a group again, I might plan for a night other than Saturday. A word of warning: As tough as it is to find on-street parking in Hoboken, keep trying! Driving a large SUV made that difficult so we used one of Hoboken's parking garages. Imagine my shock when the cost for 2.5 hours was $30. I've paid less in midtown Manhattan!
(3)
Paige C.
Very greasy steak and an unripened avocado shouldn't cost that much... Still, not the worst food in Hoboken.
(2)
Chris C.
Overpriced drinks, cliche atmosphere, and less than attentive staff. Mojitos were average at best.
(2)
Christopher R.
My girlfriend and I were meeting my parents here for an early dinner. We got to the restaurant a little early. As we waited for my parents to arrive I checked in on my mobile app and VOILA, a notification comes up that I got a free mojito. Points right off the bat. For an appetizer we shared the octopus and the empanaditas. This was by far the most tender octopus I have ever had. Not sure what they did to it but it was fantastic. The chicken empanaditas were very good but nothing special. For a main course I had the vaca frita which is one of the best dishes I have had recently. The dish was comprised of shredded pieces of crispy yet juicy beef with rice, beans, and avocado. The flavors were fantastic. The only thing I found to be odd was that multiple members of the waitstaff were soft spoken. Project!
(5)
Shaun G.
This place is awesome. Great food (authentic), drinks and service. Definitely recommend. Needs a Michelin Star!!!!!
(5)
Brandon E.
This place is a great higher end Cuban option in town. Not hole-in-the-wall atmosphere that La Isla or Zafra give you. It's a smaller place inside but outside seating during the warmer months. The Cuban is a bit pricey for dinner and that deters me from going on a regular basis for a proper meal. BUT, the happy hour here is probably the best in town. There is a select list of $5 drinks. Now this isn't coors light and well vodka, these are driiiinks. They don't mess around, I don't know what I ordered I told the bartenders to surprise me and did they ever. The drinks are strong but flavorful and for $5 you can't beat this. They also have an awesome selection of $5 "tapas" and I use that term lightly because you could eat some as a meal. I had the chorizo/beef sliders and I can honestly say they were the greatest sliders I have ever had in my life. It was a party in my mouth and these sliders were the host. The fries cooked in duck fat, great googlie mooglie! For what you are paying no doubt the best deal between 4-7 Monday- Friday out there. The bar is small though so get there and get a spot before this best kept Happy Hour secret gets out. Brunch, awesome. I got the sliders again, well just cause I mean they are that good. My wife got the "eggs Benedict" with ham and braised beef and corn biscuits...yup grand-frickin slam. You'd be a traitor not to order these (see what I did there, fellow history geeks will get it). It was huge and for $12 a meal for 2. As for dinner, it's been awhile since I ate here at dinner because it is a little too pricey I feel, that's why no 5 stars. But it was delicious, and the service is always great here! Definitely give this place a shot!
(4)
Joe C.
One of the better restaurants in town, but can be expensive, The skirt steak is great, and the portions are huge. Had the pork shank once, and wasn't too crazy about it. Was a bit dry. Have enjoyed the cocktails there, will have to try the place out for happy hour one evening.
(4)
Luis T.
We were two couples just looking for some drinks and some apps on a Sunday mid afternoon in Hoboken. Didn't want to do the typical pub "thing", so this place seemed to fit the bill. Walked in, the bar is packed but the rest of the place (indoor and outdoor tables ) was empty. Figured just sit by the bar at a table but at 3:30pm on a Sunday afternoon , those were reserved for dinner. We even explained that we'd order some apps but no. Walked past the place at around 6 after hanging out at Port of Spain and it was still empty. Unbelievable .
(1)
David L.
Awesome food. Very Fresh. Small and a little loud!
(4)
Jackie B.
Holy crap this is hands down the best restaurant in Hoboken. Couldn't be better! My main squeeze and I ate dinner out on the patio on a weeknight--we considered sitting at the bar for happy hour (it's only available inside, sitting at the bar), but opted to pay full price and enjoy the outdoors. Totally worth spending a few extra bucks. Drinks were fantastic, food was unreal. We split the whole red snapper which was cooked to absolute perfection--our server suggested we get the rice and beans which were also a hit (sides were a la carte). Super friendly service, super tasty food. Doesn't get any better!
(5)
Gary S.
I went there with 4 last night. Had a mojito, wasn't bad, but wasn't great. I was happy enough with it, thought it tasted like cheap rum. We sat in the back room with the odd zebra striped couches and the lights that were brighter than the sun. We got 3 apps, 3 entrees so we could try a lot of food. As far as the apps, we did the guac with crab meat (pretty good/not worth $14), tried the pork empanadas and they we're the best thing we had- though had better many times, and the fried oysters. This was a recco from the waiter. This guy had no clue and said these "are popular". I asked if it was good, not popular, but that's okay I tried them. Definitely a frozen oyster and tasteless, however one of the oysters was bad. So I told the waiter when he came back that it was rotten and tasted like fish guts. He did nothing...he kinda laughed at it. I don't ask to get something nor do I want anything, but at least offer and try to please your customers! So, as I write this I feel sick and have felt sick all night. I literally brushed my teeth 3 times to get that foul taste out of my mouth. For dinner, we did traditional items. Churasco- wasn't bad but he gave us a butter knife to cut (until I asked) and we ate half of it. Was too chewy and bloody. The salad that came with it was like eating weeds in your backyard. We had the full chicken. That was good, bad order on our part as it was just chicken, but the rice that was with it was great. Finally, we had the Paella and that was good. Food: overall, meh. Not a great first visit, especially getting sick. I'll go back for happy hour and try a few more apps at some point. Atmosphere: the bar area is pretty cool and they have a band sometimes. Drinks: Just ok, don't expect too much. The beer selection is very weak...only good beer on draft was Negro Modelo. Hardly any bottles to choose from. My expectations were too high, the 5 star reviews on here make me think they've never been to a good restaurant. Place is average in every way.
(2)
Jeff B.
Went here for dinner a few months ago. Living in an area that is plush with good Latin restaurants, I was very pleased to find yet another delicious Cuban restaurant with great food. There was also some live music playing when I was there. I would give 5 stars if we didn't have such a long wait between our appetizers and meal, but it was a very long time. Then when they charged our credit cards to split the bill, they charged my credit card twice. I will give them credit for fixing it when I noticed it on my credit card statement, but it did take me 3 telephone calls to get this fixed and I was the one who had to make the follow up phone calls instead of them calling me. The food was also a little overpriced, but I guess that is to be expected in Hoboken so it's really not their fault.
(4)
Lisa B.
The chicken was fantastic, but the skirt steak stolen from my husband's plate was amazing! Shared the chocolate torte that put us over the edge :-) Service was friendly and attentive. We'll definitely be going back. The free Mohito for checking in on Yelp was a nice bonus too.
(5)
Dave F.
This might have just become my new favorite place in Hoboken. The food is really fantastic... some of the best, and most unique in town. The atmosphere isn't really me, and the service could use a little work, but man, was the food good. We started with the oxtail croquettes and the octopus. The croquettes were light and crispy and the oxtail was tender and delicious. The octopus was cooked perfectly... super, super tender. For the mains we had the Bacalao (black cod) and the Enchilado (shrimp and scallops). The Enchilado had the shrimp and scallops in a very mild tomato / pepper sauce, and was served with a green rice that seemed cooked in cilantro with a hint of spice... just enough spice to say "hello, just so you know, I'm here." Only had a few bites of the Bacalao, but it was superb. Fish was moist and tender and flake, and the pureed yuca was smooth and delicious. Total for 3 drinks, 2 apps, and 2 mains came to $107 before tip. The place is dark and loud... and when I say loud, I mean, you struggle to hear the person across the table from you. The service, while super friendly, was less than attentive. Here is my example... drink #2 was finished along with the appetizers. I wanted to order drink #3, but the waitress did not return to ask until we were nearly done with the mains. That being said... the food overwhelms any critisims I had for the atmosphere or the service. If you go on a Friday / Saturday, you should probably make reservations... we left around 9:00 on a Friday, and there was literally not an open table (or spot at the bar) in the entire place.
(4)
Ilya F.
Being a non-local to Hoboken, me and my friends were given advice on where to find good food. It was the 4th of July and there weren't many people polluting the streets. On our short list of suggestions, which included a sushi bar, an American fusion experience ,and the last was a Cuban diner, sadly it was packed and we quickly decided to move on. We started to walk north on Washington St. After a few blocks and plenty of restaurants we saw a small awning, The CuBan. We were all in the mood for some Spanish food; the 100 degree weather was also influential to our decision, but it turned out to be a very good one. Hostess and waiters were professional and answered all of our questions with out a 'hum'. The place itself is beautiful. There's a portion of the restaurant that, with a large enough party, you can have to yourself and your guests.
(4)
Rob M.
As the hundred + other reviews have noted, the food here isn't just good, it might be among the best in the tri-state area. That being said..why doesn't the Cuban deliver??!??!? I mean, this probably speaks volumes about me since I'm about a 5-10 minute walk from some of the best Cuban food ever and yet I still want delivery, but putting that aside - join delivery.com or seemless or something - I want this cuban goodness without having to leave my home!
(5)
Adam B.
I honestly can't believe I didn't know about The Cuban until recently. I have lived in Hoboken for nearly five years and never even noticed it existed. Glad we found it. The place is crazy deceiving in size. You walk in to a somewhat busy bar area with a few booths, and walk towards the back to three separate areas - all of which are nicely decorated (although I am not a zebra decor fan). Our server was awesomely attentive and made great suggestions on what to get. We ordered the Empanada sampler (three different versions). All of them were delicious. Not the best I've ever had, but very good and creative. We also got the guacamole with crab. Holy shit it revolutionized guacamole for me. Crab meet, people! And served with banana chips....? C'mon! For an entree I ordered the pollo a la parrilla. Delicious. I think I could have slept on/with the roasted Kobocha. My fiance ordered the pollo criollo. The meal was really amazing and had so many great flavors in every bite. The thing to know is that you cannot compare this to other Cuban joints in Hoboken like La Isla. That is more greasy spoon Cuban comfort food. This is more upscale, creative with South American influences. I highly recommend coming here. It is a great addition to Hoboken and should be rewarded not only for the great quality, made from scratch menu, but for how it runs like a well oiled machine. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is the empanada sampler. This is 5 star dinning for Hoboken, no doubt, but I want to try to be fair and not just drop five stars anywhere. If I could do 4.5-4.8 I would!
(4)
John G.
I've been here several times and have yet to be disappointed. It has become one of my "go to" place in Hoboken. Cocktails are great. Food is great. Probably some of the best in Hoboken (the land of B+ cuisine). They often have a guitarist playing live Cuban music up front. Ambiance and service are way above par. Good for dinner or just drinks. Great first date spot. Highly recommend.
(5)
Cassie L.
YUM YUM! If you are looking for a great Cuban place in Hoboken (that is not BYOB), definitely give The Cuban a shot. The complimentary sweet bread and garlic/herb butter is delicious. My date heard the portions were giant, so we didn't get an appetizer, but we did test out their white sangria, and that hit high marks. GRILLED pineapple was in the sangria and it really made a difference! I had the ropa vieja and while it was a smaller portion than I expected, it was done deliciously, and it was the perfect size for me. My date got the pollo criollo and that was a FLAVOR EXPLOSION. Chicken on the bone with garlic and spices, all on a bed of chorizo sweet plantain fried rice. Now THAT was awesome. We are 100% going back to try their brunch sometime soon! Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because it smelled like fresh paint since they were redoing one of the rooms. Food was fantastic though.
(4)
Rebecca S.
2 words - SHORT RIBS. I have never been able to bring myself to order anything else here as they are out of this world. Although pricey, they have a great happy hour for half priced appetizers and drinks. The watermelon sangria is amazing and may have you stumbling home. You really can't go wrong going here for a date night, bring out of towners, parents, etc. Enjoy!
(5)
Kyle O.
Overall underwhelming and not a good value, but some positive points...or churros I mean. Pros: 1. Chocolate churros! I would go just for those... Seriously delicious. 2. Water attendants were on it, it was hot and the food was salty so water was key and they were water ninjas! 3. Rice was tasty, maybe sugar or butter in it, not sure but good. Cons: 1. Overpriced, not any added value versus the other 3 Cuban restaurants in Hoboken. 2. Appetizers were tiny, empanadas were good but what deep fried food isn't good? 3. Churrasco is what everyone talked about but it was super fatty, ridiculous salty, and lacking in chimichurri (had to ask for extra). The beans were almost inedible they were so salty. 4. Server wasn't attentive, just going thru the motions. The water guy was nice and friendly and cared way more, bringing us sauces and going out of his way. Overall, I would just get chocolate churros and a drink after going somewhere else.
(2)
Monica C.
Growing up in Hudson County I am not easily impressed with Cuban food who's prices go for well over $21.00 a plate. You can go to Union City, West New York and/or North Bergen for some slammin' Cuban eats at almost half the price. Nevertheless, The Cuban colored me impressed. We had the churrasco (skirt steak) which was fantastically juicy with so much flavor and the rabo encendido (ox tail stew) which was a tad bit bland but overall not bad. So at $28 for the steak and $24 for the ox tail I feel this can be a bit steep however let us remember...this is Hoboken. Higher rents, more people willing to pay up for tasty food without realizing they can go less than 2 miles for authentic Cuban food. Yeah, I guess the prices are fitting. I'm giving it 4 stars (technically 4.5 stars) because their Pisco Sour was mainly sour than pisco. The waiter was more than delighted to change for a mojito instead. I'll leave them to master the mojitos drinks which is a Cuban staple aside from the Cuba Libre.
(4)
Deanna M.
This restaurant was very tasty. I went around 4:30 and sat outside with no other parties so it was peaceful. The service was very good. Our waitress recommended multiple different things to us. The seasonal watermelon sangria was terrible. Unless you are a big fan of Brandy and Watermelon and excessive amounts of lemon, this isn't for you. The guacamole was perfectly seasoned with very fresh crab chunks. The crab was light and refreshing and soft. It melted in your mouth. The ham and cheese croquettes were too mushy for my liking. The bacon wrapped around this Cuban yellow fruit was delicious. The bacon added a crispy flavor. The El Classico was hands down one of the best meats I've had in a while. I HIGHLY recommend it. The Braised short ribs were very tender. They came in a thick sauce. We didn't try dessert because we were so full!
(4)
Mira C.
Great food! we went on a Sunday & they had a Cuban band playing In between the patio and front room.. We were with a party of about 20 so we had the pre-fix menu.. Everything that came out was very good, expect for one of the shrimp appetizers which was in a cream sauce.. Personally I didn't like it because it was served chilled. The churrasco was AMAZING - def would come back just for it ( craving already )
(4)
Randi E.
We have been to the Cuban before. This time instead of a sit-down dinner, we sat at the bar and indulged in happy hour drinks and bites. On this occasion there was not the oppressive far-too-loud live music; it felt more intimate. We tasted a rainbow of mojitos and caipirinhas. Some we enjoyed better than others (the Colada and the Apple Mojito were bomb), however, each was distinct and pretty flavorful. The bites were also exceptional. We wanted to try all the happy hour special, but we restrained ourselves and only tried three. The pork pieces were delightful, fatty and garlicky while the sticky sweet plantains wrapped with salty bacon was absolutely amazing (probs my fave). The mussels and chorizo in broth with fries, was initially confusing, but tasty and definitely messy. We had a really great time and everything was lovely. I would definitely go back for another happy hour (maybe not dinner because of my last experience). The prices were good and the atmosphere was lively, but not too loud and overbearing, both of which are a plus on date night.
(4)
Cynthia M.
Great food, great service! The pollo criollo was flavorful and tender which went well with the rice mixed with chorizo and plantains. The ropa vieja was also delicious. I'm already planning what I'm having during my next visit.
(5)
Daniel G.
Best restaurant I've been to so far in Hoboken. Worth the money. Definitely get the tres leche with passion fruit for your dessert! Buen provecho!
(5)
Kathy L.
Delicious, one of my favorite restaurants when I visit Hoboken. I had a shrimp entree with pesto rice and a watermelon mojito and it was great.
(4)
Zamaan R.
Myself and 4 friends decided to have a Sunday Brunch here for a birthday. We made reservations in advance. When walking in at first, the place seemed a little tight and congested but it turned out to be bigger than we expected (multiple floors). The service was excellent. In fact, a friend didn't enjoy his Mojito so they took it back and substituted it with another drink of his preference (no charge on the Mojito) and the food was delicious. Friends had omelets and french toast. I had a platter which included steak, sweet plantains, rice & beans and a sunny side up egg. And we completed our delicious brunch with Flan, also very very good! The only negative thing I'd have to say is there is live music right by the entrance, which is great but if you're sitting at the tables across from the bar or sitting at the bar, you may need to yell in order to speak since the live music is pretty loud.
(4)
Lena D.
This place is delicious and the service is excellent. Came here on Hoboken St. Patty's Day, which means the entirety of Hoboken is full of half drunk/full drunk zombies by dark. (The dinner was planned ignorant of the fact that the day was Hoboken St. Patty's) Nonetheless, we were a large party and sat in the upstairs area. I had the hippy mojito, cucumber, gin mint and lime. These were delicious. I find regular mojitos sometimes to be too sweet. So the gin was a fantastic change of pace. We ordered prix fixe for our group ($35 pp) It included: (keep in mind, I didn't look at any menus, it just came to our table) - a cucumber salad with avocado - pork pieces - chicken empanadas - yucca - rice and beans - ropa vieja (delicious!) - pulled pork (with pork skin- soo good) - salmon Dessert: coconut flan-esque pudding (so good :) ) Everything was delicious, my water glass was never empty and the waitstaff are wonderful. Highly recommended.
(5)
Chris S.
My wife and I LOVE the Cuban and make a point to stop in for at least one dinner every time we come to the NY/NJ area! Our favorite dish is the vaca frita, which I have tried, quite unsuccessfully, to re-create at home. It's an awesome dish of slow-cooked skirt steak that is shredded and then fried in oil with garlic and onions. So tasty! As for drinks, the Sangria de Casa is the way to go! Tastes great, and a great bargain at $28 for a pitcher. Just don't plan on driving after you've had more than one or two, they'll sneak up on you! Can't wait to go back again!
(5)
Sunny G.
I highly recommend getting the sangria and crab guacamole with plantain chips. The ropa vieja was prepared well and flavorful but i was disappointed with the small portion size.
(4)
Mark S.
This restaurant did not dissappoint. The food was excellent, portions were plentiful and the service was excellent. We can't wait to go back and try the other items on the menu. Our dinner consisted of: Appetizers: Platano Maduro Con Tocino ( smoked bacon wrapped plaintains) Entree: El Classico roasted pork shanks, Moro rice, garlic orange mojo, yuca con mojo, sweet plantain, pickled red onion. Paella Valenciana saffron rice,shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, clams, chorizo, chicken and garlic aioli Dessert: Pudin de Pan Con Manzano- warm bread pudding with apple raisin brandy topped with vanilla ice cream Be warned that space is limited so there could be a wait.
(5)
Lina K.
I really love this place and can't believe I haven't reviewed The Cuban before. I had been here before for dinner and got crazy full on just appetizers before. The crab / guacamole with those long plantain chips was easily my favorite, as well as the complimentary pain do bono, pulpa (grilled octopus) and salads. However, The Cuban gained the fifth star for doing an extraordinary job when we held our friend's birthday dinner here. I called in advance for the price fixe menu (see under Parties) on the website. I think we got Open Bar too but the end of the night was confusing because one of my friends took over the tab split (never saw the final total breakdown but it was def more than reasonable). Fidel and Louis helped me pick the menu and oversaw the impeccable service ... confusing at times because some people came and left early, some came late in the dinner ... some people came at the tail end for just a cocktail. In any case, we satisfied the appetites of vegetarians, pesce-tarians, carnivores and omnivores quite nicely. Appetizers included the meatballs, shrimp ceviche (outstanding), salad and empanadas. Entrees included vaca frita (twice grilled skirt steak which was hands down my fave), a grilled chicken dish and salmon. Dessert was tres leches and flan. Coffee was included and many at the table opted for cappucinos and expressos. Service was amazing and as more latecomers joined, more food was brought to the table with pain de bono (we didn't ask, they just did it! How awesome!). We got the sparkling sangria and some ordered wine. The sangria was delicious! The Cuban even brought out a candle for the bday girl to blow out. We were never rushed and enjoyed our party table in the Love enclave upstairs. Thank you to everyone at The Cuban for making this a fantastic and celebratory night!
(5)
natalie p.
Ok I love this place! My husband and I came here last week and we had reservations at 8. We were promptly seated upon arrival and our server was very attentive. The drinks are outstanding, literally anything you get is fabulous. My favorite drink is the caipirinha and I ordered their flavor of the day, passion fruit. It was amazing. I also ordered a regular, just as amazing. I ordered the skirt steak with yuca fries because of all the reviews on yelp. I always yelp a restaurant and read the reviews before I go to a restaurant. The reviews were right about this dish, the steak was so flavorful and the yucca fried hearty and starchy. Don't expect American fries, these are very starchy but delicious! My husband ordered the Pollo Criollo and it looked fantastic too. Will be coming here again for sure, great service!
(5)
Franco B.
I guess I'm ready to write a review after visiting this place several times. My favorite part is the drink selection. I'm no bartender but I'm sure they have the best pisco sour around hoboken. My other favorite the avenida washington if you are into tequila and jalapeños. Food is great which focuses on cuban food obviously but the mussels with chorizo are great and top with french fries. The bistec was amazing maybe a bit less cooked next time for a medium well steak. My wife loved the churrasco with yuca fries. My friend tried the spicy pulled pork, tender and very home-cooked. The service is really great just met the assistant manager who is very polite and efficient. Haven't met the manager. Good ambience and they play salsa on the background for the most part. Parking is difficult but it's hoboken you don't have a choice. Now time to experience the brunch!
(4)
Maks B.
This place was amazing. I came here last summer to celebrate my birthday so I had made reservations in advance. We initially asked to sit outside but within 10 minutes, it began to pour. The server was immediately at our table, gathering the plates and glasses to move us inside. When we got inside, we wished we had asked to be there from the beginning. We were taken to the back to a corner table and the ambiance was perfect for a quiet romantic dinner. The food was phenomenal. We had the salmon carpaccio to start and vaca frita and the churrasco as main courses. Everything was delicious, flavorful, and well presented. The place is a little on the expensive side to eat there every day but I would definitely consider this place for any special occasion.
(5)
Ambrose C.
I first heard of Hoboken when I read a story about a "giant chicken" that walked around when I was in primary school (The Hoboken Chicken Emergency). I also think of city "grit" from the rough and tough characters that bring real life nightmares to innocent families. Fortunately, a very good-hearted girl told me that Hoboken has changed. Another friend told me that I had to check it out, saying that it has become a fun place. When I arrived, the city was somewhat nicer than I thought. Anyway, I went into this place, and I got a seat at the bar. It definitely has a sophisticated look, so you may have to look nice at this place. The Mojito Cubano drink was excellent. It was refreshing, the mint was not too strong, and it was not too sweet, and it was great complement to the food. As for the food, their Cuban Fried Rice is a good choice for a light meal, it can ordered as a side dish, and the price is reasonable. The flavor was good. I also had some Croquetas de Jamon, and they have a nice crispiness on the outside, and a decent savory flavor on the inside. My friends enjoyed the Cuban sandwiches offered on the bar menu. Interior is very comfortable, surprisingly spacious, and sometimes they provide some decently good live music. Service was fairly friendly. Overall, if you are looking to "kick-start" your evening in a place like Hoboken, this is a great start, especially if you want a good drink. This place is a versatile choice if you want to go to a great bar or have a good dinner appointment with some cool and gorgeous people. I had a great time here, and I would definitely recommend this bar to people who are visiting a place like Hoboken.
(4)
Maicol B.
This place was amazing. The empanadas and squid appetizers were delicious. The squid especially was cooked to perfection and soft as creamy butter. We ordered el classico (pork, rice and yuca) and the paella. Both cooked to perfection and super delicious. The sangria was also tasty and complemented the meal nicely. The staff were incredibly nice and friendly, went along with all our jokes and made the experience that much better. Definitely going back.
(5)
Nick C.
The Cuban is one of the nicer restaurants in Hoboken. I used to go for happy hour specials all the time, when it was more affordable for a broke college student. The cocktails are strong, and they make perfect mojitos. The ambiance of the restaurant is levels above most of the casual places in Hoboken and the prices reflect it. But the food is very good, especially the Cuban sandwiches and churrasco.
(4)
Connie C.
I love this restaurant which is why I went back after my first experience. I first came here during the summer for my birthday with a couple of friends. I really liked the atmosphere because it was very lively---indoors and outdoors. I loved having live music by the door since our table was by the bar. For drinks, I got a mojito and half a pitcher of sparkling white sangria. I forgot the flavor of the mojito, but it was the fruit mojito of the season or something. It was yummy and this is coming from someone who loves her mojitos. The sangria was good for sharing with my friends. For my entree, I had El Classico, a pork shank dish. It was delicious and the portion size was pretty big (at least for me). Since it was my birthday, for dessert, we shared the tres leche. It was sweet and very good. The second time that I came here was in December. Obviously, since it's a lot colder now, there are no outdoor seatings. I had another seasonal mojito that I forgot the flavor to once again. A girl never gets sick of mojitos though. I shared the Churrasco with my boyfriend. It was delicious. I definitely recommend along with many other yelpers. I thought the watercress salad was light and very complimentary to the grilled skirt steak. Also, the yuca fries were amazing; super yummy. The food may be on the pricier side, but that's expected for a fancier restaurant. I definitely recommend coming here since it at such a prime location anyway on Washington Ave.
(5)
Lourdes E.
I didn't find out until later that there was a dining room and our server put us by the bar- no choice. I certainly didn't like that. Aside from that- the food was very good and the sangria excellent. We had vaca Rita and Rambo- the fufú that came with the Rambo was excellent. The black beans had too many green peppers for my taste. For dessert, we shared a Putin de pan - excellent and light and delicious. Good food for sure.
(4)
Xiomara R.
I went here for dinner and the food was delicious better then I expected. Staff was friendly and attentive, a bit pricey but worth it. Would definitely recommend and would love to go back.
(4)
Jay F.
I came here a couple of weeks ago for an early dinner with a friend from out of town. We did not have reservations, but were lucky enough to get a table and boy was I glad!. (I highly recommend making reservations. It is a rather small place that fills up quickly). We started with the Cuban guacamole w/lump crapmeat and plantain chips and caipirinha to drink. What a wonderful way to start off the night, we couldn't get enough of either item. Caipirinha was refreshing and had just enough kick to make us order a second round. For dinner I had the Pollo Criollo which is Chicken with sweet plantain rice. The sweet plantain rice was a nice surprise- I have never had the 2 mixed together in such a manner. I would try it again. My friend had the Paelle Valenciana. She seemed to enjoy it and the little bit she shared tasted great! To end the evening we shared the Bread pudding - it was by far one of the best bread puddings I have had in a long time. The evening was highlighted by the excellent service we received, not just from our waitress but from every server, bus boy, etc in the establishment. Everyone checks on you, everyone serves you making for quick, yet seamless service! I would return for the food and service.
(4)
Donna F.
My boyfriend and I have often had brunch here, and we've always left feeling extremely satisfied. The service is prompt, the servers are friendly and courteous, and I also like the atmosphere of the place. It has a kind of subdued sophistication; there are no garish pictures on the walls or loud colors. Everything is coordinated and blends together well. On Saturday (08/30), my boyfriend and I decided to check out The Cuban for an early dinner. Although we didn't have a reservation, the place wasn't full, and we were seated within seconds. Servers immediately came to our table to take our drink orders and place full water glasses in front of us. I ordered a seasonal drink, the Sandia Mojito, which was mixed with mint, lime, and watermelon (there were actual pieces of watermelon in the glass too). Normally, I despise watermelon, but the mint and lime masked it so well that I wasn't bothered by it. My boyfriend ordered a Peach Caripirinha (which I still can't pronounce, however hard I try) which I thought was a bit bitter, but he enjoyed it. We split the Pulpeta for our appetizer, which was a cluster of meatballs served in truffle oil with mushroom fricassee and roasted shallots. It's a shame this isn't a full entree. I loved how the meatballs were cooked; juicy, tender, and with a hint of spice. For our main courses, I ordered the Ropa Vieja and my boyfriend ordered the Pork Porterhouse. My meal was huge and I couldn't finish all the meat, but I loved how it was prepared. The meat was shredded thinly but was not stringy at all, and it was cooked well. My entree also came with a side of white rice and black beans, and both were equally delicious. My boyfriend liked his Pork Porterhouse, although he did encounter some pieces of meat that were a little on the dry side. I cannot confirm this, as I only sampled a non-dry piece of pork. :-) For dessert, we split the Torta de Chocolate while my boyfriend had an espresso. The menu said the cake was "chocolate sponge cake", but it tasted more like devil's food cake to me. Regardless, it was incredibly light and came topped with fresh strawberry slices, chocolate caramel mousse, buttercream in the middle, and caramel sauce drizzled on the sides. I am proud to say I was able to finish the dessert when my boyfriend was too full, so this little gem did not go to waste. Throughout the entire meal, our service was excellent. At no point did we feel rushed, and we didn't have to search for servers when we finished our meal so they could pick up the check. I really hope this place stick around, because I don't think Hoboken can do Cuban cuisine any better than this.
(5)
Joe K.
Food was absolutely fantastic. Came here with a couple of friends and everyone loved the meal they got. The service was really good, reminded me of a more upscale restaurant where they fold your napkins while you are up from the table and replace the silverware between courses. Constantly refilling water as well. The ambiance was very nice as well. Got an entree, two drinks and an appetizer to split between the table and it was about $50, not too expensive but not cheap. Would be a great date place. Amazing beef/steak dishes and great mojito selection as well.
One of my go-to restaurants in Hoboken - live music is always nice to hear and they have a great happy hour menu as well as tasty cocktails (If you like mezcal check this place out!) Favorite dishes are the mussels which come with fries in the middle and a spicy sauce as well as the crab meat avocado served with plantains. I have had a few of their steak dishes which are also quite good.
(5)
Mark R.
It's cute. Yes. It's very cute. You can miss it if you are not looking for it. I literally had to stop and stare for awhile but the dining experience was fantastic. All I saw were couples after couples. Jeez. People in love make me sick. YUK. It was Saturday and they offer brunch menu which is different from their normal dinner menu otherwise I would have had the seafood paella or something more. So my buddy and I decided to give this brunch menu a try: Tacos De Camaron - This is 3 small soft tortillas with 2 large chunks of grilled shrimp with pickled cabbage and avocado with spicy aioli. This was definitely a cute treat but also very flavorful and tasty. Fried rice - I ordered this on the side and it came with eggs and bacon bits. Wow. Sweet. I mean sweet for real. hahaha. I added some salt and pepper to even it out but overall satisfying. Sandwich De Picadillo - Cuban version of hamburger helper. It's sweet so you might want some hot sauce on the side. Not much to add here. I would not mind going back to try their dinner menu as well as just enjoying the vibrant scene during night time. Who wants to take me out Cuban style?
(3)
Alex U.
Food is delicious, service is quick, and the staff knows the menu inside and out. This is the best Cuban restaurant in Hoboken!
(5)
Rebecca L.
This is hands down one of the top 3 restaurants in Hoboken. The food is absolutely incredible as well as the atmosphere, service etc. Everything is well worth the price. I've dined in over 5 times and done takeout at least 3 times. Both make for a satisfying experience . MUST TRY. And make sure you check out the back of the restaurant, it is not only the area in front by the bar. Very impressive back there.
(5)
Cassie B.
I've been here a few times - once being on Valentines Day for the prix fixe. It was delightful and pretty authentic. I will not go to say it is the best Cuban food I've ever had but delicious and no complaints. They did not rush us, despite the holiday.
(4)
Amanda Y.
The food, ambience, and service was excellent. The churasco was excellent. I highly recommend it.
(5)
Maggie B.
Ah The Cuban I really wanted to love this place. The food was pretty good but the service was so bad and I have to say that is extremely important to me with a dining out experience. The waiters were not only inattentive but SO RUDE. It was me and one of my girlfriends and yes we are only 22 but don't treat us like we don't belong. I would give two stars because of how not welcomed/uncomfortable the staff made us feel but the mussels were really good (they had french fries on top- two of my favorite things combined). Despite the one delicious dish everything else I thought was good but not enough for the insanely high prices. I will not be returning to the Cuban as there are equally as good places to get this type of food with much better service.
(2)
Bob F.
Great atmosphere great staff and service unfortunately I felt the food was just average Same goes with the portions average at best the best thing about the place was that bread. I guess after reading the reviews I had high expectations it was just okay I will not return
(2)
Mark B.
We had dinner here with friends on a Saturday night and had a fantastic meal. Decor: They have both indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoor is nothing too special but indoor is great. The look and feel of the place is very trendy and cool, one of the more fun places in Hoboken. They have a ton of tables and there really is not a bad seat in the house (either in the bar or in the back). It's a somewhat upscale place but you really don't need to dress up to go for a meal. Bathroom: Very clean and very inviting. They keep the A/C pumping downstairs and this is a nice warm up spot as well haha. Staff: Our waiter was wonderful. He was quick to greet us and take our drink orders, returning soon after to take our meal order as well. He was pretty helpful with the couple questions he had and overall just a friendly guy. Food/Drink: The food is absolutely amazing. We started with some drinks (mojitos and a Washington Ave - which is AWESOME) and also some apps: Croquetas de Jamon (good, but not my favorite) and Aguacate con Cangrejo (so good!). For dinner we had: Paella Valenciana (very tasty!), Ropa Vieja (deliciously tasty), and Churrasco (absolute PERFECTION). Everything here is good though, as we've been several times. Value: It is a little bit more expensive but you certainly get what you pay for (both food and experience wise). This is probably the best restaurant in Hoboken. Yes, the best Cuban restaurant in Hoboken but probably the best overall as well. It's our favorite place and we will be back many times in the future.
(5)
Yenny O.
Gorgeous and enchanting with great atmosphere. If you like spicy, you must try the spicy Washington ave cocktail and if you are into something sweeter try the guava Mojito. You must try the appetizer stuffed yuca and please don't skip dessert, you will not be disappointed. We had the special dessert (panacotta). Service was impeccable! Overall my experience was memorable and great from beginning to end. Thank you
(5)
Eric A.
We had dinner here as a group of 6 with business colleagues on a Wednesday evening, found the atmosphere charming, service impeccable, and the experience overall was great! We started with PULPO, their grilled Spanish octopus, red pepper & onion escabeche, potatoes, salsa verde. This dish was AMAZING! The octopus was grilled to perfection, moist & delicate - I would go back for this appetizer alone, even consider ordering this as a meal. I was pleasantly surprised by the tenderness of this dish, my experience with octopus comes solely either as fried calamari or raw at sushi bars where the texture can often be rubbery when raw - this dish was no where near that texture. Wow! We also ordered the AGUACATE CON CANGREJO, their Cuban guacamole, lump crabmeat, plantain chips. Nice variation on typical guacamole, the plantain chips were perfectly fried, crisp, slightly salty, yet sweet. Would definitely order this again. For dinner, I ordered the PAELLA VALENCIANA, saffron rice, shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, clams, chorizo, chicken, garlic aioli. Great flavor! Not a morsel left on my plate after dinner. Regarding the impeccable service, the mussels came in the shell with my dinner, and every time I removed shells and put in a side bowl, a server was right there to remove the bowl and replace with an empty one. Nice touch. Would definitely return to this restaurant and recommend to friends!
(4)
Nunzia P.
I went here for a friend's birthday party and I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere is nice and the food was really good!
(4)
Diego C.
Left 1 Replublik and their high expectations of dress codes to get allowed in this place they greeted us and welcome us in. They were packed and sat us at the bar while we wait on a table. Pretty good crowd !!
(5)
Michael M.
The drinks were strong and I really liked my salmon. My friends however were very disappointed with their skirt steak and pernil orders. I would go back again.
(4)
Emily A.
I love this restaurant! The bar area is cute and casual, and then you walk back and realize the restaurant is 3x bigger than you had originally guessed. I've been here a couple of times and every single thing I've tried has been fantastic. The guacamole with lump crab meat served with plantain chips is heavenly. I see their menu has changed a little since the time I tried their version of papas rellenas - little fried balls of braised oxtail inside of mashed potatoes, served with a truffle jalapeno aioli - because I don't see them on there anymore, which is a shame because they were amazing. Same with the surf and turf entree of filet mignon and lump crab meat. I do see that they still have the steak and eggs brunch entree which might be the best steak and eggs I've ever had. Normally, I like my steak and eggs with bread to soak up the yolk. The Cuban serves it with the most delicious fried rice that complements it perfectly! Their mojitos and sangria are also great - very well balanced and not too sweet.
(5)
Joan E.
Definitely a fan of this place. Came here for a friend's birthday and the waitress accommodated us as much as possible. The place is pretty cramped, even more so when it's packed. It should be noted that this place will not seat any group unless the entirety of the group is present and they can "visually" see the people. Anyway, it was originally 4 for us so they sat us down in the first level by the bar, but my boyfriend decided to show up. Though the hostess would not accommodate a 5th person, the waitress was willing to serve 5 people at a 4 people table (all 3 girls squeezed at the booth). Great service and food!
(4)
Brian W.
Great food each and every time. Brunch is the way to go, same menu just Lowe pricing. Bring friends and enjoy the live music on Sundays
(5)
Thomas A.
Had dinner and drinks on a sat evening. Wait wasn't long even thought we were late trying to find parking. Mojito drinks were good but nothing great. The place was decorated nice with superb service, wait staff attentive. The bread n garlic butter were to die for. So good!!!! Started with some apps and salad. We had the chix empanadas which were good here but had better with a crispier batter elsewhere. Forgot the name of the salad, had mangos, grape tomatoes, greens and cilantro in it. Salad was delicious and fresh. Everything great at this point until the the octopus app came out. The octopus was overcooked and inedible, told the wait staff about it. Manager came to table moments later to ask about octopus app, told her it was overcooked and had it removed from check. Then it went down hill after with dinner entrees, had the vaca Frita which had great reviews but was soooo disappointed with it. Whether it was over fried or not, it just was to dry for me. The other entree was the paella which looked very good at the table next to us. The paella was just awful, rice soggy, mussels had a bad smell, shrimp overcooked(tough). Would still go back and try other items on menu next time.
(2)
Gabriela L.
Saying that I've eaten a lot of Cuban/Dominican/Latin American would be the understatement of the year, so the fact that I am dishing out 5 starts for this place means it's worth it. Trust me people. The food is so good and the service is attentive. The music is typical merengues and salsas, which keeps the atmosphere upbeat and fun. Loved my cocktail, the Pomegranate Mojito; it had enough alcohol and wasn't not overly sweet. I strongly recommend the Crab Guacamole (Aguacate con Cangrego), Mussels (Mejillones con Chorizo), and Vaca Frita. Everything was great. I definitely want to go back for brunch, then again for one of their live music nights, and then again.... because why not?!
(5)
Luis C.
Great service, prompt and professional... Atmosphere great as always... Had the crab meat and avocado appetizer, which was awesome.. For main had El Clasico, roasted pork shoulder... Cooked to perfection, meat falling off the bone but both mine and my companions had no taste whatsoever, lacking a lot on the condiment field.. Was very disappointed..
(3)
Rafael F.
Food was great. The ceviche was a little underwhelming. It was kind of just cooked shrimp in sauce. The sangria also left a bit to be desired. We thought we were getting a bonus with the seasonal watermelon. But it was tasty sangria nonetheless. The pork "El Classico" dish was real good. Meat fell right off the bone. The churrrasco was also very good and a recommended dish. Wish we tried more of there flavorful mojitos!
(4)
Stephanie S.
Alex was a amazing waiter. He was helpful and very knowledgeable of the menu. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was just right for a girls night on the town. Make sure to try the speciality made drinks. They are worth every penny. Definitely a place you want to visit in Hoboken
(5)
Susie T.
I enjoyed this deceptively large Cuban spot on Washington. Make sure you call ahead on weekends because the place was packed. We split a pitcher of Sangria, which was just okay. For appetizers, we tried the goat cheese (on special) as well as the meat and cheese board. Both were good. We split the paella, which was delicious and more than enough for two. I will definitely be checking this spot out again soon.
(4)
Matthew P.
After going to the Cuban with my friends we all unanimously decided that it was the best Cuban food be have ever had (granted we haven't had much). From the beginning the service was fantastic, kind, and helpful. We weren't dressed in the fanciest manner but it didn't matter because there was a comfortably casual aire about the place. The clientele was also very relaxed and seemed enjoyed themselves as my friends and I argued about god knows what. Walking from my table to the bathroom was scenic; the design and architecture of the building was very pleasing to the eye with different flights of stairs and seating on different elevations. Once the food arrived I could see it was arranged by a culinary artist, it captured the very premise of art and transfered it into a dish. The classic ropa veijo that I ordered was done with a perfect simplicity that made the experience of eating it even more magnificent then I thought it could have been. I wound the dining experience down with some mango sorbet that tied the meal into a perfect knot.
(5)
Alex V.
My favorite Cuban restaurant so far, on either side of the Hudson River. The appetizers and entrees were delicious and seemed authentic. The Ropa Vieja was beautifully prepared. The Mojito cocktails were out of this world...started feeling it after the first one. Got one of them on the house by checking in with my Yelp app. The only thing that kinda annoyed me was the live band, playing right next to the door. One word: LOUD!
(5)
Mayra A.
The food is amazing, sangria went down very smooth, the service 4 stars loved our waitress, the ambiance superb, great restaurant. A bit too loud.we couldn't hear rack other at the other end of the table
(5)
Kari B.
Had dinner and drinks here for a friend's birthday. They were able to accommodate a large group and the service was good. I enjoyed the food and atmosphere a lot.
(4)
Michael M.
Had a very good time here. Went in for a very light/quick meal so we just did apps and salad Bread is hard on the outside nice and soft on the inside served with a nice garlic butter. $14 pulpo- Grilled smoked paprika glazed Spanish octopus, red pepper escabeche, grilled chorizo, garlic chip, salsa verde. pulpo was great, nice amount of octo and chorizo. i wish there was some more garlic chip and salsa. perfectly cooked SO tender. $14 AGUACATE CON CANGREJO - Cuban guacamole, lump crabmeat, plantain chips. Dip was very good, and you get a lot (id hope for $14!), crab is a nice touch. plantain chips were very good as well, though, i had a few that were under cooked. overall, great dish. $10 ENSALADA DE LA FINCA - Watecress, cucumber, tomato, mango, avocado, pickled carrot, mint, cilantro, crispy shallots, sugarcane-lime vinagrette So I hate watercress because its so bitter. but this wasnt at all! very impressed. very good looking dish. we had 3 people, this was the perfect amount of food for a light meal to share.
(4)
Maryan I.
Last night I called to see if they had any outdoor seating available and I was told yes by the hostess. I got there and there was indeed an empty table outside. When the hostess saw that I had a baby in a stroller, she refused to seat me and my husband there. I was appalled at how rude someone can be and I couldn't believe that she was denying me a seat because I have a baby! I was furious and she insisted on not seating us. She wasn't even apologetic or trying to be nice about it. It's really a shame because we loved that restaurant but I'm not sure if I will go back after this experience.
(1)
Scott M.
Really great brunch. Not crowded, not that expensive, good drinks, good food, great service. Recommended.
(4)
Alice M.
Delicious food and drinks. I highly recommend it for all occasions, great food and service and festive atmosphere. They are great with accommodating large parties for birthdays etc. Mojitos are top notch and love the seasonal flavor selection.
(5)
Marla F.
I've lived in Hoboken for 2 years and somehow have never come to The Cuban. Last night I finally made it in and for a Wednesday night, it was packed-- now I see why! After you sit down, a cute little wooden bread box comes to the table. Inside is hot balls of soft bread that were steaming when you cracked them open. So delicious! For my entree, I ordered the Vaca Frita (slow cooked and crispy beef) which came with half of a sliced avocado, fresh red salsa, white rice and a side of black beans. The portion was pretty much on point for the $28 price tag. The beef was flavorful and very tender with little bits that were crunchy, yum! The service is amazing. Probably the best service I've experienced anywhere in Hoboken. I've only been here once but I never needed to ask our waiter for anything yet didn't feel smothered. We split a bottle of champagne and I never had to refill my glass even once. It was a nice personal touch. I will definitely be coming back!
I walked by this place several times and I wasn't really interested. Being Puerto Rican I am a little biased toward our cuisine over Cuban food not to say that I don't like Cuban food because I do. The Cuban came highly recommended by my manager who is a Hoboken resident. Upon his high praise I decided to take my wife there on a dinner date. I made a reservation days in advance and for good reason, when we arrived the restaurant was crowded. We were seated immediately, the place is bigger than what we originally anticipated. We looked over our menus and we went with the Aguacate con Cangrejo (Cuban guacamole with Crab meat) to start. It was light and very flavorful it was accompanied by thin sliced plantain chips the layers of flavor within the app were good and provided a nice depth to the simple yet tasty dish. We also ordered a pitcher of white sangria that was very good. We selected the Main Course which was the Classico, a dish composed of roast pork (which looked like a mini pernil) morro style rice, 3 pieces of fried sweet plantains and yuca with onion and garlic sauce. This dish was very, very good. It's portion size was great just enough to satisfy but may be a bit overwhelming for a light eater. The service was outstanding. We will be visiting this restaurant again very soon. Thank you for such great service and providing us with a great option for some great Cuban food.
(5)
Chris W.
Was a really great meal. I had the Vaca Frita which was a well done crispy skirt steak served with avocado, white rice, black beans. Delicious. My friends had Chorizo and Beef sliders and the Pollo Criollo, which was a very flavorful Half Chicken with Chorizo fried rice. everything obviously home made and obviously well conceived and perfectly executed. Great place. And Hoboken is a beautiful place too. what a great place to stroll, eat and relax.
(4)
Vanessa L.
Love this place and would recommend it highly! The drinks and that appetizers are excellent! The prices are fair considering the area the restaurant is in (lively Hoboken). Keep in mind you will have to look for parking or park in a lot...$20 for up to 5 hrs is one lot I saw.
(5)
T M C.
I actually really like this place but the little things do matter. The food overall is very good and the prices aren't too bad. You get what you pay for. With that said, bread was too hard, the sauce on the maduros wrapped in bacon was too sweet and took away from the flavor (not quite what I expected). For dessert the mocha tres leches cake was good but needed more of the delicious mocha ice cream on top (we were literally given a teaspoon) to even it out- the cake was a little dry for tres leches. I swear I do like this restaurant and still recommend it but for the price those are things worth noting to improve.
(3)
Crystal G.
All the meals were great but absolutely loved the chicken empanadas were sooooooooooooooooo good, very different, delicious! Service was great, wonderful atmosphere, and good portions.
(5)
Danielle H.
Food was good but not excellent. Cocktails were great! Some of the food lacked seasoning which I was shocked about.
(4)
Tony H.
I'll preface this review by saying, I strongly dislike the vast majority of the restaurants I've been to in hoboken. (Granted I've only been to about 15-20 of them) I'll start with the bread. Comes in a box, served with butter that must have some seasoning in it. Delicious. Butter spreads and melts perfectly to the bread. Appetizer- decided to go with the chicken empanadas as that's what most reviews say to get. Good, solid, hot (80% of food in hoboken comes out luke-warm not hot) and tasty. You can tell this is freshly made in house the chicken inside is moist and glazed with a form of verde sauce. Good but I will def try a different one next time. My gf got the veal chop with their version of fried rice. I tried some. Very good. Not personally a veal chop guy but the pieces cut very easily, was juicy and nicely cooked. Fried rice tasted like a homemade fried rice (I'm Chinese) with a Spanish spin. I got the short rib meal. WOW. The pieces of meat came apart so well, easy to eat, topped with deliciously seasoned homemade onion rings that were topped w cheese. All spread on some delicious creamy starch product (mash potato? Mash yuca? Idk it was a nice filler). What else was nice had to be the small slices of chorizo stuffed between meats and starch while everything was drizzled with their sauce marinade from the short ribs. Only complaint was that it wasn't hot enough but that's me knit picking bc it was good. I will disclose that although I wanted to I will definitely next time grab a mojito which not only I've heard is good but looked fantastic when I saw it walk by me. (Maybe Monday mojito night) Will definitely be back! I recommend over zafra where the food came out jus short of luke-warm (maybe just the time I went?)
I can't express just how excellent the food is here. As a matter of fact, everything about the place is magical. The ambiance is comfortable and upscale without being pretentious. The Sangria is, by far, the best in town and will easily get you drunk. Even the wait staff are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and great at their job. I've come here with friends, and just the gf and me and every time has been better than the last. Portions are plentiful, the food is full of flavor. The Cuban is simply not to be missed bit make sure you make your reservation. I'm sure word had gotten aroundand I'm not the first to rave about it's excellence.
(5)
Elizabeth C.
The chimichurri sauce is simply amazing!!! So tasty all the food myself and my daughter order was just to die for!
(4)
Amanda D.
The Cuban is definitely one of the top restaurants in Hoboken. Perfect for a nice date or if you want to treat yourself to a reasonably upscale restaurant. To start, their sangria is delicious with plenty of alcohol to do the trick. They have a seasonal and traditional option and both are amazing. I've only had the Vaca Frita plate here, but because it's so delicious I don't want to try anything else for my entree! Crispy pieces of steak with rice & beans...so much flavor and I'm not usually a steak fan. The Croquetas are such a nice appetizer and perfect portion before a big meal. The only reason I didn't give it the 5th star is that they promote a Sunset Menu on their website, so of course, I wanted to get the amazing meal at a reduced price. When we went for this, we definitely weren't treated with the attention that we got when ordering off regular menu and the food didn't wow me as much. The restaurant wasn't crowded at the time we attended, so they should just remove this option if it's going to be a different dining experience.
(4)
Jack L.
It's always nice to go back to your hometown to find new things to try out. Like The Cuban. My family of 4 was looking for a place to eat that wasn't pizza. Well, on Washington Street, there was plenty to choose from that fit the bill. We settled on The Cuban because there was no wait on a Saturday afternoon, they were serving brunch and because I had a free Mojito because of my Foursquare check-in! Free stuff! I ended up with The Cuban Sandwich. Totally hit the spot for me and it went well with my free Mojito. The restaurant is huge but I'm sure it's more for the nightlife crowd that I have totally graduated out of! I'll try to come back when I'm at home to try out other stuff on the menu but the value was great, food delicious and service was very attentive.
(4)
Jena R.
Eating brunch at the Cuban was an amazing dining experience! The restaurant is absolutely immaculate with a relaxing atmosphere. There was a live band and the volume was just right, not too loud so you can still carry on a conversation . The service was great, attentive to your every need whatever it may be. The food was phenomenal ! I had the steak and eggs and the flavor profiles were way above par. Steak was cooked to perfection. Thanks for the wonderful experience . Will definitely be back .
(5)
Jennifer P.
I've gone to this restaurant a few times and only came back because I genuinely enjoy the food and music- though the service and management wasn't always the greatest. Now, I will NEVER go back after this past experience I had this weekend. My sister and I wanted to grab some drinks and apps with our parents - we started off with a large pitcher of Sangria and an app. We planned on ordering TONS more drinks and apps that would add up to being well OVER $100. After the waitress realized we were not ordering entrees (YET!) she asked us to get up from our seat outside because people ordering entrees wanted our seat. I was absolutely appalled, but didn't make a scene and we just left. I really couldn't believe they did that- the MANAGEMENT THERE SUCKS AND SO DOES THE SERVICE. Food is great, but there are other places to go that will treat people much better than this crap. I will NEVER come back to this place.
(1)
Belle V.
Really good food! Bigger than what it looks from the outside. Fun to go with your friends and catch up. At night however, it turns kind of a lounge/clubbish atmosphere. If you are with a big group of people, you won't heat each other's conversation. But I do highly recommend their food!
(4)
William B.
Been to the CUBAN several times. The food and service are always very consistent. The food prices are fair for the quality you receive. Always a very good experience.
(5)
Ashwin M.
Fantastic experience at The Cuban on a bitter cold Sunday night. The place was packed, probably because the next day was Presidents Day. It appears small and narrow in the front, but there's a bigger dining area in the back. We shared the shrimp ceviche, delicious. Paella was on point, and came with a large, healthy portion. Tuna special, served on a bed of butternut squash, was cooked to perfection, not overdone. Great service, great vibe/atmosphere, great drinks (go for the red sangria!), I will be back for sure!
(4)
Olga K.
The food was cold, appetizers were less then ordinary, sangria was watered down, my husband's Pompano was boiled, not grilled with dark meat(blood) on most of the fish. The prices were outrages for less then mediocre food and service. No returns! (We were a company of 7 and nobody was happy)
(1)
Philip H.
Went back to order my favorite eggs Benedict and was told they ran out (this is at 12:00pm on a non busy Saturday). Low and behold a couple sits next to us and orders the cuban Benedict 20 minutes later and whallla It shows up in 5 minutes. Waiter tried to get me to order the two most expensive things on the menu instead of the cuban Benedict. Great food, but sketchy and unprofessional service to pull something like that.
(1)
Elizabeth M.
My date brought me here last night on his friend's recommendation. We had a reservation for 830 but due to ridiculous traffic on the Cross Bronx we called to let them know it would be more like 9 and the gentleman who answered the phone was very polite about it. We arrived at 8:45 and were seated immediately. It was VERY crowded so it was a bit noisy but the music was so loud I could not hear my date or the waiter. I think there was a drink special with some lemon and sangria? He came back to tell us the dinner specials and the entire time I was just watching his lips move and wondered if it would be rude of me to request the music be turned down a little. I think I heard something about fish with the skin on. Guess what, I said nothing and moments later the music was turned down. Yay! I was finally able to stop yelling WHAT across the table every time my date spoke. We ordered cocktails and looked at the menu some more and came to a decision at about 9:15 and continued our conversation. At 9:30 I was about to drop my knife on the floor to cause enough of a scene for the waiter to come over as we sat there with the menus on the corner of the table. Good thing I had that banana on the drive over. We finally ordered and the food. Another round? Sure. Except this time my Kettle and club was iron man strong. I swapped with my date :) The food came just after 10. It would have been less annoying if the table next to us, who had been seated just before we finally ordered, hadn't gotten their food before us. Plus, my date had something planned for at Pier 13 which closes at 11 and he was getting antsy so I felt bad for him. The food came and looked amazing. BISTEC Grilled choice ribeye steak, grilled asparagus, caramelized onion, crispy truffle potatoes, Valdeon butter I ordered the steak med-rare and it was cooked to perfection. The asparagus was wonderful and the truffle potatoes...WOWWWWWWWWWWW. I thought the valdeon butter was good but it had a powerful taste and I thought it would suffice to use a little bit less. Otherwise, I was very happy with the entire dish. BOLICHE Braised short rib, chorizo, parsnip puree, Manchego onion rings, tempranillo au jus Another delicious entree. If it wasn't for the fact that we were there for 1:45 without even getting an appetizer or dessert I would give this place 5 stars. Let's just call it leisurely.
(4)
Krisann W.
Totally awesome ----- fruity (but not sweet) sangria and loads of appetizers after deciding we could taste more that way. Everything was delicious. The chocolate filled churros for dessert --- truly makes the top 10 ever!!! Really nice ambiance and great service. Go, go, go!!! -- you won't regret it.
(5)
Heather J.
Just finished eating here, I'm in love. I had a mojito and pulpo to start. Delicioso! Paella for dinner! So, so good! Wish I had room for dessert. But because I didn't have dessert and the food was so good, I'll definitely be back. My girlfriend who was with me, who happens to be Cuban says this is one of her favorite restaurants. So really, you know it's the real deal!
(5)
Katie B.
Cuban Restaurant is incredible! Outstanding service and food! There were four of us and we got the tres leches french toast, the Cuban Benedict, the crab guacamole, and the chicken tostadas. Everything was undeniably delicious. Will be back for sure!!
(5)
Sophia V.
outdoor seating in the summer, excellent food, attentive service, great ambiance - overall a great place and will go again. I've been eating a lot of cuban food lately and this has to be the best i've had so far. Our waitress, Levanna, was extremely friendly and the wait staff were very attentive - always refiling our glasses, cleaning off the table between courses and taking our plates when we were done. probably the best service i've ever had at a restaurant. the bread and butter they give you at the beginning of the meal has a weird texture but it is SO GOOD and it comes out warm which is nice. they also offered this $25 menu with a starter, main and dessert and i thought that was a great bargain. I got the vaca frita meal with empanaditas and a tres leches - very big portions so you get your money's worth. overall, great experience.
(5)
Lani M.
Authentic cuban meal. Nice large portions. Drinks were on point.
(5)
Sandra B.
Here's what I like about this place: Let's face it, not everyone is a foodie. Some people enjoy straightforward fare. I came here with a group that was a mixed bag, and there was something for everyone. The more gastronomically adventurous folks raved over the grilled octopus appetizer while others savored the perfectly prepared guacamole with crab and plantain chips. The entrees offer an equal spectrum from classic to inventive flavor combinations, all beautifully executed. I found the pricing very reasonable and the ambiance downright sultry.
(5)
Karla B.
Great food, excellent customer service. Wonderful ambience. I had lunch 5/10 . I taught my bill was incorrect and pointed it out to the waitress - I was persistent. The waitress was calm ,took her time to explained my mistake. She is good at what she does , trained or she might just be a natural .......exceptional customer service throughout my meal. ......thank you
(5)
Dallana U.
Food, environment and service were all amazing. The waiters and Manger were very attentive. The best part was the food.l, amazing upscale cuban food! Definetly going again. You should try "El Classico" for a true cuban plate, has all the elements cuban food is known for, and a good portion too!
(4)
soraya s.
Gluten free dinner rolls?! Yes! Plus a variety of delicious gluten free menu items! Every time we come here, the customer service is AMAZING, their drinks are delish and the food is always on point. The skirt steak, the paella, the salmon, all soooo good! I always have a hard time choosing. I always bring out of town guests here for dinner and they have also always loved it. The restaurant itself fools you when you walk in, you first see a tiny dining room, but there is a larger dining room in the back. Lovely to sit out on the streets during nicer weather. The Cuban is the best restaurant in Hoboken!
(5)
Emily G.
This is by far the best restaurant in Hoboken, hands down. My boyfriend and I decided to stop by for brunch, and were initially taken aback by how empty it was. Not sure if they tend to get busier for dinner, or if it was just a slow day. Either way, we were more than happy to have the outside area to ourselves. We decided to share some empanadas as an appetizer, and I ordered the ropa vieja for my entree. Although we tend to avoid bread when it's handed out at restaurants, we inhaled the bread and butter that our server brought out for us. Never would've thought that I would care that much for butter, but seriously, you'll regret not trying it. It's also brought out warm, which made it all the better. The empanada appetizer was great, but really paled in comparison to our meals. There's something to be said about the presentation, too -- my steak was prepared separately from the rice and beans, in a delicious pepper sauce that made it melt in my mouth. My boyfriend chose a more traditional brunch entree (bistec a caballo) and his skirt steak was truly cooked to perfection. We actually had a chance to return for a second time -- I ordered "el barrio" and my boyfriend got the steak for a second time (why mess with a good thing?). This time we also ordered drinks (a half pitcher of sangria) and dessert (tres leches for me, ice cream sandwiches for him). Probably not the highlight of the meal, but still pretty good. My advice is to skip dessert, maybe even appetizers, and just enjoy a ridiculously delicious and very filling meal. Top notch service as well!
(5)
Mark F.
I'm a paella snob - this place has the best! El Classic is a meat-falls-off-the-bone dish you have to try. Service is attentive, atmosphere is warm. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Paola C.
Currently having dinner here, seated in a corner table of the zebra room. The vibe is not like in other rooms which is a bit disappointing but what definitely kills the vibe the corner table. It's super weird and I feel like I'm waning with the couple across from me :/ It's our first time here and actually our first time in NJ period so we didn't have any expectations other than the ones here on Yelp. I made a reservation earlier which was fairly easy but ran late and showed up 30min later. When we arrived we waiting a few seconds before the hostess walked up to the door and the most awkward thing happened- she came up to us and literally just stared until I asked her for a table. No hello, how are you or welcome just a stare down. WTF? Then she asked if we were having dinner or drinks, I said dinner and she guided us into the back. Apparently the table she wanted to seat us at wasn't ready so we waited a few. The main thing I was looking forward to here was the classic mojito which I read came with a piece of caña/ sugar cane. I know it's silly but I love Cuban everything and a sugarcane in mojitos is hard to come by. So I ordered my drink and as it arrived I was really sad- NO SUGARCANE :( the Waiter said they were all out and that was that. Food was actually amazing. My sister had the vaca frita and I had the shrimp and green rice- both superb, hence the 4 stars. If they could improve on anything it would have to be the customer service. They're definitely quick and efficient but would smiling kill them? Also super weird but I got the feeling that they didn't want to speak Spanish. I feel awkward talking to my peeps in English but they actually refused so whateves.
(4)
Melissa J.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Hoboken. The quality of the food, service, and drinks cannot be beat! It is a bit of a walk from the PATH, but I would happily make that walk in rain, sleet, snow, wind, and ice to dine here. When you enter, the restaurant is dark and intimate. There us a small dining area and bar. In the back is a much larger dining area with tall ceilings. The ladies bathroom is up the stairs on the right (sneaky!). I think the mens is up there too. Favorite Dish: Vaca Frita. Twice cooked crispy skirt steak, tomato escabeche, avocado, white rice, black beans, garlic mojo. The meat is crispy and awesome. The flavor combo of the components of this dish is right on point. I am salivating as I type just thinking about it. The dish is pretty darn huge... great as leftovers the next day too! Favorite App: Guacamole with plantain chips. It is also a large serving. The guac is fresh with lumps of avocado. I wasn't sure about the plantain chips at first, but they are a perfect pairing and are just the right amount of crispy. Favorite Drink: Mojito. Fresh mint and limes, complete with a sugar cane stick for garnish. Can't go wrong. Their bartenders always seem to have a heavy rum hand, which I definitely cannot complain about! Honorable mentions: Sangria (red is better), and Churrasco. Both delicious. Be warned: this place does get crowded during prime dining hours, so be sure to make a reservation. Parking in this area can also be difficult, but you might get lucky and find a spot right out front!
(5)
Danessa L.
My family and I were looking for a great place to celebrate, this restaurant was suggested to parents. This place by far beats the surrounding Cuban restaurants in the area and trust me we have tried many. Let's start off with the venue, it has great decor and the hidden spacious dinning areas. It has a good ambience and great background Salsa music. I highly recommend the passion fruit mojitos. Their appetizers are quite small but yet so tasty. My favorite was the salmon ceviche, the avocado with crabmeat, and their chicken empanadas. The service was excellent as well! This is a great choice for a real Cuban food, it definitely won't let you down.
(5)
John T.
I usually don't like to take many risks with my food so when the "better" half suggested Cuban for dinner I was a little hesitant. After all, we tried another Cuban restaurant down the street 4 months ago and left regretting the choice. However seeing the restaurants review, I thought maybe I should give it another shot. Let me just get right to it...the place is AMAZING! Everything from the bread, entrees, service, music, ambience, etc. exceeded our expectations. We ordered the Paella Valenciana and the Vaca Frita and were left extremely satisfied with our meal. We loved each and every bite of it and even had enough left over to enjoy it the next day for dinner. And all this time, I had no idea Cuban food could be so good...lucky Fidel Castro!
(5)
Courtney B.
YUM! I was really happy with my meal here last night (and my free mojito for checking-in on Yelp!) I came here with two friends and we were served some sort of bread and herbed butter very shortly after being seated. (It was delicious.) All three of us ordered rope vieja, and I subbed out white rice for cuban fried rice. All three of us were extremely happy. The meat was full of flavor (and the portion was pretty nice- none of us finished, but it wasn't ridiculously large.) The fried rice was also delicious-- I definitely recommending asking for the substitution (I think I might have been charged an extra dollar, but it was well worth it.) Overall, the food was fantastic. The ambiance was nice-- it's a pretty small place but it is laid out well (nobody brushed past me or bumped into my chair.) It was definitely a great place to come and catch up with friends. I'd definitely come back!
(4)
Elizabeth L.
came here for my birthday dinner. Overall great portions and perfectly prepared food we ordered 2 apps and 4 entrees. Ordered a pitcher of the special white sangria but to our disappointment it was watered down and had maybe 2% alcohol The apps : Meatballs: not really spicy but a good portion and very tasty 10/10 Mussels: amazing flavor and big portion great broth with chorizo and fries! 10/10 Pork shank entree: 8/10 Fall off the bone paired with perfectly cooked rice and plantains Rojo vieja: 9/10 meat was flavorful and tender pretty standard but hits the spot Pollo criollo : 9/10 the rice with this was delish with herbs and veggies chicken was tender fresh and flavorful Boliche: 8/10 Very rich dish with potatoes and onions. Overall we left with 4 doggy bags. Pros: Portions and variety, flavor, decent price for portion Cons: Watered down sangria
(4)
Qipper T.
I was going to rate this place 5 stars for the ambience and food however I did get diarrhoea. Maybe it's because my body is not use to eating such heavy food. The place is deceivingly large. At first you go in and you think it's a cozy, single aisled style restaurant but you then it barrels out into an open space then there are two staircases. One leads down to a rounded booth seated area, the other leads up to a second floor seating. Overall the waiters and food were hot and delicious, in that order.
(3)
Kimberly B.
Came here for my birthday with a party of 12, but I am a picky eater! I asked for something off of the "bar menu" vs. the regular restaurant menu. The server gave me a difficult time and I eventually had to ask to speak to a manager. Came a second time for a roommates birthday and told them over the phone we were celebrating a birthday. I had expected a small plate with a candle so we could sing, however they never acknowledged the birthday. The food is great & so is the atmosphere, so I will probaly keep coming, however I did expect more from them!
(3)
Cris A.
I seriously can't believe how amazing the service is here. We were starving and wanted to grab a quick bite and a drink. I checked on yelp and this was the closest restaurant to our hotel with great ratings. We ordered the eggplant fritters, papas relleno, and the pulpo. All were great. I had the special caipirinha of the day, grilled peach, (YUMMMMM!!) and my husband had a few classic mojitos. Like I said before, the service was fantastic!!! I wish every dining experience was just like this! As a business owner myself, I would like to tell the owner of this establishment that they have an amazing staff! It's so tough to find good employees. You have a terrific team! EVERYONE was totally on point!!! And btw I'm writing this review while still sitting in your restaurant. We will be back whenever we are in Hoboken!
(5)
Pamela L.
I cannot think of any bad things to say about this place. The ambience is just right, the service is supremely attentive and friendly, and when I had dinner there last, there was a live band playing Spanish music - adorable and perfect. I wish I had the patience to try new things on the menu, but I can't for fear of missing out on fantastic paella. I can't stop ordering the paella and feel guilty for getting the same thing on every visit, but I never regret my decision at the end. It's absolutely fantastic and everyone who goes should at least try it once. I've gone with several friends (who don't always order the same thing) and they've all loved the plates they've gotten, so I've yet to hear a bad review. We luckily did not have a wait (on a Thursday night) but usually on the weekends, it's packed (for good reason). Warning: the sangria is deadly, proceed with caution!
(5)
Maria G.
I had dinner at here back in December and it was very good. I went this past week and then only good thing was the Mojito. The octopus was over cooked and chewy, the boliche tasted of chemicals. I was totally embarrassed as I'm Cuban and was took my girlfriend there to introduce her to good Cuban food. Go to La Isla across the street if you want great food or better yet go to Union City and spend half the price.
(2)
Jill V.
This review is based on only a short pitstop with some girlfriends. We stopped there before going to another bar to meet some friends. The crab guacamole was okay - not enough crab but loved that they served it with plantain chips. The sangria was decent; not too strong but not just juice either. Service was great as we were being a bit indecisive with our drink choices but they were patient. They also didn't make a fuss about us being seated in the dining area for just drinks and apps. I want to go back and have dinner there to try the rest of the menu. Note: there is a huge dining room in the back, so if you're looking for a place to accommodate a large party, I suggest this place.
(4)
Sarah K.
Came here on a Saturday night. It was crowded got lucky and got seated right away. We skipped the app and went straight to the entre. Good thing we did because the meat entre we got were very heavy and filling. A lot of food! At least for me. Would come back and try their apps & a salad entre.
(5)
Felisha B.
One of my favorite restaurants! The food is always excellent no matter what you order! The Churrasco Steak is excellent. Sure to not be disappointed!! Staff is extremely polite and attentive as well.
(5)
A. A.
My husband and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary and a family member recommended this restaurant. I think it's safe to say that this was one of the best meals we have had in a long time. The food was delicious, the mojitos were nice and strong and the service was impeccable. I will be back... Maybe this weekend! Wonderful place.
Amazing food! However, it took more than 1.5 hrs to be seated! We made a reservation, but a couple friends were late so we had to give up our table. Once our party were all there, the hostess said 20mins, which turned out to be more than 45mins. Thank goodness the good was worth the wait! We started with the octopus, crab guacamole and ceviche. The octopus was amazing, super flavorful! Crab guacamole was great too, lumps of crab! Yum! The ceviche was boring, can't recall much. For entree, i had the ribeye steak in medium rare and it was delish! Yummmmm... the asparagus and potato crisp were perfect sides! The skirt steak was awesome too! Everything was served on generous portions, I had more than half leftover! Dessert wise, we had the banana bread pudding and chocolate molten cake, both were just ok... not impressed... (the snowboken from dino and harrys is still my favorite dessert from Hoboken). Can't wait to come back and try out more from the menu!
(4)
Albie P.
If I could give more than five stars, I would. This place is absolutely amazing. I usually don't speak like that, so that's how I really know that this place is absolutely amazing. The restaurant is spic and span. Looks clean, smells clean, is clean. Their staff has got to be the best staff any restaurant has ever employed. It was the best damn service I ever received hands down. You will be hard pressed to find a better staff. The food was the best damn Cuban food I've eaten. I lived in Miami for 5 years and this place still is the best damn Cuban food I've eaten. I ordered the pandeja pais and a cortatito. The steak was cooked and seasoned perfectly and the coffee (cortatito) hit the spot But I must admit, I left this restaurant very angry. I'm so angry that this restaurant isn't in NYC. I will definitely be back with the wife though.
(5)
Laila D.
This is the best restaurant I have eaten in within Hoboken in terms of the food, the service, the beautiful (Cuban) live music and general ambiance and decor. After running some morning errands we heard beautiful live Cuban music playing during Sunday brunch time and were lured inside. The band leader was Manuel Alejandro and he played Cuban son so beautifully with his partner....we could not believe such great full complex music (percussion, vocals, guitar) could be created by only two people. We ordered two of the special cocktails to start: a delicious caipirinha infused with lemon and grilled pineapple (yum!!). This was the winner! The sangria was also delicious and full bodied as well as very smooth. We shared a special appetizer: salmon ceviche with pickled pineapple and onion with a kick of chili spice in there: this was one of the most delicious ceviche either I or my husband had ever eaten and we were 'wowed' at the fireworks of flavors and smooth textures in our mouths. The presentation was also very beautiful. We could see this was a very serious, experienced, passionate, and creative culinary master. We ordered one of the appetizers on recommendation of the server who was warm and very helpful with suggestions. She recommended the fried mashed yuca which was so delicately fried and filled with a delectable and perfectly seasoned ground beef filling which contained sweet fried plaintain, white raisin, and served with a special relish and cream....this was one of the most delicious and complex and subtle yet satisfying things I have ever eaten in my life. I was overjoyed to have discovered and experienced this traditional Cuban delight which was so meticulously prepared. We then shared a salad of watercress, mint, cucumber, slivered carrot, avocado, tiny delicate anchovies served with a mustard-based dressing....also another explosion of perfectly paired flavors and textures in our mouths! We left very happy and grateful indeed and will certainly be back.
(5)
Elaine H.
Came back here after almost a year and I still insist to give high credibility. My recommendation half chicken with garlic rice received positive feedback from my friend as well. I went ahead and tried paella, together with sangria...remembered last time they put watermelon and orange and this time it became green apple lol, indeed seasonal as they were calling it. This was also my first time sitting inside the room (last time was brunch so chose to sit out and enjoy sunshine) and we nicely discovered their decent painting. Have to admit Cuban restaurant would never let me down!
(5)
Juliet Z.
OK so maybe I've been to too many GREAT Cuban restaurants that makes me not care for this one and makes it my first and last time here... First of all , I do have to say that the restaurant itself has an elegant appeal to it which I liked the customer service is PHENOMENAL and that's the reason why I'm giving it a 2 instead of a 1 our waiter went above and beyond to explain the menu gave us a few suggestion was very attentive and service was rather fast . Now the food , As an appetizer, we ordered the BBQ chicken empanadas (2) empanadas split in two gorgeous presentation but why I care for presentation if the food is not great... The chicken tasted old but it was still juicy but it was sweet I guess the BBQ made it sweet I literally had only half didn't like it.. As an entree I got the ropa vieja which comes with the shredded beef rice and beans (no sweet plantains,) like every Cuban restaurant... Amyway, there was more stew sauce then meat in it ... For $20 a plate I expect at least half a lb of meat so I could have leftovers for the next 3 meals... Either way I guess it was a good thing ,it wasn't a lot because I would felt bad throwing away all that tasteless food... The ropa vieja needed more adobo garlic and sofrito had no flavor once or ever. My husband ordered the vacca frita again no flavor not even Jesus could help that food with some flavor.. Now desert was delicious but for $10 they could of gave me a bigger slice .. I literally ate it in 3 bites and I'm not a big girl.... Needless to say, in my opinion, this place is still open because of its magnificent service and not so much for the food all those great reviews were done by people without taste buds ... $135 later for dinner for 2 people I was angry at my husband for wanting to try something different because at Cuban Pete's in Montclair we usually get 2 appetizers a jar of mojito 2 entrees ,and 2 desserts and the bill never comes up to even $80.... I don't care if I have to pay $135 for a meal for 2 if the food is exquisite but this place didn't WOW me. Never again.
(2)
Patty L.
I had a wonderful experience at The Cuban!My friend and I went on a Saturday and sat inside. We shared the "barrio chino" which are shrimp and corn dumplings. They weren't my favorite but we still enjoyed them. The paella however is amazing and I highly recommend getting it. It is also big enough to share with another person. The drinks are delicious and strong but kind of pricey. Overall I love this place and can't wait to try other items on the menu!!
(4)
Jessica W.
Came here on a random Wednesday night with no reservation. ( they aren't on open table), and they were able to seat is within 5 minutes. I had the white sangria, and a mojito, both delicious. To eat we had the guacamole, tostones, and salad. (I was dating a vegetarian at the time) everything was awesome ! Cannot wait to go back and get a protein. Great date place or dinner with the girls ;)
(5)
Shonnie H.
MEEHHHHH. This is my second time at The Cuban - the first time was a couple years ago, shortly after it first opened its doors. I think I went on a week night and we were one of only 2 or 3 other patrons. This time was completely different - there were SOO many people, which is usually a great sign of the quality of food and drinks. We made a 7pm reservation (Saturday evening) and I called at 6:30pm to let them know that we might be about 10 minutes late due to traffic. The woman who picked up the phone was rude - she said "well, you might have to wait anyway"- really? I was making a courtesy call, no need to make such a rude response. I was also only late by 3 minutes - I ran inside while my date went to park the car. There were about 3 tabletop seats available (across from the bar) and the girl (likely the same rude girl who picked up the phone), tells me that she won't seat me until my date arrived. What's the point of doing that when you have free tables? Since I obviously made a reservation, you would have to give me one of those tables anyway, as there was no one else waiting. My date finally arrived a couple minutes later, and to my surprise, the other host took us ALL the way to the back and up the steps to where a party was taking place - there were about 10-15 people sitting in a area and were loud as heck. I told her that I wanted the tabletop seat at the front. She, at first, refused, saying that those are for "reservations only," to which I, at this point was frustrated enough, shot back and said "I had a reservation and I am NOT sitting up here." She went to check if there were still seats available (there were still a couple tables available just when we walked up the steps so I don't see why there wouldn't be), and she finally gave in and escorted us back. Totally unnecessary drama - management needs to step up their game and replace these rude hosts or train them to stop being snobs - the African American girl was particularly rude. She's problematic and for a restaurant where you're serving people, put a smile on your face sometimes - wouldn't hurt not to be be such a RBF all the time. Putting that all behind us and motivated to enjoy the rest of the evening, we ordered 2 appetizers - grilled calamari and guac with crab meat. They were both excellent - the fried plantain was a perfect match with the guac and I was so delighted by the surprisingly spectacular match of guac with crab meat. As for the drinks, I ordered a lemongrass mojito after reading some Yelp reviews and it was, indeed, very good. We were both feeling seafood that night, and I ended up ordering the paella. It sucked. I was really disappointed with how grossly soggy the rice was, and how there was barely any sauce. The rice was swollen and the whole dish was nauseating. I picked out just the seafood and left all my rice. I had the Washington Avenue cocktail which was a spicy tequila drink - very interesting but would likely not order it again. The service was good - our waiter was sweet and attentive. I didn't like how they kept asking if we were "done" with our food - my date had gone to the car to get something and was literally gone for less than 5 minutes, and they were asking if we had finished our food. We finally gave in when we were asked a third time, since the main dish wasn't that good anyway. It was a perfect time to leave - we left at 8:30pm, and the bar area was getting crowded with drunks. I have no idea what the hype is about but I clearly forgot about this place after the first time I went because it was unimpressive then - had I remembered there was really nothing special to it, I wouldn't have come back. Anyway, Hoboken seems to still be needing some more upscale/fun/hipster restaurants that actually delivers good food - look at the low expectations, given the stars for this restaurant.
(2)
Lyndenise B.
[For the service, we never got to try the food] We came by 3 days ago for a late lunch/early dinner and the waitress outside saw us and said "go inside to see the manager" and we did. The manager told us they weren't open for another 20 minutes but didn't even try to accommodate us for drinks until then. Completely non-chalant. Today we stopped by again to try it out and the manager sat us down and gave us brunch menus. Literally a minute later the waitress said we couldn't order from the brunch menu because it was over and she went to get us the dinner menu. Well the manager told her our only option was to move us to the bar for a limited menu until 5. Unfortunately this week we didn't get to try the food everyone raves about because the service was dismal coming from the manager/owner. Please don't sit someone down if you're not able to serve them the full menu. It looks bad on you and really embarrasses the waitress that was really sweet.
(1)
Michelle L.
I liked this place so much, I came twice in two weeks! The ambiance here is very warm and sultry. You walk in to the bar and there are some tables and you think that's it. Then you head on over to the back room and it's like a whole other world opens up. Tons of seating on two levels and beautifully decorated. Outside of its looks, my favorite thing here was the lemongrass mojitos. Perfectly prepared, I could have drank them all night if I didn't have to drive. They weren't too sweet or sugary. They were a special, so the next time I went back and they didn't have them, I was a bit disappointed but the honeydew mojito special proved just as delicious.Their regular mojitos are good, but their speciality ones are the ones to order. The food here is great and the portions are surprisingly big. The bread is something out of this world. Seriously. If I could steal some home with me, I would. It's soft with a small piece of manchego cheese kind of melted inside; add the infused butter and you're in heaven. Suggested apps include guacamole with fresh crabmeat (definitely a generous portion of crab); empanadas, and the mussels. I loved the beet salad; which I ordered with a side of grilled shrimp. Both together and separately, they were dynamite. Also highly recommend the paella. Tons of fresh shellfish mixed into flavor yellow rice. You will not be disappointed. Definitely would recommend or a group night out with friends or a romantic date night or even just to grab some drinks and apps at happy hour. Restaurants like The Cuban make me miss living in Hoboken.
(5)
Sophia Y.
I think this is the best restaurant in Hoboken. I've never had a bad meal or experience here. Favorite is the bistec - truffle potatoes and valdeon butter is to die for. Drink menu is also fantastic. Definitely recommend coming here!
(5)
Jackie K.
The best food ever! Service is on point. They fold the napkins when you go to the bathroom. Everything you order is amazing. The flan is out of this world!!!!!
(5)
Emery G.
I really can't wait to come back to this restaurant. This is the perfect place to take your loved one for a date or to even meet for your first date. It's so intimate inside and the service is totally first date quality. I love it when servers fill up my water glass even before it's done. That is attentiveness at its finest! Not only that but they are super nice. They let us know to order everything at the same time since everything takes a while to make so best to get it all in at the same time, also because they were busy. The complimentary bread was delicious. It was super soft in the inside, not dense and then crunchy on the outside. Delicious. We ordered the garlic shrimp and clams for appetizer. They were both so good. The sauce the clams came with was super good, so good it could have been a soup by itself. I ordered the pollo criollo which was off the chain. The chorizo sweet plantain fried rice I would eat every day of my life. Every day !! It had such a unique flavor to it. I know for sure to get that every time I go. The chicken was also filled with great flavors that complimented the rice. We also had the churrasco which had a great chimichurri on top of the steak. Also the steak was cooked perfectly. The yuca fries were pretty regular but the salad was delicious a nice fresh element on the plate. I have to come back to try their desserts maybe they're just as good.
(5)
Julia W.
Upgrading to 5 stars since after living in HBK for 5 years, appreciate this more and more v the other options here. Also tried the Pollo Criollo and it was SO GOOD. The fried rice is crack, portion huge & tastes even better heated up the next day.
(5)
Lauren And Mike M.
I have been here twice and it just gets better. Great service staff and even better food. I highly recommend the avacado and plantain chips with some crab meat. Really hits he spot. I also love their sangria!!
(5)
Mars X.
After eating Cuban in Corona NY I thought I would never be able to eat Cuban anywhere else again but what can I say? I just can't seem to turn down Cuban food and well... I'm glad we tried Cuban Restaurant because this has to be the 2nd best Cuban food I've had! The ceviche has a slight kick but not overwhelmingly spicy. The shrimp is fresh and not chewy. The skirt steak was big and cooked perfectly. The ropa vieja was very flavorful. The cocktails were just right We didn't have reservations but they took us anyway. We were seated in the bar area, which was very alive, loud and entertaining. We normally don't mind but we were out celebrating a big wedding anniversary so we were hoping for something a bit more quiet and romantic. Luckily, my husband read other Yelper reviews so he knew of the various rooms in the back (you can't see it from the bar area). The hostess was more than happy and willing to move us when my husband explained and the manager (or owner - not really sure) even helped. Even though that dining room was busy, it was definitely more private and quiet. The waiters are friendly, helpful and on point with service plus the manager always made sure our glasses were full. The dining room, bar and bathroom are very clean, modern and properly lite. It's a bit on the expensive side but it's worth the splurge every now and then.
(5)
Jacquie G.
Not sure how this place gets a 4.5 except that maybe the ambiance is clouding everyone's opinion. Tables outside though so point for that! Walk in to really loud music which made me a bit annoyed because I planned to come here for dinner with couples and had I known how loud it was I would have probably not chosen this destination. Don't be fooled when you walk in because there is a huge dining area with 2 floors all the way in the back. Still, the music was a bit loud. Maybe I'm old, but I want to be able to hear my friends and have conversation without straining my voice all night. The cocktail menu was great! I had the "Washington Avenue" which contained spicy tequila which I am all about lately. Overall, impressive mixology. The sangria was STRONG which I shouldn't complain about. Ok, well, a little toxic tasting, but after a few who cares. The appetizers were just ok I have to say! We had the meatballs, crispy chicken (just ok after recommendation from the waiter), and the octopus which was over-salted and very fishy tasting. Oh and the guacamole which actually was very flavorful. For the entree I had the Skirt steak that came with avocado and rice. Forget the name. Started with a V. The presentation looked interesting because as you can see from my picture the steak was shredded like pulled pork would be. The flavor was great, but it was way over cooked and chewy! It hurt my jaw to bite through the burned strips. When I did get to the moister pieces it was delicious. I get what they were going for, but any brisket or pulled pork I've had is never crunchy if cooked well. Avocado was ripe enough! Didn't try the rice to be honest. I think I was too into the sangria. Last, for the ridiculous prices, I should have been wowed and I wasn't. $300 later for 6 people and I was feeling buyers remorse. I'll probably just stick to BYO like Charritos.
(3)
Andrew G.
I came to The Cuban with two other couples last weekend, and I was pretty excited to try this spot out - reviews had nothing but good things to say about it. The location is ideal: right on Washington, near all bars and night life. When we first walked in (we had a reservation), it seemed really cramped. The bar is on your left, and there are some tables on your right. When the hostess came to seat us, we were taken ALL the way back, through some partitions, and then the Cuban opened up to a bigger area (and two levels) of seating. Much better. The music was a bit loud - when you're at dinner with a party of four or more, you want to enjoy some conversation and hear everyone. I found myself yelling a bit and repeating myself often, which stinks. No one wants to leave with a hoarse voice. No one... The wait time was also a bit excessive. I get it: it's The Cuban, it's in Hoboken, it's mobbed. But you'd think they'd have a better-fitted staff to accommodate the amount of patrons. We'd waited a bit of time before all of our courses came out, including cocktails. The time between Sangria #1 and #2 was quite a while. Cocktails: pretty good. I got the Mezcal-based cocktail, and they did it very well. The Sangria wasn't bad - a bit strong though (I think it was the Gin). The quality of food is what gives the Cuban a solid score for me: We split a few appetizers family-style to starts, including the octopus and chicken, which were good. The main course I got (the Flank Steak) was delicious, and done very well. Seasoned right and cooked perfectly (medium-rare), and served well. The fries on the side were just OKAY - not seasoned. The other killer here is the price - BEYOND what you would expect to pay at a spot like this. Personally, I thought this place was $20 over what you should pay, but that's my honest opinion.
(3)
Adam K.
Thought we were going to Hoboken to celebrate the Chairman of the Board's home town Italian fare and ended up Cuban, so so glad we did! The decor is modern and the restaurant has multiple levels. I learned this on the steep climb to the restroom, be careful if you have had a few drinks, its a real climb! Speaking of drinks, a Yelp check-in free Mojito to start and it was a strong and delicious one. I would of had more but I was driving. Next, while we were looking over the menu, out came some wonderfully warm rolls that I think may have had a bit of cheese in the dough. The rolls are served in an old cigar box with a herb butter. For dinner, my wife and I decided to do the 3 course prix-fix menu. This meant, two appetizers, two entrees and two desserts to be shared- perfect! Appetizers - Crab and shrimp empinaditas - excellent! Crisp outside with a wonderful filling inside of crab, shrimp, salsa and avocado puree. Second we had the ENSALADA DE LA FINCA with watercress, tomato, mango, avocado, pickled carrot, mint, cilantro, crispy shallots, sugarcane-lime vinaigrette and neatly surrounded by long strips of cucumber, so refreshing! Mains - Had to go with the Ropa Vieja and so glad we did. This dish served in a small cast iron pot with white rice and beans on the side. Succulent pulled skirt steak swimming in a delicious tomato sauce with green peppers. An absolute must dish. Second entree was an interesting one- Grilled salmon over pumpkin mash. Shaved apple, pumpkin seed oil and garlic make this dish really delicious. Sides - The steamed yucca with garlic and oil was probably the most tender yucca I have ever eaten. The generous portion of sweet plantains was served slightly charred and sweet and moist inside. Dessert - Out came a very simple wooden serving tray, a blue paper bag and a small dish of chocolate. This was a sinful combination of a bag filled with the most wonderful churros this side of the border. I'm talking about light, crisp sweet flaky rods of fried dough here! The chocolate sauce for dipping was a dark chocolate with a hint of orange liqueur to it. This is a serious dessert! Oh and along side this was a great custardy (no such word but hard to describe otherwise) Flan. Sweet, thick and not drenched in syrup - just right! A coffee con leche to finish it all off. This is a wonderful Cuban restaurant and one worth traveling to from Long Island just for dinner. Next time though, I'm getting a designated driver because their SANGRIA and CAIPIRINHA drinks looked so good.
(5)
Valencia W.
I was in the area shopping for some running shoes and decided I wanted some cuban food and was told there was one down the street. Well, I saw that it was a nice night and they have some patio space but I wanted to be indoors. We were seated quickly and were greeted very nicely. We were given their bread rolls which were different and we ordered very quickly. The guac with plantain chips were delicious and I had ordered the Pollo a la Parilla. It was pretty good with the mashed sweet potatoes and carmelized onions. All in all it was a good experience and I would return.
(3)
Tinamarie V.
Went with two friends for a much needed catch up! the restaurant had a great atmosphere, nice ambiance, but we found it a little pricey for what was offered.
The food at this place is just amazing. I usually get the flank steak and it is just amazing!! Drinks by the bar are great too and they have life music a few nights a week. Amazing place!
(5)
Jaclyn R.
Came here again last night with a larger group, for a Monday night.... I was disappointed at the slow service...and I mean really slow. I think it took about 45 mins for our food to come out. It was worth the wait though, I think I enjoyed the food even better than I did the 1st time! I had the chicken crillio again...my boyfriend had the skirt steak, we split the entrees. Sooo tasty. So 4 stars for the food....1 star for the service last night (disappointed).
(4)
alex P.
Check in on Yelp for a free mojito! We came here on a cold weeknight in December, around 7pm, and there was a good crowd but it wasn't packed. I don't really understand the attraction of having a DJ in a restaurant, but they had one, and he was fine. I've heard that there's a special bar menu that's cheaper at happy hour, but we sat at a normal table and didn't get to take advantage of that. Drinks were strong and creative, food was very tasty and portions were a good size. We had to wait a good long time for our server to bring us our check though, which is a pet peeve of mine. That certainly wouldn't keep me from coming back, though. There's lots of room at this spot, too. At first it looks like it's just the bar and the seats against the wall, but there are two additional seating areas in the back, including a room that looked perfect for a semi-private party. *Note: the restrooms are up two flights of stairs, and I am not sure if they had an accessible restroom on the ground floor. If that's a concern, you may want to call and check.
(4)
Christina L.
Amazing service, really good food, trendy but not overdone decor...this is what a restaurant should be!!! Skirt steak, paella, maduros de platanos...ALL WERE SOOOOO good!!!! GO GO GO!!!
(5)
Matthew K.
The food was amazing and the service was even better. The Seafood Paella was great and the oxtail appetizer was perfect! I will be back for sure! There was live music which made for a great atmosphere.
(5)
Dennis C.
5 star for the food 3 star for hostess without the mostes Don't ask me if I have a reservation and ask me to wait at the bar when you have plenty of tables available and servers standing around just to have me order 2 drinks at the bar Other than the reception at the hostess station Food was very good and will go back, with a reservation to not deal with the useless hostess
(4)
Miguel D.
Type of place that makes me want to come back until I've tried everything on the menu. Staff is beyond tentative. My water glass was full every time I glanced at it. The overall lighting and atmosphere makes it a great 1st date spot. Guac with the lump crab meat is a must. Just go you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Ann K.
This is by far my favorite restaurant in Hoboken, and maybe my favorite restaurant anywhere! I have been here more times than I can count and have never once been disappointed. The place is exactly the type of atmosphere you'd want for a date night: dimly lit and kind of "swanky". The waiters are knowledgeable and extremely friendly. Literally everything on the menu will taste like the best thing you have ever put in your mouth. The menu "classics" are always delicious, but I recommend trying the specials as they are always so unique and tasty. Also, this place is great for groups: I had my birthday dinner here last year for about 12 people and it was fantastic. They haved a Prix Fix menu and serve the food family style so you get to try a few apps, entrees and desserts. Unlimited beer, wine & sangria is also an option. I had such a great experience last year that I am doing a repeat for my birthday this year!
(5)
Brian L.
Hip, great vibe, live music during dinner. Not much better than that, for ambiance at least. Onto the food - I'd say it wasn't earth shattering, but it was good at least. Maybe I'm jaded by the expectation that if I'm spending $26 on paella without lobster (and the usual meats) it should be earth shattering. Oh well. I should tone down my expectations. The food was good, and I'd go back - that $26 paella has to pay for the ambiance and vibe I'm getting!
(4)
Lauren D.
In an effort to be more generous with my 5 star reviews, and because we have never had a bad experience at the Cuban and it's now our favorite restaurant in Hoboken - the Cuban gets 5 stars! The atmosphere at the Cuban is nice - with a small front room, and larger back area that is simply decorated, casual and comfortable. It can occasionally get too loud. Service is also good, attentive without being overbearing. But the real reason to come here is the food - I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. My husband's favorite is the Vaca Frita. I've tried the Pollo Criollo, Churrasco, and most recently Enchilado. All have been excellent - but I think the Pollo Criollo was my favorite. The cheesy bread that they put on the table is irresistible and the appetizers are also good - we like the cheese and meat plate, but have also tried empanadas which were solid as well. The Cuban is one of Hoboken's few stand-out restaurants and a must try.
(5)
Carolyn L.
Went with a big group. The staff were friendly. Had a unique cocktail. The food was delicious. Perfect for an upscale night in hoboken.
(5)
Deanna C.
The Cuban is my go-to spot, and my only regret is that I didn't discover it sooner! There's no dearth of good restaurants in town - let alone good Cuban - but this one sets itself apart, from the the spacious, yet cozy ambiance to the consistently good menu offerings. Great date spot/place for get togethers/place to impress visiting family...so, clearly, awesome all around. The clincher for me? The yuca 'bread'. It's gluten-free, and is so soft and doughy that I'd take it over real bread any day. I'd suggest getting an appetizer (the plantains, especially), as the service is what I'd describe as leisurely-attentive. In terms of main dishes, the churrasco, for me, is the churrasco to which I compare all other churrascos (La Isla and Zafra don't even compare). It's a huge portion, with great chimichurri sauce, yuca fries (amazing), and watercress salad. Suffice it to say, there's never anything left to take home with me. If I go for brunch, my go-to is the Ensalada de la Finca, a nice light alternative. I'd go all the time if I could - but the prices (which I think are appropriate) are a bit prohibitive. Nothing bad to say about it - it's the place that seemingly wins over everyone, even the pickiest of eaters. If you haven't gone yet, I'd strongly suggest going.
(5)
Jazmine R.
If your looking for good quality cuban food in the hoboken area, this is your place! The lechon is amazing& sangria is delishhh!
(5)
Yeraldine S.
This place was awesome. I went around 4 so the place was not busy but I've walked by during later hours and it does get crowded. I had the "Ropa Vieja" which was fantastic. It's steak, rice, black beans. The drinks are also delicious. The servers were really friendly and helpful in what drinks we wanted. I have to come back to explore more of the menu.
(5)
Christina P.
This place exceeded my expectations. This is a hedonist's food paradise. If you're into Cuban food and want to try something a little different, then come here. The chef does a great job of mixing flavors, and does not go over the top like I've seen at other modern Cuban restaurants. Croquettes and the yuca with manchego are heavenly!
(5)
Michael S.
Delicious food here I got the seafood paella and my friend got a salmon special both where very good. Also got a half pitcher of sangria which was tasty. I enjoyed the outdoor seating also the staff was very friendly and knowledgable of the menu since this was my first time eating Cuban food, will most likely be back
(5)
Julia G.
In my opinion...the Cuban is one of the best in Hoboken. I find Hoboken a difficult place to find delicious food because of how amazing the food in NYC can be. However, the Cuban is worth a visit for sure. They also have outdoor dining in the nice weather - will need to try that soon. Nice ambiance, good service, good food and drinks. Reservations usually needed.
(4)
Nicole J.
I always thoroughly enjoy the Cuban! Great vibe and the food is high quality and delicious. A tad pricier than the typical restaurant in Hoboken, but the food, service and atmosphere is consistently awesome.
(4)
Analise G.
A bit pricey and the live music outside was loud for such a small place, but the food was exceptional. The churrasco was tender and melted in your mouth. Sangria was really good too. For Cuban food, this is upscale and expensive, but worth it.
(5)
Thomas W.
This is a prime spot. I've lived nearby for about two years and never tried it. One time I tried to eat here, and it was too crowded which is never a bad sign. We decided to give it another shot on a Thursday night because the menu looked appealing. We checked out the specials for the night outside, and they had a mojito deal. I was already sold, but an appealing drink special never hurts. Also, they have live Cuban music on Thursdays which really adds to the ambiance...which was perfect to begin with. They played at the right volume to where you could still have a comfortable conversation. We decided to set up shop at the bar as we were not in the mood for a sit down dinner, but they have ample seating and everyone with tables looked very comfortable and content. This is a plus in Hoboken as many of the tables are often too close and lack the privacy to have free flowing conversation. This was not the case here. When you walk in it seems rather small, but when you head to the back, it opens up to two levels of spacious seating. This impressed me for what looks to be a small establishment from outside, it's actually quite roomy. The decor is perfect and the place is very clean. They definitely use the space they have to its maximum potential. Now for the food and beverage The mojito was good, but next I opted for a pitcher of the red sangria with Grand Mariner. It was a little pricey at $30 but was excellent and highly recommended if you like sangria. I was intrigued by the octopus dish on the appetizer menu as I had tried it at another restaurant for the first time a week ago, and now I'm hooked. I did not order it, however, but I plan to give it a go next time. You can tell a restaurant is on point when you are planning your next visit while still enjoying your first experience. Again, we just ordered appetizers, but I predict dinner will be in my future. We ordered mejillones con chorizo (mussels with sausage in a tomato based sauce covered in french fries with garlic lemon aioli). This was phenomenal and all of the flavors were perfectly paired....bravo on this! I'm still thinking about it now. We also ordered the empanaditas con pollo. These were small as the name implies but tasty and priced accordingly. Last but not least, we had the yucca fritas which were drizzled with a garlic mojo and a chimichurri dipping sauce. After sampling all of the dishes, it's hard to believe that anyone wouldn't be satisfied if not highly impressed with anything that they ordered on this menu. Hoboken has some great restaurants, but they also have a lot of mediocre restaurants. The rents are high and any business that wants to survive and/or thrive here needs to bring something new to the table. The Cuban does just that. It provides wonderfully authentic Cuban cuisine with bold complimentary flavors that melt in your mouth. They have a comforting ambiance combined with great service and a professional staff. This place is a winner and I'm a huge fan. I do not give FIVE STARS often.
(5)
Marc R.
Have to say this is probably my favorite restaurant in Hoboken. The bread, appetizer, drinks, entree, everything was perfect. Had the papa rellena con rabo as an appetizer, honestly thinking of going back the day after to have it again. Then got the ropa vieja as the entree which was cooked perfectly and so much flavor to it. I can't imagine that there's anything on the menu that wouldn't be great here. If you like great food you have to go here.
(5)
Tara B.
My food was good, but nothing spectacular. Union City which is right up the hill from Hoboken has better and more authentic Cuban food. You can also get it for half the price than you will get it here. If you don't want to leave Hoboken this is a good option to get your Cuban food fix.
(3)
Alexandra O.
I absolutely loved it! Great place, food and latin atmosphere. Live music sundays! Even the bread was great!
(5)
Aaron C.
It's always nice when Hoboken is able to clean up a trashy establishment in a great location. The Cuban used to be a lounge called Nine. I'm told back in the day Nine was an awesome place to go after dinner for drinks on a weekend. But at least since I've lived in Hoboken I've seen it draw in worse and worse crowds. Finally, Nine changed to The Cuban. Excellent food and an equally great atmosphere. I particularly remember the churrasco steak being mouth-watering. The service is as good as it can be. What constricts The Cuban from being a great place unfortunately is its layout and management. The layout is so narrow and confined in space that it often becomes hard to move around or fill enough people to limited seating. The hosts and manager, like most in Hoboken, are snobby about the wait time, as if this was true fine dining in Hoboken. Sorry guys, food's great, but the quality of your servers and atmosphere itself are average... at best. The chef's abilities to cook quality food override the okay service and overall environment of The Cuban. So stop in for some arroz con pollo, but with caution.
(3)
Joelle G.
Ok, I don't know how amazingly concocted drinks and food are only $5 during happy hour. This place makes a mean Cuban colada and papas rellenos con manchengo. The atmosphere is okay but the specials are killer. Great find & worth the trek from Manhattan.
(5)
Kartik P.
I've been to this restaurant a few times and I must say it's an amazing place. Great food, great staff, great atmosphere. They have a great selection of drinks, and they are not cheap one bit on the alcohol that goes into the drinks. If you are a fan of Cuban food, you are missing out if you don't try this place.
(5)
Victoria S.
Amazing. Great staff, great drinks, great food. Came here for a nice date with my boyfriend and it was perfect. The guac was amazing and our entrees were delicious. We also got flan and seasonal sorbet. Would definitely come back another time.
(5)
Taressa C.
Love this place! Great drinks, great food, great energy! It's definitely not the cheapest place in Hoboken but the quality of food and drink is well worth it. I'm gluten free and there are a lot of tasty options outside of salad. It is a louder restaurant so be prepared to have music going strong while you're dining. It fills up (especially on the weekend) so you should make a reservation in advance for dinner.
(5)
Brad M.
Great food. Great drinks. Great music. The night we ate here (a Thursday) there were excellent $5 mojitos and live Cuban music. The entrees were large and we had left overs for the next day. We couldn't use our $10 off coupon because we had the drinks specials, but the mojitos were worth it.
(4)
Lindsay J.
Ooooooh this place is soooo good! Walked in and was immediately greater by the manager. The ambiance is fantastic, lots of space do you're not sitting on top of someone else's table, the music was at the right level, and did I mention that the food was amazing?! This is definitely at the top, if not the first place in Hoboken, on my list!! The second we walked in, we felt like well treated guests, like you would visiting a friend's home. We waited for our table at the bar, and had some pretty phenomenal drinks - good way to start off the night! Then we were seated pretty promptly and had great bread (I know it's a nominal thing, but if they put that much care into it, we knew the food was going to be special!). Dinner was amazing - I had the enchilado and my husband had a steak dish - both of us would recommend! Anyway, if you haven't already seen the place (it's fairly new) you HAVE to check it out!! A good testament to a great restaurant is coming back... With more friends... And we fully plan to do that!
(5)
Gina J.
Amazing space; well designed, delicious touches and textures; fabulous drinks and appetizers. Enjoyed it immensely on Sunday.
(4)
J M.
I decided to try The Cuban last night for dinner. When you enter the restaurant you're greeted by a few friendly hostesses and are offered to check you coat if you like. In terms of atmosphere it was relaxed and pleasant with classy decor. I ordered cured meats and cheese appetizer, which was very good. For my main course I ordered Salmon. I thought the salmon was quite good and the presentation was well done also. In terms of portion sizes both the entree and appetizer were hearty portions, not overly large but just right. Overall, I was very pleased with the atmosphere and food. I would certainly go back. Update 9/26/2012 Since my earlier review I have dined at The Cuban three more times(Once for dinner, two times for brunch). Each time I enjoyed my meal. The one additional time I dined in for Dinner I had the steak dish. I eat a lot of steak so when I noticed the cut was hanger steak I was somewhat cautious to order it. That being said I was pleased I did. The steak was cooked to the proper temp and flavorful. The bread they bring out while waiting for you meal is also very interesting and delicious. Both times when I had brunch I was also very satisfied. Brunch is reasonably priced with good portion sizes. All in all I have really nothing but good things to say about this place and would certainly go back and recommend.
(4)
Michael L.
Mmm what can I say if I could give this4.75 I would.. This place was amazing started off with the ceviche which was great they didn't cheap out on the seafood at all. But what really got me was the skirt steak....wowwww is all I can say that was easily one of the best steaks I have ever had. Even better than Morton's, was sooo tender fall apart in ur mouth and the flavor is just fantastic, the girl for salmon which was great for salmon but this is a $60 steak for $26 can not beat that, ambiance is nice a great date place!!
(4)
Avantika K.
amazing food. ordered the chicken dish and was probably the most delicious thing i have ever eaten. the drinks were very good as well, strong but not overwhelming. the atmosphere was very fun, but not rowdy. reccomended this place to all my friends! cant wait to go back!
(5)
Christine S.
I tried to make a Saturday reservation here for 14 people at 8pm 3 weeks in advance. They refused to take the reservation because then they would not be able to seat as many other people at that time. Have probably been here about 10 times in the past year, but the management did not care. Awful way to treat repeat customers and will not be returning.
(1)
bryce k.
We had dinner here last night and enjoyed it. There was live music on Thursday which was nice, we started with the Blueberry Caipirinhas and the Jefe Mojito which were delicious. For appetizer's we had the guacamole with the fried plantains (very good) the Empinadas (average). For the entree we tried the Paella (good) and the Bistec Empanizado (BEST OF THE NIGHT), for desert we had the Churros (good) . Service was efficient, crowd was casual, overall a nice Cuban experience.
(4)
J K.
In my opinion, the best cuban spot in Hoboken. I've been 4-5x now and each time I leave very satisfied. The menu offers diversity and the dishes are all well executed.
(4)
L T.
OMG! So amazing. I can't stop thinking about it or talking about it. As a self proclaimed foodie, I feel like I am tough cookie. From start to finish a great experience. Service was outstanding. For a newer restaurant I feel that this is an area where some are lacking. The food was so good. I got the ceviche appetizer and the garlic shrimp appetizer. Also I had the skirt steak. They decor and atmosphere is up there with Hoboken's finest. Last but not least the energy and management was on point. Please go to the Cuban ASAP!!
(5)
Sarita M.
When I go to a restaurant named The Cuban I expect to have Cuban food.... Except for the delicious Mojito I had nothing else had a Cuban flavor. We had ham croquetas, empanadas, and Ropa vieja. The food was good but NOT Cuban at all! With that being said the place had a really nice ambience and staff.
(3)
Jocelyn B.
I was excited when I saw this place pop up on a deal on living social because the last new Cuban restaurant is sub-par in the delicious food department (Havana Cafe). We stopped by for happy hour yesterday and got a few apps and drink. The food was great, the service was wonderful and I like the decor. Definitely going back for more.
(4)
Samantha '.
WOW!!! Food, ambiance and service were all great! All of the reviews here are dead on. There isn't anything I could say I did not like at the place, except for the terrible laminate floor between the front and back/upstairs of the restaurant - terrible slippery.
(5)
richard p.
Great food with large portion entrees. Our server was very attentive and pleasant. The inside is cavernous with cool bar areas on 2 floors. A new fav in Hoboken for us
(4)
Richard N.
This is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. I have been here on many occasions and each time I am impressed. I am yet to be disappointing by an entree, so my opinion would be to look at the menu and go with what you are in the mood for. That said, I can't come on here without raving about the guacamole appetizer dip - phenomenal. The waiters and waitresses are very helpful and engaged and make the experience pleasant. The decor and layout of the restaurants is fun and vibrant. Good for a group of friends and especially ideal for a date. I don't know if he is the owner or the manager, but whoever the gentleman is who is clearly in charge can often be seen throughout the night helping around. He's quite nice and adds a nice NYC type touch to the experience. The Cuban is top notch. Anyone who is displeased with this place I would have think either had an extremely rare unpleasant experience or lack taste buds.
(5)
Ray J.
Nicely decor, fun, great atmosphere. It may be a great place for the weekender. Table on the front of the house are a little too small - tight, in front of the bar almost for squeeze in diners. Back rooms, divided on two mezzanine makes it great for private parties and larger parties. Service generally speaking is in need to be reviewed. The wait stuff is pleasant and cordial but in need for some serious menu training. No need to know if the special cocktail is $5 if I am told the specials after I place my order. Beets salad was good. However too much dressing with a tangy taste of citrus overwhelmed the delicate flavor of the oranges and goat cheese spread which taste like Greek yogurt. Pork was dry and almost taste it that came out of fryer after being precook. Wine menu a little limited but will explore cocktails and potential drinks next time. Could definitively use some room for improvement. It's not a bad restaurant, perhaps it shine through the Hoboken - flat - insipid - expensive - and pretentious places with low quality food and no sense of style charging NYC prices at a WHOPPING $28 main course.
(3)
Carlos D.
great little place... sat by the bar, good guacamole with crab, good watercress salad, cold beer on tap , good service and live music on sunday's at brunch....all we were missing was an old 1956 chevy to have taken us there and a fine havana cigar to hold while sipping on the free mojito we got for just checking in ! will be back
(5)
terry l.
We ,a group of five, recently went to The Cuban for Sunday brunch, The food, live music, atmosphere and service were terrific. To start we shared the Cuban guacamole. It came with plantain chips instead of tortilla chips. It was great. We all had something different as our entrees. There were no leftovers!!! We really enjoyed our brunch and plan to return very soon.
(5)
Melinda R.
My girlfriends and I had dinner here last night and had a blast. Food was fantastic, music was fun but not too loud for dinner, Rudy our waiter was the man. Definitely going back!
(5)
Kelly F.
This place is absolutely amazing!!!! I decided to go here because I had a voucher from livingsocial for $50 and it was worth every penny!!! My boyfriend went on Thursday evening around 6pm and the place was not packed. Did not have to wait for a table and it was an intimate and romantic setting. The waiter was absolutely the best and very attentive. Also, i believe it was the owner, had come around to check on us, which was very nice. They were having some specials on some drinks so we ordered the mojitos, which were perfect. The drinks were on special for $5 which was great. We then ordered the gaucamole with crab meat and plantain chips as an appetizer. This was absolutely delicious and enjoyed every bite. For the entree my boyfriend and I each ordered the skirt steak and substitued the yuca fries for rice and beans. The steak was so juicy and cooked to perfection. And the portions are huge. Had enough leftovers for lunch the next day. Although it even with the $50 voucher, we still ended up paying $60 extra(with tip) it was well worth every penny. All in all, it was not a bad price for an appetizer, two entrees, with a side of beans and 4 drinks. There are many cuban locations in the area, but this is by far my new favorite. It is authentic cuban food and absolutely delicious. Definitely will be going back. Want to go back when they have happy hour and also late on the weekends because I heard that they have music.
(5)
Jayd P.
Delicious food and great atmosphere! Get the oxtail... it's amazing!
(5)
Joseph T.
I was very dissatisfid with my encounter with this restaurant. after waiting 40 minutes for a table we finally sat down. we ordered appetizers and drinks....the papa rellena was cold on the inside and the mojito was the worst i ever had. The main course which was suppose to be masitas a traditional cuban dish was served in some cherry sauce and made the pork dish taste more like a dessert then a main dish...all in all horrible experience and wont be going back.
(1)
David T.
pretty good food, a little small though
(3)
Elizabeth R.
I came to the Cuban with my boyfriend and his mom, looking for a fun evening to enjoy drinks, good food and great company, and we were extremely happy with the outcome. We're food enthusiasts, appreciating quality service and well executed dishes. Coming to an ethnic place like this can always be hit or miss, and this is definitely a hit! The atmosphere was really neat, upfront was the bar area with high top tables for a more casual dinner or happy hour, we were led to the back of the restaurant, stepping down into a room lined with mirrors, and zebra print seating along the wall, super chic and funky. Our server was very personable and ready do take our drink orders after we were seated. She made some recommendations, along with her personal favorites, and seemed to be very knowledgable about the ingredients in all of the cocktails, this helped, considering there were SO many choices. Warm bread was promptly delivered to the table, along with soft garlic butter. The bread was not stellar, definitely under baked and doughy, but they had the right idea. On to the main course, I got the braised pork shank, served over black beans and rice, with a citrus slaw on top, DELICIOUS. Cooked to perfection it fell off the bone. My boyfriend ordered a twice cooked skirt steak with avocado, and rice and beans, it was also very good. The steak came pulled/shredded, which was not expected but pleasant. His mom got the paella valencia which looked alright, a good amount of seafood. I am biased with paella, after living in Spain, she enjoyed it though! Bussers came by frequently to refill waters and clear any empty dishes. Even though we were stuffed, dessert was definitely a must. Being in the baking industry whenever going to a cuban place I always have to try the tres leches cake. It was everything I hoped and more, AWESOME! Traditional house baked vanilla cake, fluffy and yet dense, thoroughly soaked with the 3 milks, topped with a gooey toasted meringue. Pretty close to the best tres leches cake I've ever had. Overall it was an awesome meal and I would love to come back and try out some different items on the menu. Very reasonably priced considering the portions are generous. Also heard they have a great happy hour during the week!
(4)
Evan S.
Great addition to the neighborhood, although it seems like many similar cuisines like to open at the same time for whatever reason. However, the food is very good and atmosphere is great. Been about the three times now and the food is consistently good. The service this past Sat was a little off, but seemed like they were overwhelmed with a large party. Either way, there was no decrease in the quality of food. Bacalao app is always great, rock shrimp was good, ham croquettes always a go too. Pork shank entree is very good. The churassco seems to be the staple dish there but have yet to try it. They once had duck empanadas as a special that were awesome, but haven't seem them again. All in all, good food, good scene, good drinks, good value. Just what the neighborhood needs in a town of very tired old restaurants and mediocre food.
(4)
Kay B.
Excellent food, service, drinks. Very satisfied.
(5)
Jason F.
This is my first Yelp review and I was inspired to sign-up thanks to 2 fantastic experiences here. The staff is very friendly, helpful, and just make you feel welcomed. A nice change to the usual "the customer is a burden on me" 'tude that you get at some other places in Hoboken. The food is fantastic. So far, I've had the ham and cheese croquettes and the empanaditas for appetizers. I'm leaning towards the croquettes being the better of the two. For meals, I've had a scallop and shrimp dish that came with green rice...this green rice is amazing....seriously. of course, the shellfish was perfect too. My second time I had the vaca frito for my entree, which is crispy steak with caramalized onions...again...amazing. Oh, and they give you free yucca bread when you sit down at your table and it comes with some kind of garlic butter. Heavy on the garlic, it's perfect. Me and my fiance have really enjoyed whatever drinks we have had there. They hooked me up with a special tequila drink that had jalapenos and orange or grapefruit juice in it. Awesome. I'm giving this 5 stars not b/c it's a 5-star restaurant, but b/c in it's price range, it really can't be beat in this location. If you want great food and drinks and a great restaurant experience where you feel welcomed, please try this place out!
(5)
Yamile C.
If you're in the mood for mouth watering food with a menu diverse enough to please meat and seafood eaters alike, with the kind of ambiance that is warm and inviting (the place is gorgeous with such great attention to detail, and the staff is pleasant, helpful and knowledgable - you have to love when you're given good reason to tip well!), you really need to make The Cuban your new favorite spot. They've truly raised the bar when it comes to places to drink and dine in Hoboken. So, whether you're looking to have a romantic dinner or a great bar to hang out with friends, you really need to check it out!!
(5)
Iris R.
Food was amazing! a little treasure in Hoboken. I was plesantly surprised. Looking forward to returning. Services was great.
(4)
Adam G.
best high end cuban food in town
(5)
Iris X.
Went to this place with my colleagues. This place is so great, both for groups or dating. The food was delicious and fresh. First we were served with drinks ans appetizers in a private bar, the drink looks so great and taste so fresh even I who don't drink had a glass and got a little dizzy :). I don't remember the names of the appetizers, for there're too many, I almost thought we won't have dinners. But I remember the one likes a fried ball with beef and cheese, the beef can melt into your mouth. For the dinner, most of my colleagues chose Churassco (skirt steak), but I chose BACALAO (black cod) though I was told Churassco was the best. However, I love my choice. I love fish, and especially fish with tender meat texture. Black cod was slightly fried, but the fish didn't lose its tender texture. I also tasted my colleagues' Churassco, it was cooked perfectly. Oh, I nearly forgot one important thing in this restaurant. It has the best bread ever! Round like a small egg, the inside is chewy, like the gummy bear, but it's bread! Overall I gave it 5 stars for the food and the experience.
(5)
Rosanna C.
My husband and I went to this restaurant last week with the Living Social deal they had. I have to say that this has now become our favorite Cuban restaurant and we've been to plenty. For appetizers, I had the Pulpo which is a octopus dish and it was amazing. My husband had the popcorn shrimp dish and he was impressed as well. I ordered the Churassco and my husband ordered the Paella. He stated that it was the best Paella he's ever had. My steak was very good, I do think the Havana in nyc's was better, but it was still tender and flavorful. The steak fries were amazing. We will definitely be going back to this restaurant and hopefully bringing our friends along.
(5)
Mo H.
I'm reading some of the reviews, i'm not sure I even went to the same place. I must agree that the ambiance and the location is fantastic, but I guess the people writing these reviews don't care about the most important attribute, the FOOD!!! Even if the food was good, I'm not a bird, I need something to walk out of there satisfied. If i'm paying $27 for a paella, I want to feel full. I had to go for a slice after. but it wasn't even good. too watery. I'm desperate for a place to open in Hoboken with the food of Porta Spain and the ambiance of the Cuban. I guess this place is good for dates where you want to impress someone by the ambiance, but knowing your not going to eat that much anyway on a date, then this is cool. Other then that, don't bother. ohhh, before i'm done with this review, i hear some people comparing to La Isla in Hoboken?? La Isla is like a fast food cafeteria not trying to be an upscale restaurant, I mean that comparison is very unfair to both.
(2)
Michael C.
Four of us had dinner there on a Friday evening. They were inflexible with menu choices, rushed us through dinner and even asked us to leave ten minutes after we were through because they needed the table.This after spending $200. Unbelievable. Food was not bad but would never come back with such assembly line service. They have a lot to learn about hospitality
(1)
Lauren R.
Total disappointment! After reading the great reviews my friends and I came for dinner with high expectations. What a total let down. The ceviche appetizer consisted of small shrimp in salad dressing with tiny pieces of one other white fish. We had to order a side of plantain chips because no chips were served with it. The Ropa Vieja, tastey but certainly nothing to write home about, came lukewarm with cold rice and even colder blackbeans. As far as the staff goes, it seemed as though they went out of their way to be unfriendly. Our waiter barely spoke to us and never came to check in during dinner. It was totally impersonal. I wish we had been seated in the front bar area as it looked cozy, inviting, and had live music. Instead we sat in the cold back section which look like a hodgepodge of designs. What's with the Buddhas in the bathroom? Nothing made sense to me and if this is the best hotspot in Hoboken it doesn't say much for the rest of their restaurant scene.
(2)
Emily K.
Overall, food is good, and I'll probably be back. However, I think they need to iron out their service a bit. I made a reservation a month ago for a table for two on a Saturday night. I started to worry after reading some of the reviews on here, but ultimately put it out of my mind because I had a confirmation email. Of course, when we got there, they had no record of the reservation. Really?? Online reservation systems are pretty standard, and I've never had a problem before. That being said, they were still able to quickly sit us at a table in the bar area, so I was happy. However, we were seated next to an extremely loud, absolutely wasted couple (mind you, this was at 7pm - unless the Cuban was their last stop on an epic day of drinking, I have no idea how they were that drunk so early). This couple had just finished off a pitcher of sangria as we sat down, and spent the next 15 minutes singing, yelling at each other, and making out. It was so disruptive that whenever they got loud, the entire bar area turned around to look at them. After a while, I got up and complained to the host about them, who reassured me that they were about to leave. He must have said something to them, because they got up and left right after that. That being said, someone should have intervened far earlier than that. I don't expect a packed restaurant to be quiet, but I expected to at least be able to carry on a conversation with my boyfriend without having to start over multiple times because we kept being disrupted.
(3)
Brian S.
Been back several times for dinner since the first review.... each time better and better. Service always very attentive and food reliably very good - creative and interesting dishes. Always a great experience.
(5)
A B.
Excellent food, great ambience, great service !!! The salmon was amazing , very flavorful.
(5)
JJ P.
You really have to have a set of stones to open a Cuban Restaurant a couple blocks down from La Isla. I also believe the owners are NOT Cubans. However, all that being said this is a very successful execution. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is simultaneously cozy and elegant. I would recommend it for a night out with another couple. the room is loud and festive. not really for a quite romantic night. the food definitely holds its own and the drinks flow as freely as any place in Hoboken.
(4)
Howard C.
sevice was top notch... it was a great way the celebrate our anniversary... we were sat in the "zebra room" which is a nice intimate location to be in this restaurant.... we shared the CUBAN CRAB GUACAMOLE which is definetly recommended!!!!!! entrees were ropa vieja which was decent and i had the churrasco skirt steak which i enjoyed (steak was cooked and seasoned to perfection.... didnt even need the chimichurri sauce).... Summary: Food is above average & service is top notch
(4)
Courtney D.
I really don't have anything bad to say about this place. Came here a few weeks ago with a few friends, I think because it's one of the only places in Hoboken that actually takes reservations, and there was a group of us. The interior was sort of dark and trendy... but I say that in a good way. We grabbed a drink at the bar as we waited for our table, and the mojitos were DELICIOUS! I was buzzed after one, and I'm definitely not a lightweight. As we were waiting, my girlfriend and I watch a plate of meat walk by us. We started drooling. We asked the waiter what it was called, and he told us. I can't remember the name now, and I still couldn't at the time... I'm not Cuban. And maybe I'm deaf... or stupid... but we found it on the menu and ordered it. It was some kind of pulled meat with rice. And O.M.G. I was full after half but wanted to keep eating it because it was one of the best things I've put in my mouth in a LONG TIME. Okay, now this meaty post is starting to sound a little inappropriate. But in all honesty, check this place out. Besides my hunk of meat, another friend got a chicken dish which she thoroughly enjoyed, and the table shared a few apps, guac being one of them. Try the mojitos .... they'll give you a nice kick. This restaurant is right on Washington, so if you're driving, your best bet is a lot, or to park further back.
(5)
Nicole H.
I have been to the Cuban on two different occasions, and both times it was perfect! The first time I went for my friends birthday with a group of 8. Both times we started with drinks at the bar which are made strong and get you in a good mood before you're even seated. The first time I went wewere seated in a corner upstairs. The second time I went with my boyfriend and we were seated downstairs. Both rooms are very tastefully decorated and have a warm feeling. My only issue with the downstairs room was it was very noisy, as there were two large parties seated near to us. The guac with crab meat served with plantain chops seems same considering their extensive list of interest apps, but it's amazing, and both times I ordered different types of skirt steak, also amazing. You could tell that the waiters are very busy moving between tables, but it wasn't a problem.
(5)
Amanda G.
This was the BEST happy hour I had ever been to! $5 drinks- not just small stupid drinks....big, delicious, drinks with a GENEROUS amount of alcohol. I had a Mojito and Agave drink. The bartender was a nice girl. She was very attentive and calm, despite a lot of people in the place. The food was also $5...and it was DELICIOUS.... Between the cheap prices, delciious food, exotic drinks, good music and happy staff...I honestly felt like I was on vacation! I told my friends thats our new happy hour spot.
(5)
Elyssa G.
Love love loved it here. Sat at the bar with a girlfriend for dinner on a Thursday night. Great atmosphere and postiive energy. All tables were seated. Guacamole with crab meat was divine. The ropa vieja tender, flavorful and simply exceptional. The only drawback was that the restrooms are two flights upstairs. Will come back for sure.
(5)
Chris U.
Bottom line is that this place has everything going for it: Great food, lively atmosphere, great space and excellent service. I've had the opportunity to eat two "typical" dinner here with friends, followed by a quick round of beers, booze and bar food at the bar. I'm striving to think of a reason why this shouldn't get five stars and can't think of one. For those who argue that it's pricey for a Cuban joint, you're right - but this isn't a typical Cuban cafeteria and you're gong to get consistency, quality and something a bit more upscale than you get at La Isla down the street. The prices are fair and definitely justified. Not sure I can say much more about the food that hasn't been said here. Awesome: Croquetas de Jamon, all the Empanadas, and the Octopus is out of the world. For the mains, there's great Ropa Vieja, Churrasco and Pork Shank. Oh, and don't skip dessert. I also advise that you don't skip over the bar menu if you just want something a bit quicker or cheaper, if if you are just looking to snack as you down a few of their great cocktails with friends. We had ZERO expectations when we order some "simple" snacks, but were floored by the quality, size and flavor of what we got. The sliders and the Cuban are great. And don't forget their fries - yes, friend in duck fat. Finally, the service is good, but you can see why. Take a look at the manager (owner?) guy who is always there - he roams the floor with an exceptional eye to detail. He's friendly, but is definitely all business. If anything is out of place or if something isn't moving, he swoops in or gets someone to take care of it. The guy is on top of things and his attitude trickles down to the staff. Highly recommended.
(5)
Justine W.
Amazing Amazing Amazing! I have not one complaint about this yummy place. I've tried quite a few Cuban restaurants in this area and this one takes the cake. I had the grilled chicken and it was perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned, yummy yummy yummy! I also tried someone's skirt steak and that was even better! Great service as well! A must try in my book!
(5)
Caitlin L.
I live a few doors down from this awesome place. Owner and the wait staff are all so nice, knowledgable, helpful and on point. Food is consistently delicious and the happy hour is an awesome deal (Half off select drinks and apps)! The food is innovative and melds well in combination. Drinks are always well made. I would give it the 5 stars but my only issue are the hostess'. They aren't friendly in comparison to the other staff, you can barely get a smile out of one of the girls who is often there. I was with a group of friends waiting for our table to be set up and when it was ready she stood in front of us and without cracking a smile said, "I'm ready". Like huh??? Maybe I'm being nitpicky but it's just a shame their staff can't be as friendly all around.
(4)
Alice F.
It was such a disappointment. The food including the appetizers arrived cold. Rice of our paella was half burned and dry. The pompano was tasteless. The best part of the evening was our exit.
(1)
David C.
This place was great from start to finish. From the ambiance, to the layout, to the service. Noise level was at a regular level for a Hoboken restaurant, very easy to hold a conversation. OK for the most important part I had the skirt steak meal which was about $27 and well worth it. A generous portion which I had cooked medium rare, which just melted in my mouth, it had a chimichurri sauce on top which was also delish. The meal came with fried okra and small spring salad which the bitterness worked well with the dish, and I had to go with a Dos Equis XX draft. I highly recommend and would definitely go again. The onlt bad part is the bathroom is on the thrid, but for Hoboken you have to understand space is limited.
(4)
Sherryann W.
Very classy restaurant. Nice to go here with a significant other, because of the sum lighting & center table candle. The food was just delicious. I ordered a chicken plate & the vegetables (as well as the chicken) was sublime. Definitely revisiting this modern styled restaurant again. Very tasteful.
(4)
Tamara O.
I would live here if I could. I've been to The Cuban probably 6 times. It is my go to spot in Hoboken for excellent food, drinks, and atmosphere. Every dish has been delicious, the drinks are strong and not too pricey, the decor and lighting is super sexy. My main squeeze also loves this place. We've been here for date nights, just hungry after work, happy hour, and brunch. Staff at The Cuban does not disappoint. Everything we've tried has been wonderful: Mojitos, Coconut Cream, Sangria, Maduros, Skirt Steak, Salmon, Bananas Foster. A plus - brunch and happy hour with half price drinks!
(5)
Marie D.
The food, drinks and service are all excellent and we will be back for sure on a weekday. On a Friday night the noise level was simply too loud to have a normal dinner conversation, I'm happy this wasn't a first date ;-)
(4)
Dan B.
It's funny how I ended here one night. My girl, another couple and myself were on the way to another Cuban restaurant in Hoboken and they called to cancel the reservations. I won't forget that evening because it was on a Sunday in February, the day after Whitney Houston's passing. I decided to go on yelp and look up another cuban restaurant in the area and I found this place. I called and they said to come right in, they weren't busy and had some tables open. We found parking on the street in Hoboken on a Sunday night which is a rarety - you know this if you live in Hobo! So we came in and to my surprise it was tastefully decorated and the ambience was perfect.. not loud at all and very cozy. We asked to be seated near the bar on the high top tables. They checked our coats for us and sat us right away and offered us Sangria, mojitos and other daily special drinks. We ordered two pitchers of sangria and started with a few appetizers. We all ordered our own entree and I recommend the churrasco steak and the ropa vieja. I tried those two and it was delicious!!! We finished the evening with some dessert - tres leches and bananas foster. It was all delicious and I will never forget that evening at The Cuban Restaurant.
(5)
Elizabeth S.
I have been to many cuban restaurants in NYC and none of them compare to The Cuban Restaurant and Bar. I made same day reservations, the earliest was 6pm for 7 people on Saturday. I arrived there a few minutes before 6:30pm due to traffic. I came from the Bronx and as you can imagine the GWB and Lincoln tunnel on weekends is a nightmare. Either way I let them know I would be there by 6:30pm and they were nice enough to hold our table until then. 1. Service - Excellent service from the moment you walk in. They offered us coat-check and proceeded to take us to the back room. A cozy area perfect for dinner and a semi-private conversation. The staff were very thoughtful and attentive, we enjoyed our dinner so much more because of that. A few things that stood out were when my sisters got up from the table to use the restroom, the gentleman came over, folded their napkins and placed them on the table. Also he made sure the three tables put together for our party were always aligned properly. 2. Food - We ordered a few appetizers and entrees but the most memorable were: App: Ceviche de camaron App: Camarone con tamal en cazuela Entree: Churrasco Entree: Paella Valenciana Dessert: Pastelito de chocolate One more glass of sangria and the staff would have received hugs from me, it was very tempting :)
(5)
S C.
I've been here about 5 times. Their happy hour deals are pretty good! We got the white and red sangria - both were good, but I liked the red more. My favorite foods are the complimentary bread and garlic butter - warm, chewy and delicious, the Cuban sliders and the beets and goat cheese salad. The bartender was attentive and nice. Ambience is cute and laid back.
(5)
Ralph A.
This former lounge is now home of a good Cuban Restaurant located in the heart of Hoboken. The service was excellent and the restaurant is fit for small and large groups. However, due to the fact that we were a party of six and around other large tables the only negative remark I would make is there was to much noise from another table. Unfortunately we had to sit next to an entire bachelorette like party that were overly loud, and considering there's no carpet or curtains it makes for a noisy atmosphere, but I can't blame The Cuban for that. The drinks and food they were all really good. Our table had guac, empanadas, and rock shrimp for appetizers. The shrimp had a slight fishy taste and was probably the least liked appetizer. However the guacamole and empanadas were all well received. For entrees I tried the Pork Shank which was tender but wasn't served hot enough, the flank steak was delicious with that cilantro and oil chimichurri sauce. The Ropa Vieja was tasty as well, so all and all it was an enjoyable dining experience. For the price and the portions I think its everything you'd want and I'd say it met our expectations. Make sure you make reservations well in advance as the place seems to be pretty busy and organized on seating people.
(4)
Nelly D.
Take your date here. It's dimly lit and has a romantic feel even thought it's a bit noisy. The food is excellent. Appetizers range from $7 to $14, entries are $25-30 +. Sangria is amazing and worth the price.. Tastes like sangria and not sugary crap with a teaspoon of wine like you would get at chain restaurants.
(5)
Luis B.
Stopped by here because hey, it's cuban!, hit the sunday $5 happy hour special and lower priced appetizers. the drinks were decent and the food was alright. We ordered the shrimp ceviche and the cuban and for drink we had the mojito, thank you yelp for the free drink, a cuba libre, a white sangria ( awesome) and a pina colada. i would definitely go back for dinner as it looked pretty dam good on peoples tables.
(3)
Nikki T.
Everything is abundantly portioned and delightfully fresh. My favorites on the menu are the paella and crab guacamole with plantain chips. Most dishes are easily gluten free, and they are very accommodating to dietary needs. Try the jalapeño mojito!
(5)
Tamika T.
The food is scrumptious. Only 2 vegetarian options but the vegetable paella is to die for, the sauteed spinach is heaven and the tostones are excellent! 4 stars instead of 5 because the loud music makes conversation challenging. But overall a great place!
(4)
Lorenzo T.
This is a favorite of mine for both Happy Hour and also for dinner. Keep reading to learn about the whole suckling pig you can order. Check out their menu's here thecubannj.com/#!menu - HAPPY HOUR - Tuesday - Friday 4-7pm (@ the bar) Their cocktails, wines, and sangria are all $5 by the glass. Select beers are $3 a bottle. So you get a cocktail that is regularly $8-$11 for half that. Super good deal! Drinks are strong and delicious. Like mixing it up and trying a few at that price. *My favorite is the Pacha Agave - Milagros Tequila, Citronge, passion fruit, lime juice, agave nectar. Refreshing without to much sweetness. Balanced like a nice glass of limeade. Also during happy hour the bar menu is $5. Tapas style plates of empanadas, cuban sandwiches, and mini cuban burgers to name a few. All are really good deals. *El Cubano is my favorite and is probably the best bang for your buck too. Always a good idea to munch on something while sipping on a strong drink or five. - DINNER - For my birthday I ordered a full 30lb suckling pig for the dinner party. (Note: You need to have a minimum of 10 people, and order 48 hours ahead so they can buy, prepare, and roast the hog.) OMG was it amazing! Everyone was so happy with the food. They presented the pig to us, apple in mouth, a true Kodak moment. Then back to the kitchen it went to be sliced and served. Heaping platters of mouthwatering pig came out for each section of the table, accompanied with moro rice, boiled yuca, and sweet plantains. This was all served family style. There is nothing like consuming a 30lb beast that brings people closer together. Only thing I wish they did was server the different cuts from the pig to us. As a foodie I get off on stuff like that. Ohh pig ear you say, don't mind if I do...a cut from the cheek - i heard that's the best part. LOL An awesome experience at a great restaurant. If you wanna know any more details shoot me a message. This place has a big back area, so it's great to book ahead of time for a party.
(5)
Candace C.
Amazing amazing amazing, great atmosphere, even better food! Had sangria, guacamole with sweet plantain chips and crab meat, and the skirt steak and would recommend them all!
(5)
Jos S.
Went through my yelp bookmarks and decided to call and they were able to sneak us in on Easter Sunday at 6pm. . It's very pretty inside. We ordered the papas rellena de Rabo that was amazing. We ordered the ham and cheese empanadas and that was also very tasty. There were 3 and they serve it with a little bed of guava jelly. Delish. I ordered half a carafe of sangria and that was yummy. My bf ordered the guava mojito he loved it. I ordered the vaca Frita but the waiter brought me the ropa vieja. I was too tired to wait for the correct order and just ate what they brought out. It was good but I would have preferred my vaca Frita. It was ok. The mistake is the only reason I removed one star. We got the brownie and 3 leches as dessert!! The browny was amazing!!!! The 3 leches was good but not better than the brownie. I was dying for a coffee but I was too full to order one I would go back in A heartbeat. Amazing and btw the staff there is really attentive. The ambiance is great as well. We loved it. It was me, my bf and our daughter and our bill was only $88. (We did share the main course ) I loved it. Will try it for brunch one day!!!
(4)
Elham F.
Great atmosphere; dim lighting, great music. Went for a date night and found it perfect. We both chose the vaca Frita (Soooo good!) and for drinks a coconut mojito (which I found didn't go well with the meal but individually was great) , my date had the red sangria which was a bit strong but still very tasty. Overall we loved it !
(5)
Steven C.
Been to the Cuban a bunch of times and the place is really on point... Drinks are great and the food is tremendous (meaning great, not size)... Must get the Ox tail as an app when you go... Only problem with this dish is that they don't immediately serve you another when you're done. I had to stop myself from licking the plate (although I can't promise I won't next time). I'll be back Fo Sho!
(4)
Daniel B.
The BEST Cuban restaurant I've ever experienced. Everything was amazing; from the seafood paella to the flan. Plus the service and atmosphere was great. I'd definitely recommend this place if you appreciate stellar Cuban cuisine.
(5)
Aben R.
Stopped in for dinner with some friends and ordered the Paella. The dish was tasty, but the rice was burnt and dry. Watered down Sangria was an absurdly costly $30 a pitcher. No complaints about the appetizers, but no raves either. Will not return.
(3)
Joseph V.
I had been the The Cuban before for drinks and some snacks, but never for a full meal. Until last night. They had a passionfruit mojito on special, which was incredibly tasty and had just the right amount of alcohol. I ordered the Paella, which comes as a gigantic skilled filled with every kind of seafood you can imagine and an incredibly smooth and delicious whipped garlic butter dipping sauce. Perfect. The service was also some of the best I have ever had. Never once were we left searching for a waiter. The staff was extremely polite and made a constant effort to ensure we were doing well. They even watched the bowls we were given to dump our empty seafood shells in, and replaced them with fresh ones numerous times throughout the meal. The four of us were very happy with the experience, and I will be going The Cuban again.
(5)
Ateeb K.
Went there for valentine day. Appetizers were tasty, good presentation. Main course was stripped bass also delicious but dessert was a disapointment (last item on menu... Strawberry something.). Keep on mind this place is expensive.
(4)
Sophie A.
Fabulous food... Never disappoints. Everything is memorable and the meats are always tender and impeccably prepared. Drinks don't seem too strong but sneak up on you. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff. Reservations can be hard to get last minute so don't wait too long to book on weekends. Mint leaves in the mojitos can be a bit overboard, but other than that I wouldn't change a thing.
(5)
Les V.
Perfect spot for happy hour! Great mojitos and mixed drinks. I have gone for dinner and for happy hour and have been happy both times. I would say go for happy hour as you get a better deal for your buck!
(4)
V K.
Tried to eat at the restaurant last night with a Group. We ended up losing our reservation as everyone got stuck in traffic. The table is only held for 15 min and the entire party must be present prior to being seated. I understand this and this is a common policy at multiple restaurants. And I had no problem with this fact. However, the hostess at the restaurant was very rude when she informed me of this fact. And I wish that was the only bad part of trying to eat at this establishment. As people from our party arrived we waited at the bar and got drinks. We finally got a table when a majority of our party arrived. As some people cancelled as they were going to be severely delayed. One extra person showed up after we got seated and that was when the true problem started. The manager came over to the table to explain that this was not appropriate and that we couldn't add a chair. I do have to say she conducted herself professionally. Then the "hostess with the mostest" came to the table irate informing us that we couldn't just keep adding people to the table. We apologized. She continued to be rather inappropriate. I finally asked if she would like is to get up from the table we were seated at. She said yes. So my entire party got up paid for the drinks we had ordered from the waiter who had already taken our drink order and left. We ate at another establishment a short distance from The Cuban. To say my entire group were disgusted by the behavior of the hostess is an understatement and all of us shall not return, which is too bad because the food looked appetizing and the drinks were very good.
(1)
J K.
The Cuban is one of our favorite restaurants in Hoboken... the service is warm, friendly and attentive.. the cocktails are well mixed (try the sangria!), good quality wine, the food is consistently good (the paella and chicken empanadas - yum!) the atmosphere is fun and relaxed... the place is usually lively and full but never feels over-crowded.. and the live music is fantastic!! My boyfriend brought us here for our first date and we've been regulars ever since. The place is much larger than I initially thought judging by the front room.. there is a large seating area in the back and another level upstairs!
(4)
Taryn O.
Everything is delicious. The empanadas de jamon y queso and garlic shrimp are amazing appetizers and the churrisco is soooo good. For dessert try the creme brulee!
(5)
Bob S.
A Second Chance - Lost After the review I wrote in July, I gave The Cuban a second chance. Unfortunately, I found the staff again very pushy about appetizers, drinks and more drinks. First visit, shame on them, second time, shame on me. Despite this being Hoboken the birthplace of baseball, there will be no third strike because I will not return!
(2)
Anthony J.
Wow......one of the best restaurants in Hoboken. The food was incredible and I was thinking about it for days afterward. Ropa Vieja, Vaca Frita....WOW. Service was great. Drinks were fantastic. Mojitos? Yes please, thank you very much. Really cool atmosphere....very classy but not overdone. From the outside it looks like a small place, but we were surprised to see such a spacious dining room in the back, including a lounge area. You're not going to get a better meal for the price anywhere in town.
(5)
Milton V.
This is not your average Cuban place. For drinks we started with a complementary mojito and a Cuba Libre which were both excellent. For an appetizer we had the ceviche de cangrejo which was exquisite. For entrees I had the short ribs and they were so tender I was able to eat them with only my fork. My wife had the classico pork and was very surprised at the sizeable portion and delicious flavor. The ambiance was trendy and hip but if you're looking for a quite meal this is not the place. Salsa is pumping all night and patrons can get loud as the drinks start flowing. We concluded with the tres leches, which may have been the best I've ever had. I can't wait to go back and eat here again!
(5)
Maria A.
This place has great ambiance; the enchilado camaron and vierias was great. My friend said she has had better plantains (she's been to Miami a lot) but her food was good too. It took forever to get our food but they said it was because my friend ordered her steak medium well. I'd go back, it's still one of my fav Hoboken spots.
(3)
Kimberly S.
I have been here twice before, once with a group and once with a friend. Service: The first time I was here was with a group and we had to wait quite a bit to be seated. The second time we were a party of two and still could not be seated right away even though I could tell it was not busy. The Waiter service each time was pretty good, they were on top of us and made sure we had full glasses. Food: Drinks: I love the Mojitos here, they are definitely not cheap with the alcohol. Entrees I have tried POLLO A LA PARRILLA Grilled chicken breast, roasted pumpkin mash, caramelized onion, mojo rojo This was really tasty, I ordered this because I was on a "health kick" but was extremely happy with my meal. Chicken was cooked perfectly (not dry). ROPA VIEJA Braised skirt steak, tomato pepper sauce, white rice, black beans This was okay, the rice was cool, that wasn't a killer for me but I expect warm food. The steak was great though. Minus the wait time and the cool rice I would definitely recommend this place to a friend.
(3)
Carlos O.
Let me start off by saying that I'm Cuban and my parents make awesome food, so I know what I'm talking about. Came here for brunch today and was not disappointed. The Eggs Benedict with Ropa Vieja was delicious and the meat was very well seasoned, although the muffin could use some work as it tasted a bit like Pillsbury dough to me. The "El Baririo" dish was also delicious. Big plus for the free drink for checking in on Yelp. I noticed a picture of "Arroz Imperial" here on Yelp but I can't find it on the menu. I never see this anywhere outside of my parent's home, if you have the chance to try it do it! It's incredible!
(4)
Andrea F.
I notice I post mostly 5 star reviews...lol...because I really, really love the places I go to...at my age, I'm not going to wast time in a place I only have a half assed liking for... I love The Cuban for its awesome atmosphere; chill vibe; totally fabulous happy hour (awesome reds at 5.00 served in gorgeous thin stemmed glasses...thank you); live Cuban music; mussels to die for (also 5.00 at happy hour at the bar); and the cleanest rest rooms I have ever seen ANYWHERE lol...(I read years ago that if you're new to a place, check out the restrooms before eating...if they're a mess, don't eat there cause the kitchen is even worse)... All in all, a hip, chill place for people who are serious about their playtime...oh, and they don't bitch if you arrive in work-out clothes!
(5)
George B.
The Cuban is still one of the newer restaurants in Hoboken and I'm really glad I got to eat here. It offers some of the best Cuban food in town and I can say no other place in Hoboken is quite like it. We started with a meat and cheese platter, an excellent choice. I can't tell you the names of everything on it but they all paired rather well. I ordered the churrasco for my entree and let me tell that steak was cooked to perfection. My only disappointment was in the house wine. Not very good at all and very disappointing. But then again its house wine so whatever. Service was absolutely fantastic and the atmosphere is fantastic. I am very open to coming back even though it is a little expensive. You can order a pig roast if you have a large enough party; sounds like my next food adventure!
(5)
Rosemary V.
Went there for an early dinner on a Sunday. The place was not crowded at all and we were promptly seated. Ambience: The place is very nice, fancy, chic and with lots of artwork. When you first walk in, you think the place is small and narrow. Little do you know there is a bigger room in the back and an additional smaller area upstairs (ideal for private parties). They played Spanish music the whole time but it wasn't loud to the point you couldn't have a conversation. Food: The bread the put on the table, is soo delicious, it has cheese baked into it, but you can't really tell until you bite it (And I had given up cheese for lent, so this was a minor fail lol). The butter has garlic and (if you love garlic as much as I do) it is to die for. I had the paella, which was delicious, and made the traditional way. Most paella is usually big portion, enough to share. The size of this paella was not enough to share with another person, but it was also a bit too much for one person. If you decide to share it, make sure you order another dish as well. My date had the churrasco, which came with yucca fries and salad. The steak was very good and the yucca fries delicious. Drinks: I forgot the actual name of the drink, but it has the word agave in it, and it pretty much had tequila, agave and passion fruit. It was strong and sweet; simply delicious! My date had the mojito which he liked. Service: Waiter was friendly, attentive but not overbearing. Prices: Not on the cheap side; each dish was about $20-26. Overall, I would love to go back !
(4)
Jessica G.
Amazing amazing amazing - vaca frita Cuban fried rice is to die for! Bolleche this place takes home cooked Cuban food to the next level. Being Cuban and growing up on this helps me appreciate the thought of adding modern with old tradition. Expensive but I would say after going there there first time I went back 4 times in a row the following week.
(5)
Jenn S.
The Cuban impressed us! The staff is very friendly and attentive, ambiance is fun, colorful and always hopping but never too packed and over-crowded. We came here twice in 1 week because it was THAT good. The first meal, I went for my classic go-to, churrasco steak, and this place did not disappoint. The steak was perfectly cooked, portion size was super friendly and very tasty! Some other favorites: App: Empanadas - only $6 for 3 (ropa vieja is extra delish!) Ceviche Mixto Entree: Churrasco Ropa Vieja Rabo Encendido - spicy braised oxtail Cocktail: LOVE their Rosada, delish Cava with elderflower and crushed fresh strawberries and sometimes guava too!
(4)
Ruth H.
Best service, food, drinks by far! We are sold! We love this place! If you are allergic to shellfish, just ask for the cuban guacamole without the crab, my husband asked for the crab on the side so he could eat it! The guacamole was so flavorful and I order the chicken sandwich with bacon...AMAZING!!! My hubby order the steak sandwich, very juicy, flavorful and medium well...SO GOOD! This our new fav place! Oh and the sangria was delightful!
(5)
pooja n.
Horrible experience tonight. We had to wait a full hour to even recieve the food and the bread was stone cold. When we asked why the food was so late, the manager told us that they had a larger party they were serving so we would just have to wait until they were done. The party they referred to was a 10 person table! Finally when we were about to walk out, the food came. No breaks on the price, no ' sorry about that guys, we will cover the appetizers'. Just horrible service and the food was mediocre at best. Would recommend going to better restaurants right in that area that are a LOT less expensive. thanks
(1)
Prasath S.
Came here two nights in a row...Tried the Wings, Guac, Mussels and the steak empanadas...very flavorful and great presentation. The warm bread and the herb butter is also delicious...p.s - try the lemon/pineapple/grapefruit filled white wine sangria...amazing !!!! Can't wait to go here again and try some of the authentic cuban entrees.
(5)
Ramona P.
Delicious brunch. We ordered the Cuban benedict (browse through for my picture) and the bistec a caballo (grilled skirt steak and the best damn Cuban fried rice I've tasted). The half pitcher of rosada was yummy and a refreshing change to sangria to complement our food. Live music and great service really made our meal even more enjoyable. We'd love to come back for dinner!
(5)
Sha J.
You know I never have anything negative to say about the Cuban and the food and service is always wonderful, but I'm saddened to say they took my wife and I's favorite appetizer off the menu.. The potato croquet stuffed with stewed oxtail with a jalapeño garlic aioli ... So sad..please bring it back...
(4)
Catherine D.
Plenty of gluten free choices including their introductory bread basket. I loved every minute from my perfectly assembled mojito to my juicy tender and tasty churasco steak and I drooled over the grand finale of a mind blowing flan and cafe con leche. As Arnold Schwarzennegger once uttered, "I'll be back".
(5)
Christopher B.
This place was phenominal. Lots of times in Hoboken it's easy to find a decent but way overpriced restaurant. While this place is a bit pricy, the food and drinks are SO good. I will definitely be coming back.
(5)
Rirry C.
Best bread basket ever! Mushroom croquettes were amazing. Mojitos were free with yelp check-in and honestly one of the best mojitos I've had. Ropa vieja was really good but at $19, the portion should've been double the size. Good thing we asked for bread like 3 times. Seriously that bread is money. And made in-house!
(5)
Paul J.
Went with some friends for a celebration dinner and came back a second time just because. The portions are very generous and the food is excellent. Grilled octopus was done really well, as was the churrasco. I'll be back here and try to give a more indepth review in the future. I think the quality of the food and portions really fit well with the price.
(4)
J P.
I love coming here for mojitos and Cubans. The staff is professional and the food and drinks are authentic.
(5)
laura b.
Kudos to the bartenders at The Cuban! Traditional drinks like Mojitos and Caipirinhas are excellent (no mixes here)...and there is always an interesting special at the bar as well. The food is outstanding. We have been three times. The service was excellent twice during the week, but very rough one weekend night. We are now limiting visits to weekdays, but we will be regulars!
(5)
Frank C.
Best restaurant in Hoboken. All the food is delicious from the plantain chips and guac, to the shredded beef, pallea and even the deserts, which include MINI DONUTS! Also the Sangria and Mojitos are top notch. And in the summer it is a great spot with outdoor seating right in the best part of town.
(5)
CandB J.
Came for brunch. The menu was limited but almost everything on the menu sounded very good. We ended up ordering their special, red sangria. The sangria was very good. For entrees we got a roasted chicken half and hanger steak. Both were flavorful and came with a handful of sides that were very fresh and yummy. Well worth the visit, looking forward to trying dinner!
(4)
Shannon M.
I had dinner on Saturday night. We called about an hour ahead and made a reservation for 8:30pm. We were seated right away. The restaurant has a fantastic layout with multi level dining. They also have outside seating and inside there is central air. We were seated in a cool lounge like area inside downstairs with zebra booths. We started with a mojito and sparkling wine, both were tasty. The special appetizer was a corn polenta with shrimp, it was AMAZING. We also tried the guacamole with lump crab- delicious. We ordered the moderately priced Zaco rioja ($26 for a bottle) with dinner. It was a perfect choice. We both ordered more traditional dishes for the main meal, the Ropa and the Vaca. It was a great dinner and we will definitely be returning.
(5)
Michael V.
Go to the cuban happy hour. For $5 each you get to sample their top flight drinks and a bunch of their delicious food is also discounted. They use all top shelf booze in their drinks. The empanada's are great as are the fries. I have also been there for dinner numerous times and each time the food is exceptional. The churrasco is great as in the ropa veijo and the paella.
(5)
City G.
First thing first. Best service ever!! If service is important to you, this is the right place! From taking your jacket to giving you the check, the service never failed. We ordered the seafood paella which was moist and filled with seafood. Must try. Table for 2 is a bit small but cant complain given the food and service. The portions are generous and we ended up with a doggy bag. Must try!!
(5)
Diver O.
Really good. I sat at the bar. The crab guac with plantain chips was awesome. You must try the guava mojito! I had the twice cooked skirt steak. It was a little dry but still quite flavorful. The bar service was excellent. They make the sangria to order with fruit/wine rater than steeping the fruit in the wine for a few days. This likely explains other reviewers comments about little fruit flavor. Overall hip place with good food and drinks.
(4)
Leah G.
multi-tiered restaurant in downtown Hoboken with an intimitate vibe and an unmistakeable Latin flair. Standard Cuban fare, but of the highest quality. Get the guacamole and crab app -- you will die! Delicious mojitos. As a Miami girl, I know my Cuban food, and this place gets my recommendation!
(4)
Shondi M.
Everything was excellent. Drinks were great. I had three mojitos and they were perfection. Food was deelish! I started with the lump crab ceviche which was excellent. For entree I had the vaca frita which was also great. Definitely worth a return trip. I went on a Thursday night and was able to get a reservation no prob.
(5)
Brian E.
This place is really a 4.5 but I'll keep it at a 4 right now and re-evaluate on my next go. Its kind of got a lounge feel and has a nice decor. This is definitely a good date spot. It has a front room, a back room, and a top level. It looked like the back room was the place to be but on a Friday night that can mean waiting 45-60 minutes, reservation or not, so I went with the front area which is a bit noisier and busy. That being said, waiting about 20-25 minutes to sit was okay given the mojitos were delicious. Run-Down: - Drinks: Lots of tasty mixed drinks, mojitos are on point, Sangria is very good. - Apps: Only went empanadas but they were delicious. Highly recommend - Entrees: Paella is good. I'd recommend splitting and grabbing apps maybe otherwise you're on food coma status. - Service: Attentive and helpful...sort of It started down pouring as we were getting the check so i asked where I might be able to buy an umbrella nearby. He told me to check the deli. Not sure what deli he was talking about but I was pretty much ready to chalk that up for a complete failure. As we're leaving, the guy gives an umbrella he found in the restaurant. Shady as hell but I can't argue with the results.
(4)
Dee T.
Free mojito with your first check in!
(4)
Loren S.
I could eat here all day long everyday. One dish is better than the next. The drinks, sangria are incredible. You cannot go wrong here the food is perfection and the staff are always friendly.
(5)
Kendra H.
Hands down the best meal I've had in Hoboken in a very long time! Everything was great from the service, to the drinks, the atmosphere and the quality of food. Do yourself a favor and try any of the specialty cocktails, very yummy! I had 2 different types of mojitos, will be back for some more of those! I split several things off the menu with a friend, the empanadas, octopus, mussels and the ropa vieja. The mussels were absolutely amazing! The sauce (an aioli sauce) served over the mussels with frites and chorizo were delicious, I will be sure to head back there for those alone! The octopus was also very delicious. The ropa vieja was a highlight of an outstanding meal can't wait to come back!!
(5)
Jen U.
The brunch menu here is pretty amazing, so many great choices. The tres leches french toast was amazing. Just a little high priced for what you get.
(4)
Gabriel M.
Good food & the service was great. The wait staff is really friendly. Price was good especially for the large portions you get.
(4)
Sara N.
food was great! cool atmosphere - however very loud. don't come here if looking for cute quiet spot.
(4)
Joe P.
We have been going here for a while and love it every single time! But lately we noticed portion is getting smaller, a lot smaller. Maybe it was just one time, we will go back and see. But all the food tastes delicious. All the waiters are friendly and prompt. Make sure you make a reservation Friday nights!
(5)
Kelly R.
It's like taking a little trip Cuba. I love this place super strong sangria great dishes and sometimes they have live cuban music for brunch. Also their happy hour when sitting at the bar is fantastic, everything is $5! A must go to in Hoboken.
(5)
Elena S.
This may sound like many other reviews for The Cuban, but there just isn't much to complain about, so I'll keep it short. Happy hour, pre-fixe menu before 7pm, great sangria, lovely decor, service, food and oh the wonderful guitarist!! This was really just a great dinner. Tried the empanadas, salmon and flan. Everything was prepared well, and really yummy. Can't wait to go back!!
(4)
Amy P.
This place was wonderful. Great service, very polite. No wait for sunday lunch and amazing food!
(5)
John R.
Not one bad thing to say about this place. Just wish it was bigger. The empanada starters were spot on. The (white) Sangria was very good. El Classico (pork shoulder) was so tender, no knife needed. Vaca Frita was tender and seasoned to perfection. We sat outside (they brought an extra table for us), on a beautiful night. Only drawback is the constant flow of pedestrians, but it's part of Hobokens charm.
You must come here. I repeat: you. must. come. here. On the lookout for a restaurant suitable for dinner with the parentals, I came across The Cuban. Knowing that it had recently opened, I was surprised by the glowing reviews it was getting. It certainly lived up to the hype, and then some. We ordered the veggie empanadas, the beef empanadas, and the ham croquettes to start. We only ordered that much because we thought there would only be one empanada per order; instead, you get three beautiful empanadas for just $6. Just after splitting open the veggie empanada, I was immediately drawn in by its incredible fragrance. It tasted just as good. The beef and the croquettes were fantastic, too, but the veggie empanadas were truly out of this world. The main course was outstanding. The boneless half chicken ... right from the start, you're hit over the head with great flavor. Not sure if I've had more flavorful chicken than the one here. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't finish my sides, perfectly prepared plantains and a huge portion of delectable tomato manchego rice, because of the blissful food coma I was slipping into. I just thought that seating was restricted to the front of the restaurant, but hiding behind the corner is an enormous, multi-level back room, complete with a second bar that opens on the weekends. At the end of the night, I was so wonderfully full and my parents were extremely impressed with the choice. I guarantee you'll be impressed, too.
(5)
Spiros P.
Tried late lunch with baby. Don't try it. Hostess was rude and inefficient. She had us leave and come back, generally coming up with all sorts of reasons to refuse a table, while we're jumping around with a baby and stroller. Please just say "no", nothing wrong with that!
(1)
John F.
One of the best restaurants in Hoboken. Decor is really fun and service is well above average. The food was really tasty, and as a fan of Cuban/Latin/South American Food, I did not leave disappointed. Can't wait to go back. Only downside was the drinks. They tasted good, but were very weak.
(4)
Maria Z.
Love this spot. Especially on Thursday nights where I can hear live music. It feel like a little get away every time I go. Love their mojitos, crab guacamole, and the churrasco. I recommend this place to all my friends.
(5)
Mr. J.
Great Cuban food done in a very creative manner! Service is very good as well - Can't go wrong here for anything.
(4)
Jen M.
I ate here on a Sunday night with my roommate because she had a groupon/living social deal. There was no wait when we got there and the place has nice decor and ambiance. The food is pricey, but well worth it. I got the churrasco with arugula salad and yuca fries. The portion sizes are large (I ended up having enough leftover to eat for lunch the following day). The churrasco was topped with a chimichurri sauce and was absolutely delicious. The yuca fries were slightly sweet but crispy. My only complaint was the arugula salad, it tasted as if only olive oil was drizzled over it. It needed a bit more acid to help cut the oiliness of the meal. My roommate loved her ox tail stew. Overall, I think the food was delicious and would come here again.
(4)
Andrew L.
Love the cuban - I've been there twice. I got the churrasco, I was very pleased with it. Good date spot.
(5)
Jennifer F.
I am very impressed with this restaurant. I came in on a Sunday at 3pm, sat at the bar with a friend & tried some of the appetizers & cocktails. Everything was delicious from the garlic shrimp to the empanadas to the mojitos and coconut pineapple cocktail, although I was not a fan of the truffle fries. Pretty interior, the live music was great and the noise level was perfect. Our bartender, Evo, was friendly & very attentive. One of the managers came over & was also very courteous. The happy hour prices are also very reasonable. Two thumbs up!
(4)
Homer S.
I'm pleased to see this place has so many favorable reviews already. This place is truly a gem. I've only been to the "happy hour" and it made be happy indeed. The mini burgers were probably the best mini burgers I've had. (The duck fries were a bit soggy, but still tasty). Coupled with a few nice drinks at $5 each and a friendly bartender, this place will be in my usual hangouts rotations for some time.
(4)
Alexi C.
I visited NJ for a weekend and my friends and I decided to check out The Cuban for my cousin's birthday dinner. Being Cuban, I was not too excited about this choice because I'm so sick of typical Cuban fare at this point. I did not want to upset the birthday girl however so I went along. Wow, was I pleasantly surprised. All of the dishes were nice upscale twists on classic Cuban favorites. The fact that for their Rabo Encendido they take the oxtail meat out of the bone and saute it in a delicious red sauce not typically seen in this dish shows the level of excellence in their execution. I am known to add salt and pepper to everything but am happy to report that I did not reach for those shakers once. Great food, great drinks, great ambiance (3-D paintings complete with viewing glasses...what??), reasonable prices. Recommendations: Truffle fries cooked in duck fat; Rabo Encendido (yes, I know oxtail sounds strange but it really is the most tender meat you'll ever try); Pollo Imperial (cheesy chicken casserole); and the Bread Pudding dessert (anything with candied bacon gets 5 stars in my book).
(5)
Mike M.
Awesome food. good service on my one and only visit. Paid about what I would expect. Not other worldly expensive but not cheap at all. Would definitely go again
(5)
Xiomara P.
Came here on birthday for dinner with my boyfriend. ... heard great reviews and they def. lived up to them. Very pricey in my opinion .... considering I can get the same quality of cuban food at Rumba in North Bergen for cheaper,maybe not the same creativity thought, but we went to check it out and wwerent disappointed. We had empanadas (mixed them up to be able to try all of them, ropa vieja was my favorite), I had vaca frita, my boyfriend had rabo .... loved the vaca frita ... rabo was good, i like rabo encendido which i think is why i wasnt amazed. Checked in on yelp and got a free mjoito ... drinks were good .... waiter was nice .... will def. return and try to get their happy hour selections!
(4)
Lisa W.
I was pleasantly surprised by my Valentine's Day dinner here. I had already looked at the pre-fixe menu and thought the 3 courses sounded promising but sometimes when upscale restaurants try to make it in Hoboken or NJ in general, they up being overly pretentious or falling on their face. The Cuban definitely bucked that trend. Finally, a restaurant in Hoboken that offers amuse bouches! I love my tiny bites of goodness. When we came in, we were greeted with some unusual decor. Each room seemed to have its own theme and design. There was a bar with lots of fiery reds and oranges, a zebra room, a main dining area with chandeliers and 3D paintings (I know, interesting, right?). We started out with a glass of cava and some delicious rolls. I forget the name of them but they are tiny rolls with chewy airy centers and they are simply scrumptious. They remind me of these Portuguese cheese rolls which the name escapes me on those as well. They brought out only 2 rolls for me and my Valentine and we are carb addicts so we asked for more. We ended up eating 3 each; so good! For an amuse bouche, they brought out chickpea friters which were a tasty bite. For our first course, we both got the duck two ways. There was duck empanada over a frisee salad which was decent and then a really delicious and rich duck confit over an arepa. I was already starting to feel full and regretted my decision to go with a meat heavy, rich second course, the braised short ribs with maitake mushrooms. The short ribs were good but just so heavy after the duck. They were a wee bit salty but I was feeling goodwill because generally everything was delicious and had very nice presentation. My boyfriend had the scallops with saffron coconut broth with yuca and that was nice and lighter and the scallops were cooked perfectly. Prior to dessert, they brought out another amuse bouche. It was V-day themed: Mars and Venus (although to be honest, that seemed a little too hetero focused; men are from Mars, women are from Venus). Mars was an aloe vera gelee and Venus was cookie crumble thing/not sure. For dessert, i had some poached or roasted pears with sweet goat cheese cream and my boyfriend had the chocolate sponge cake. Overall, this was a great experience. The service was attentive, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was fun. When I want Cuban in a nicer environment (than La Isla), I'm definitely going to hit up The Cuban Restaurant!
(4)
Aditi S.
I am not sure why more people don't eat here. It is in my opinion one of the best restaurants on Washington St. The decor is beautiful and the drinks are fantastic. The food is fantastic as well. I've been here a few times for dinner and always left happy. The brunch though is my favorite. People of Hoboken! Please give this restaurant your patronage !!! I'd hate for it to close.
(5)
Ethan D.
This place is pretty good. The fried yucca is off the meter. Fish dishes have been good - Salmon was the best.
(3)
Bill B.
This was hands down deserving of 5 stars. The service was impeccable. The place had a very laid back and classic atmosphere. The Empanadas were very tasty and loaded with slow roasted pulled pork although they were a bit small. The Salmon Cerviche was equally tasty and great. I had the Ropa which was awesome and very traditional. This is a most go to place if you're in Hoboken and love Cuban food. This place will not disappoint.
(5)
Joanne D.
When planning my first time ever trip to Hoboken, I read great reviews of this place on Yelp, looked it up, and made a reservation on their website. The top of their on-line page confirmed my reservation for 3 on Saturday night Nov. 2 at 7 pm. When we arrived at the appointed time they had no record of our reservation; said this online system was new & they were still getting used to it. Apparently a number of parties had the same problem that night. At that point it would have been nice if they had comped us a drink while we waited for a table in the crowded restaurant to become available, but they did not. After about 30 minutes they found a table for us. The food was not that exciting. We each had some kind of steak; the presentation was not very appealing and the taste was blah. I did not finish my plate. Overall this is not a place I would return to and I don't get what the excitement is about. And then, on November 5 I received email confirmation of my reservation for November 2!
(2)
M A.
Wow!! Excellent mojito (free drink w/ app !!) , sangria & wonderful fish, churrasco!! Seriously delicious! Excellent service! Thanks to the Manager (that handsome fella) who sat our party of six, on a friday night, when we didn't have reservations! Thousand thank you's!
(5)
Chris B.
Extremely flavorful dishes. The churasco style skirt steak with yucca fries is to die for. Nothing on the menu is less than great.
(5)
Molly J.
This is my favorite little spot in Hoboken. I love it for the full cocktail menu, the delicious Sangria, the handsome and wonderful service, and the unique, always amazing food. So far, I've only sat at the bar and ordered from their happy hour menu ($5 fancy cocktails and lots of small plates under $10), but I've at least made the effort to always try something new. I'm always blown away and amazed at the level of customer service. I love the spicy margarita, the mojitos, the red sangria, the Cuban sandwich, the mini burgers, and the ceviche. It's also very cozy and romantic inside.
(5)
Tully O.
Ate here with a friend and it was really good. We both enjoyed our dish. I got a pork dish with beans and rice and enjoyed it. The sangria was delicious too.
(4)
Yency C.
Very nice place. Good food and drinks. Definitely coming back.
Love the food here. Love the service here. And love, love, love the mojitos here! I dare to say the best mojito you'll find in hoboken. The place itself also have a great vibe, good for dates with nicely dim light and live music.
(4)
Tracy S.
Really enjoyed my dinner here. We went on a Friday night without a reservation - they said it would be about 20 minutes so we waited at the small front bar which was wasn't crowded. Since we grabbed seats there, we decided to order an appetizer at the bar while we waited for the table. And my only complaint about the entire night was that no one ever came to tell us our table was ready. After our appetizer, we were very comfortable still at the bar so decided to eat our entree there as well -- its certainly possible that the staff told the hostess we didn't need a table anymore - but no one ever came to tell us a table was ready. The food was delicious -- we ended up just ordering a bunch more appetizers and splitting them. In particular the empanitas (tried the chicken and the veggie) and cerviche were both great. Can't wait to go back to try the entrees and some of the delicious looking cocktails. The staff behind the bar were super friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu. And the ambiance of the restaurant is also very warm -- these two combined to make you feel incredibly welcomed. Brunch will evidently start up in a few weeks as well. Looking forward to a return visit soon.
(4)
Jaclyn I.
Excellent. In my opinion, better than La Isla's dinner. Drinks, apps and entrees were all wonderful. Space is really cool. Came with a groupon, and almost felt BAD using it since the experience was so great! Generally you think if the place ran one of these, its bound to have issues, but the Cuban is (currently, anyways) a gem. Will be back for dinner, and late night!
(5)
Justin S.
Where do I begin? Lets start with Decor... When you enter The Cuban you are immediately greeted by a helpful and pleasant staff and beautiful cuban artwork and framed photos from cuba neatly hung throughout the restaurant. The place simply has soul! The service was spectacular and the food even better. You must try the Chicharones de Camarones! We had an amazing experience at The Cuban and will be back quite often. They will be doing Brunch on the weekends starting sometime in the spring and also have outdoor tables. Inside they have 2 bar areas upstairs and down. They also have the Zebra Room which is an intimate dining room -let me be straightforward- the room is DownRight Sexy! This place should be on everyones list!!! Again I have to say the food is to die for AND the service rivaled that of the Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower.(Yes! That is how amazing the service was) P.S. And let me not forget delicious drinks. Try the pineapple Caipirinha! It is a MUST!
(5)
M M.
I love this place! The food is delicious and the backroom is nice and cozy.
(5)
Emily G.
Had dinner with my family Sunday night. The Mojitos were delicious, the food, each and every entre had a very unique and distinct taste. Highly recommend when visiting Hoboken and want true Cuban food.
(5)
Joanna G.
I loved the food especially the empanadas! Great ambiance and service.
(4)
Robbie C.
Guacamole with crab! Most dinner entrees are good portions.
(4)
Erin S.
This place is amazing. Great addition to the Hoboken Restaurant scene. A friend and I came here for restaurant week and was really impressed.
(5)
Chris B.
Excellent...from the cocktails to the apps, dinner and dessert..they did a nice job...just enough food, not too little or too much...service was good.
(4)
Michael C.
I'm no expert on Cuban food, but this is very good. The Sunday Happy Hour (1 to 6p I think?), offered $5 cocktails and some small plates. We showed up at 3:30p and the bar was packed, but the server was nice enough to let us sit at a table and order from the Bar Only Happy Hour menu (dinner menu starts at 4p on Sundays). That was a nice gesture. The mojitos were made well, and were pretty strong. We ordered entrees later and they were really good. Will definitely be back again.
(3)
Kristen R.
Went here the other night and I'm happy to say it will surely be a part of my Hoboken resto-bar rotation going forward. We were seated in the front of the restaurant, and I really liked the decor / bar set-up. Didn't get a chance to peek into the back but I here there's a lot more seating. Also outdoor seating. The food - very tasty. It's not a huge dining menu but they seem to have the Cuban staples covered. Also just saw that they have a bar menu which is sweet. Went with the meat / cheese plate app (too much blue cheese, but the manchego and other meats were on point) to share and the pollo a la parrilla for dinner. My booshakes had the bistec empazinado and couldn't finish it but asked to wrap that shiz up without batting an eye. Drinks - tried the special gin mojitos. They were dankity dank but loaded with ice, and should have been bigger for a $9 bev. But alas, they were so delicious that I still crushed 3 and had no regrets. Yes the food/bar is on the pricey side, but this place stands out among the cookie cutter spots on Washington. I will be back to try more of the menu. Also looks like a good spot for a private party...
(4)
AK A.
In truth I joined yelp specifically blog about this restaurant because i truly hope management would be able to read this. First off beautiful place with an excellent ambiance . And the back dining room area of the restaurant is unlike anything in Hoboken. Small but charming and cozy. Staff was excellent and looking to please. However my issue with this place is THE FOOD! When you drop $130 for dinner of 3 I'd expect to leave the place with a satisfied appetite. Instead It was a trip across street to Bennies for a slice of pizza to satisfy the appetite. Now Im not a pig asking for enormous portions. Im just a person expecting to be served a reasonable portion for a $25 dinner. And the sangria you might wonder. Well thats a whole other story. Watered down and sent backed . Now the waiter was great service. But we left the pitcher half full and our glasses to the rim.
(2)
Ellen K.
Delicious food, great atmosphere, friendly staff, beautiful and creative cocktails, what more could you want? My husband and I sat at the bar and had their famous house mojitos and a few apps, simply divine! Each dish we ordered was filled with aromatic spices and tastiness..each more delicious than the last. It wasn't until I went to find the ladies room that I was astonished to see a much larger and spectacularly designed seating area in the back; funky and fun for a group of four or more. We cant wait to go back and we live about an hour away!!! The Cuban is well worth the drive; simply awesome!
(5)
Brian K.
I tried this place after being told this it is the best restaurant in Hoboken ... This restaurant is way bigger than you'd have thought by looking at the store front. The ambiance is cool, the bar area is lively and has live music. Their drink list is creative, and people love their mojitos (though I didnt try one). The service was slow and inattentive, despite the restaurant having plenty of open seats. The food was mediocre, and every single entree at my table of 5 came out cold. The ceviche was perhaps the least impressive item we ordered, It was little more than shrimp and pieces of bland white fish in a white sauce. For the price of the food (let alone the reputation), I would have expected better. This isn't the best cuban food in Hoboken (La Isla easily has it beat), let alone best overall restaurant.
(3)
G T.
an absolute home-run. great unique food in a fun setting. it's pretty obvious why this place is packed every night. cant wait to go back
(5)
Brittany P.
THIS IS MY FAVORITE RESTURANT IN HOBOKEN!!!!!!!!!! i work at the W hotel and this is the place i send everyone!! it is fabulous. my favorite dish is the skirt steak! it is mouth watering! and the drinks are the BEST, REAL REASL MOJITOS HERE!! hidden gem in hoboken for sure
(5)
Marie O.
The food was great. The Clasico was amazing, the meat fell off the bone. All of the food was cooked perfectly. My friend got the filet, it was the best filet I ever had. The service was great. Only downside, the hostess wasn't very good at communicating.
(4)
Josie D.
I liked this place a lot... The food was delicious, the staff is friendly and the overall I enjoyed my dinner here. A nice "addition" to Hoboken!
(4)
Sheryl C.
We went here last month for my birthday and the food was great! We went on a Wednesday night so it wasn't too crowded; the space is long and narrow so I don't know if it's the best spot for a really large group (more than 10), but there was a table of 5-6 seated comfortably adjacent to us. The staff was extremely attentive and friendly. I have no complaints and will be back! Mojitos were awesome!!!
(4)
ashley m.
Great drinks and elegant (non sports bar) vibe !!! Lovely music and good food too.
(3)
Buzz L.
Well I returned. Over and over and over again. The food, service, drinks, portions, etc all remain 5 stars. They added Vaca Frita to their menu which makes my bf very happy. I cant seem to venture away from the Currasco, especially the yuca fries that come with it. Can't wait until our next visit :-)
(5)
MJ H.
Great atmosphere and even better food. Very authentic . Try the Rock Shrimp appetizer. We will be back!
(4)
Darcy I.
Sat outside for dinner with my boyfriend. I had a guava mojito and honestly it was delicious, sweet and strong! Guacamole was good and the main dishes were also good, but not great. I wouldn't mind coming again, but it was a bit pricey.
(3)
Abby R.
Got take out from the bar the other night. Don't remember the entree's name, but it was right under ropa vieja on the menu - a crispy steak with avocado. I'm definitely going back for a meal in house - the atmosphere is great and the place is surprisingly big, but still has an intimate feel. All the staff was nice too. At $20something an entree, it's not cheap, but the portions are large (my husband and I split the entree and were satisfied). Based on that one dish I'm expecting another delicious meal!
(5)
Steve M.
Fantastic Cuban! Love the brunch here. The paella is by far the best. They make sure to brown the bottom of the small cast iron pan it's served in. Really tops all the way through the menu. Drinks are great as well.
(5)
A S.
Delicious Cuban food. Good service and ambiance. Guacamole w/crab meat appetizer and fried plantains was a treat!!! Recommend.
(5)
Erik N.
I read all the reviews about this place and wanted to switch it up and try Cuban with a twist. I surprised my girlfriend with this place and since she never tried Cuban food before I needed something nice and presentable and the Cuban fit the bill. Knowing that she likes seafood i kept the dishes nice and lite by ordering seafood dishes. We paired it all with a good Spanish Cava they had and it was perfect. The service and experience with music in the background was fantastic and my girlfriend loved it all. Thank you for a perfect night!
(5)
Chris C.
Without question The Cuban is the best restaurant I've been to in Hoboken. My girlfriend and I have gone twice in the past few months and the experience has been perfect both times. The service is of the quality that you should expect at any restaurant, but so rarely get. Our server remembered us from months earlier, down to what we ordered the previous time. Great atmosphere as well. As great as the atmosphere and service are, the food is the best part. Highly recommend the Ceviche Mixto as an app. Anything steak related for an entree is a wise choice, but the Mar Y Tierra gives you the best of both worlds Bottom line: go to this place if you haven't already. And if you have, I'm sure you'll go again
(5)
Ethan M.
The Real Deal Cuban Restaraunt in Hoboken! The Cuban boasts an eclectic menu of Abuela's traditional dishes meets modern Cuban cuisine. At first glance the layout and size is deceiving but I was pleasantly surprised once you pass the first room to find an intimate dinning room, spacious lounge and upstairs bar area. The restaurant is decorated with local art work which adds a sincere Cuban authenticity but also has a modern lounge feel. My favorite items on the menu are the tapas! I loved the masitas en tamale en cazuela (ask the waiter for a translation) and the Ropa Vieja ( don't ask for the translation) trust me it's delicious! The staff, management and kitchen is prepared to make your visit a great experience! If you have a seasoned pallet for Cuban food or have never tried it, I would recommend visiting the Cuban!
(5)
Naomi B.
This is by far my favorite restaurant period! The food is outstanding, excellent service and wow... did I mention the food was amazing? ;o) Give it a go... you will not regret it.
(5)
Rob S.
I have not had the food here. I went a few weeks after opening. The bartender was training a new bartender and forgot to put our food order in. She offered to put it in but we were ready to head out. Great happy hour mojito specials but wish we in the US could get some Havana Club 3 year old as nothing else should go in a mojito. Bar area is a little tight, and the bathrooms are a hike up the stairs. Will be back to do another review this summer after they have had a little more time open.
(3)
A M.
well I just may have found my new fave place in hoboken. Even better that I live a block away! This place is great- happy hour mojitos are amazing. Not too sweet, and arrived with a stick of sugar cane. Ceviche was perfectly balanced and flavorful, I could have eaten 5 of those. Try the 'el classico'- its a huge dish of braised pork, rice, potatoes, and some kind of plantain. Friendly service and great food. What more can you ask for?
(5)
Khaled D.
Great new place in Hoboken. I came here for dinner with my girlfriend and we both enjoyed it. My only wish is we sat outside. Will definitely go back. Recommendations from our meal: The octopus and ceviche appetizers. Ropa Veija (sp): double cooked skirt steak for entree The Sangria was perfect.
(4)
Jose B.
Completely disappointed. Went here after hearing good comments from a few people but it did not live up to expectations. Food was mediocre at best - we ordered 3 appetizers: 1)empanadas- it seemed the dough had gone sour and/or the chicken, could not finish eating them- the table next to us had a similar reaction when they got theirs. 2)Ceviche de camarones - it was tasty but the lime/lemon used was fermented and ruined the plate and the presentation was not the best. 3)Crab Guacamole - was tasty but it too was damaged with the fermented lime/lemon. The appetizers took seconds to come out, which only means they were not freshly prepared. We also ordered a Shrimp entree dish, which is served over green rice - the shrimps were Ok but the rice was completely overcooked. On the positive side - the drinks were great! The pisco sours and mojitos were well prepared and served! 4-5 stars on drinks.
(3)
Christina G.
My husband ate a late night dinner here at the bar and we were pleasantly surprised. We shared the pork shank and "yum!" The place is huge inside and has a nice ambiance for group dinners...a little too "clubby" to be a romantic dinner for two though. Can't wait to go back and try it again.
(4)
Patti G.
My Husband and I drove from PA to Hoboken, just to try this restaurant---UNBELIEVABLE!!! Food, Service,Presentation of the food---the food was soooo delicious---I would be ashamed to compare my food to theirs.. P.S. They sent out little random samples of heaven, but my favorite surprise was a morsel of pork , dipped in chocolate, topped with guacamole----that tasted lighter than a Nestle Crunch bar... but better. We're going back for Valentine's Day, with family and friends :)
(5)
Lisa B.
Nice, upscale-feeling establishment. The food was good, it is slightly expensive, but if you are looking for a night out with girlfriends or a significant other, this place does the job. Staff was attentive, without being overbearing, which is always appreciated.
(3)
Amy G.
The braised pork shank was redonculous! I actually asked the owner how he makes them. About 90 seconds in to his explanation and some where between a mirepoix and a 48 hour slow roast he lost me. They are 100% worth going there for. Also to note the avocado and tomato salad, fresh flavorful and actually healthy. To balance out the shank of course. I was so full by the time we finished we walked home and right past Ben and Jerry's... It can happen.
(4)
Dot S.
Great atmosphere and lighting. Food is amazing (but this place is not really for vegetarians). My salad was dry (and it took them forever to bring a lemon to quench the lettuce). This place is NOT for Handicapped people either. Bathroom is up TWO flight of stairs. No signs pointing out where it is either.. just sayin'. Service is polite and efficient (they do chat a bit with each other too much though, so you may have to whip a beer mat at them to get their attention. This is the perfect place to take a fish/meat loving partner. Their french fries are DELISH!! Handicapped Vegetarians must avoid this place at all costs.
(4)
Adam K.
Good food but somewhat overpriced. You're paying for the ambiance here, which is pretty nice. I'd recommend Havana Cafe over this if you're in the mood for upscale Cuban, and La Isla if you just wanna grab some eats.
(3)
Roberto F.
the food, the staff amazing
(5)
Etherline C.
I really like the atmosphere.. Best place to go for a drink and small dishes!
(4)
Jimmy J.
Server decided to commit fraud and add tip to my bill.
(1)
Janelle D.
This place has got a very unique and yummy tasting cuban sandwich. It comes with some sort of mustard seed spread on very yummy bread. Love the plantain chips on the side. That yucca bread that they give you is so amazing and addicting. I once asked for so many refills that they told me they would have to start charging me if I wanted more. Embarassing! Try the oxtail dish and fish tacos - delish!
(4)
Avisha K.
I tried this place for the first time and The Cuban has become one of my favorite restaurants in Hoboken The waitstaff was extremely friendly and I felt the service was excellent. The food also exceeded my expectations. Give this place a try!
(5)
Amy M.
Let me start out by saying I am not a Cuban food fan. I do not like La Isla or Zafra even though I have to end up going with my boyfriend or friends all the time because they love it. I was a bit hesistant of the Cuban given my lack of Cuban food liking. I have to say I have been a convert. Their white and red sangra is the best ever and I get it without sugar because it doesn't need it. I love the empanadas and mussels appetizer. My boyfriend loves the shrimp appetizer. It is my new go to for a drink before dinner or after work.
(4)
Ana E.
I tried the food here twice when they first opened. The food was delicious but the service was awful. I excused the restaurant since they where new and I assumed they would get it together. We decided to stop by with a large group on Saturday evening. Unfortunately, the service was even more awful than i recalled. The waiter messed up an order (mistakes happen) however, the way it was handled was not acceptable. Came up to my boyfriend and made it seem as he had the correct order. Last time i checked a person knows what they ordered and the room for error is from the person writing it. Just saying. I cannot tolerate bad service so I went in search for the "manager". I wasnt given a yes or no if she was the manager but she asked what i needed. Not once did she say she was sorry. but went off to say we are BUSY! of course the food will be delayed. Let me ask the waiter what happened. Then when the waiter explained she still didnt apologize but said "you have to hear both sides of a story" I cannot believe i had to deal with such bad service. Oh yes can i also tell you that each person in the table is used to fine dining and spending money. Well since our waiter never came back to see if we where ok. or needed anything? dessert anyone? more drinks? Despite the food being great there is no way i will give this establishment my money unless one of those tacky signs "under new management" was in front of the place. Management needs to be changed asap!
(1)
Kevin T.
Get the Ropa Vieja and the grilled octopus... amazing. Seriously probably the best Cuban food I've had anywhere in the NYC area.
(5)
Nicole P.
GNO was perfect here! We had a wonderful table towards the back of the front area which gave us excellent access to their dj...the music was on point, current and all the best songs but his mixing abilities were quite amazing. The atmosphere in general is so nice at The Cuban. The owners are upbeat, attractive and friendly. If this doesn't make for a fun night out then what does? But what we really need to discuss is their food! We all shared appetizers and I'm so glad we did because I was able to try quite a few...Rock shrimp is spicy and flavorful with perfectly cooked shrimp in a tangy sauce...Empanaditas, you have a choice of 3 different ingredients, I chose the ropa vieja which was succulent and delicious, not at all greasy...camarones ajillo were so delicious...another girl enjoyed the seafood paella...you really can't go wrong. It was all authentic cuban recipes with a bit of a twist. The entire restaurant is quite large and is perfect for large groups. They even have a second bar as you walk up to their 2nd floor. What a great venue! I look forward to going back for a full meal and trying more!
(5)
Lisako V.
My new favorite spot in Hoboken. The interior design is awesome. A great, high energy place. We sat outside as a table of 4 girls with our dog and sampled a variety of dishes. The crispy rock shrimp and shrimp and scallop entree were definitely the favorites at the table. The food was good, but the service really stood out. Our server was awesome and accommodating in every possible way. Can 4 girls get annoying after 4 round of drinks? Hell yeah. Did our server have a good attitude regardless? Yes! (At least to our faces). The best part? We were the last table at the outdoor cafe and by Hoboken regulation, everybody has to be up and out by 11 p.m. Our server offered to stand outside watching our dog while we continued drinking inside! I mean, we passed, because that's weird, but it was so nice to offer! I am definitely looking forward to coming back.
(4)
A N.
Me & my hubby went here on a Saturday night due to the rave reviews this place got on yelp. We had never been to Hoboken & just wanted to grab a bite to eat. We ended up here and had a few mojitos which were ok. They weren't bad, but not as authentic tasting as we expected. However the food (which was most important) was fantastic. I ordered the duck fat French fries & Rock shrimp appetizer and I've never had anything like it. He ordered the glazed wings & they tasted amazing as well. We are foodies and hard to please so feel confident in dining here b/c we'll definitely be back.
(4)
Anna Marie S.
This place has yet to disappoint. I have been here twice the food is outstanding. The atmosphere makes you feel like you have stepped out of Hoboken. The wait staff is knowledgeable, provides great recommendations, and is super friendly. The Red Sangria is delicious, order it by the pitcher. The only negative is that the acoustics are not good and it can get very loud and overwhelming with other tables next to you.
(4)
Jennifer R.
Ummm...yeah. With no dinner plans on a Friday night, we decided to check this place out because we love Cuban food and it's also super close to our apartment. I always liked the layout and space of Nine, so I was curious as to how this would work with a new restaurant and I was very impressed! It was crowded for a Friday night, and the owner brought us to the upstairs bar while we waited about 10 minutes for a table. We were then seated in the front area, and I was so happy to see that the tables weren't as cramped together as some other Hoboken spots (one of my biggest pet peeves about dining out). The service was phenomenal, and the waiter was so good about being thorough and answering our questions. The drinks were great, too. I opted to get a half pitcher of white sangria for myself, since that was $14 and a glass was $7. Well, I definitely left with a nice buzz. It was a classy and economical way to get a little wasted. And the food! Oh, the food. Loved the small rolls and butter, and we got two apps - the fish taco special and masitas con tamal en cazuela, and both were amazing. My boyfriend got the paella for his dish and was so happy with it, that he said this would be his go-to dish anytime we come back. I was back and forth on what to get, but I finally settled on the el classico (braised pork shank) and as soon as it came out, I literally said "Yup, I totally made the right decision". It was a tasty and generous portion, and I also got the yuca fries on the side and LOVED them! Some of the best I've had. They weren't as dry as they are at some other places I've tried them at. We'll definitely be back. In fact, we made a reservation on the way out to come back for my boyfriend's birthday to do the suckling pig special. With 4 days notice and at least 10 people, you get a whole pig at market price! Can't wait. So I'm thinking the breakdown of Cuban food in Hoboken goes something like this: this place blows Havana Cafe out of the water with food, and if you're looking for a down and dirty, quick good Cuban dinner, go to La Isla. This place is the real deal for a fun night and upscale ambiance with amazing food. Can't wait to come back!
(5)
Idania D.
I had heard of The Cuban and we randomly ended up there on a Friday night. We got there around 7pm and were seated in the zebra romm in the back. I like this room for it's decor and intimate setting, as there are three rooms plus the loft bar upstairs. Our server was pleasant and the service was good. We decided on doing a tasting of appetizers which worked out well. For drinks, my husband wound up having 3 mojitos, obviously they were authentic and excellent. Appetizers: Calabaza -Roasted kabocha, crispy goat cheese, toasted almond,arugula, pumpkin sherry vinaigrette - unique combination and very good. Empaniditas -Chicken fricasse, chard tomatillo, onion vinaigrette. Great stuffing, not greasy. Masitas con tamal en cazuela- this was definitely taken up a notch with a very crispy, thin onion topping and "short rib like" pork chunks. Bacalao a La Vizcaina -Salted cod fish, onion tomato stew, sweet corn cake, sunny egg. This dish was absolutely delicious and well presented. Of course, as a true Cuban, I had to try the black beans / white rice and maduros. All good. After being so stuffed, my husband deicides to try the Frituras-Lightly fried dough filled with guava and cheese, salted caramel, citrus chocolate sauces. They were excellent. At that point, I was overstuffed and beyond. Read about the suckling pig from other Yelp contributors, that sounds interesting and worth a try (minimum of 10 people). The Cuban offers ambiance and upscale Cuban Cuisine. Reminds me of Patria and Calle Ocho in NYC. Worth a visit.
(4)
Mark L.
Ah, the Yelper's dilemma, why no 4.5 stars? This is a four-point-five restaurant with a five-point-oh happy hour. First of all, I'm not Cuban and know nothing of the food so this is a restaurant review not a Cuban restaurant review. That being said, I really loved almost all the food. There was a braised pork shank on the menu and I love lamb and veal shank so I gave it a try. I thought it was amazing. Full of flavor and richness and absolutely tender and moist. I'm a salt lover and there was no salt on the table which I thought was weird but though the dish was in no way salty, it had such a richness of flavoring that even for me, no added salt was needed. My co-diner had a skirt steak that was also fantastic. It was called twice cooked, and we were a little leery since we both like our steak barely cooked and were expecting, well we didn't know what to expect but lets give it a try. This dish too was excellent. It came out rare as requested, tender and again, seasoned so well. It was great! Again, not salty but richly seasoned. We also tried a ceviche special and that was just okay, The sauce it was in over-powered the delicate flavor of the shrimp and scallops. This was the only hiccup of the night. Service was nice and attentive, great young lady at the bar and a very nice manager who we spent a little time talking to. This place is not cheap but not expensive either. Well worth the price and portioning was not glutenous but more than adequate. We sat in the back so it was quiet and fairly empty but upon leaving we saw that the front was full and had a nice vibe. Outdoor dining was also full though it was a little nippy outside. As to the happy hour, if that's your thing then give this place a try. Five dollar drink menu and five dollar apps and tapas type things. We tried the empanadas, very good. and the Cuban sandwich which was delicious and a steal at five dollars. The two combined would have been a great meal for ten bucks. And a really nice bar tender. .....let's see, if I get on the PATH now, I can be in Hoboken by........
(5)
Claudia G.
The ambiance is great and the appetizers we selected really hit the mark (tamale, wings, empanaditas, bocadillos). They have a very nice full bar and we were all happy with our drinks. The dinner entrees were decent but let a lot to be desired (ropa vieja, vaca frita, pollo criollo). I enjoyed my visit but probably would not venture here again for dinner.
(3)
Lola G.
This used to be Nine and the setup inside is the same (no complaints, the set up was always nice). The food here is really good. And the bartender makes great drinks. I fell upon this place after work and would be a regular if I lived there.
(4)
Lisa V.
Awesome atmosphere. Serrano ham salad, garlic shrimp, fish special. All DELICIOUS! Great service :)
(4)
Michael B.
Some of the best food I ever had in Hoboken. Was really shocked at how big the establishment is, with so much room in the back that you just could not see from the street. The atmosphere is a little trendy/loud, really good for groups who want to eat and then continue their night out in Hoboken. As for the most important part of our experience, the food, it was incredible. Would absolutely come here again and recommend to people.
(5)
Ashley M.
not bad food but wasn't impressed- over rated and over priced if you want cuban food go to La Isla (amazing!!) or Cucharamma (cant spell it correctly haha)
(2)
Aly Y.
Went there for dinner tonight (a Monday). Open-air front with a few tables outside. Since they wouldn't seat us until our entire party arrived, we sat at the bar and had $5 mojitos and several yummy appetizers like fried plantain chips, guacamole, crab salad and grilled octopus. When our entire party was complete, we were given a table in one of the back rooms. There appears to be 3 separate dining areas in the back - one on the same level as the front of the restaurant, another a few steps down and another upstairs which is where the restrooms are located. In the room where we were seated, there were 2 other larger parties which made for a noisy dinner. The room did not seem to have any noise dampening material - we could barely hear the server describe some of the dishes, let alone hearing our own conversations. Service was fine - our water glasses were promptly replenished. Food continued to impress. The charrascos (skirt steak) were tasty, nicely charred and a nice portion. The dish came with yuca fries, a nice change from potato fries, and a nice salad. The paella valencia was not as big as the paella we had the other night at El Quijote in New York City but it satisfied. The pork shank was fine. Desserts were pretty good as well. We had the torta de chocolata, creme brulee and tres leche (small portion; could have eaten twice the amount served!) All in all, we enjoyed the service and food and the quiet when the other parties finally left.
(4)
H N.
Had dinner here today... great service, and the food is good, with a twist on classic cuban. Empanaditas made of shredded and not ground beef; Ceviche in a green cilantro sauce instead of the usual tomato, outstanding! Strongly recommend the Bacaloa (black cod with yuca puree and seafood escabeche) as well. I had a taste of the Ropa Vieja, which was good too, but the black cod was better. For dessert I resisted my chocoholic tendencies and had the Frituras (an unlikely sounding but amazing) combination of guava and cheese fitters with two dipping sauces (chocolate and salty caramel). Yum! Will be going back. Oh, and the half-pitcher of red sangria is three glasses and not sweet. Lovely.
(5)
Matthew B.
This place gets it right all around. The drinks are fantastic. The paella is amazing. My wife got the NY Strip with crap meat and it was cooked perfectly. The crab guac is a great way to start the meal. This is my favorite restaurant in Hoboken. Better than any Cuban food I've had in Manhattan.
(5)
John M.
My girl and I met Dr Dre here for a few cocktails and appetizers on Saturday afternoon. The spot is cool as hell. Great decor. Great Cuban music. We got some seriously good grub for real cheap. Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, sliders. They were all great. The Cuban has a very cool lounge area in the back, and another sweet bar upstairs. I'm definitely going to return here for a full sit down dinner at some point. I wonder if the place gets rowdy late night with salsa dancing?????
(4)
J C.
One of my two favorite restaurants in Hoboken (the other is Anthony David's). This is a newcomer and I'm so glad they opened up! First, the drinks are amazing. I had a blueberry mojito special that was so good I always hope they'll have it again when I go. My boyfriend loves El Macho (not just because of the name haha)...it has a really nice spicy flavor. If you're looking for something light and refreshing, the sangria is solid and the rosada is AMAZING- a sparkling bev with strawberries and guava, umm yes please! Next, I HAVE to comment on the bread. Soooo good. I think it's called yuca bread and it has cheese baked into the dough. I saw a couple reviews that commented the bread was "weird" or not baked through- well that's because it's not typical bread! It's so much better than typical bread... I've been for dinner a bunch of times. The empanadas appetizer is very good (3 different kinds) and the pulpo is amazing. For entrees, the pollo criollo is a MUST and a highlight of the menu. The rope vieja and vaca frita are both amazing as well. I've tried a couple of the fish entrees as well and they were all good. (Yes, I've been here quite a few times). Went for brunch once recently with the fam and the overall consensus was that mostly everything was great as usual...but I actually ordered the only dish I've ever been disappointed in at the Cuban. I ordered El Barrio and I don't know if this is how it's supposed to be made but it was basically like black bean soup with a sunny egg and the other ingredients floating in it. A huge bowl of beans and not much else to go along with it? Not my thing. Although their beans are quite good. I like the ambiance and how there is a bar room in the front and more of a dining room in the back. A man who I assume to be the owner is omnipresent--you can tell he runs a tight ship but hey, can't argue with the delicious results. I will definitely be back again and again, but most likely for dinner rather than brunch. For brunch I'll hit up Anthony David's!
(4)
Rachelle G.
Absolutely loved this place the food was great, service was excellent. Great date place...We will definetly be back.
(5)
Mar P.
Again, not impressed with the food. I think their presenation is much better than the effort that goes into the cooking of these dishes. Their very-fruity-white sangria is very good BUT its half simple syrup and half whatever nonsense they put in there to keep you drinking it....nice trick. I will come back here, maybe not for dinner...but straight to the bar. :)
(3)
Ricky A.
high end Cuban cuisine & great decor...not to be missed...do yourself a favor and try the Oxtail (its accually beef)...to be honest there is nothing on the menu that isn't a home run...try it you won't be sorry...say hello to Luis (owner) he'll make you feel right at home...yeehaa!!
(5)
Maylyn S.
Met the boyfriend after our shifts for happy hour. We chose the bar, checked in- redeemed a free mojito! The joys being a Yelper! Several delicious tapas to chose from.. Mussels, empanadas, papa rellenas, mini cuban burgers, chicken ! The bartender was such a sweetheart who let us try their new promo for Cruzan rum. We told her exactly what kind of drinks we liked and made our happy hour more enjoyable! They have Passionfruit! Happy hour was fun! Can't wait to come back for dinner
(4)
Adam G.
The Cuban is a comfortable place for a drink or dinner. The wait staff are pleasant, and the dining room and bar are both quite clean. The atmosphere is less Caribbean and more local pub, though the dark red walls do give it a touch of a French bordello feel. The cocktails are well made, balanced and consistent. The bar staff is a bit of a mixed bag. On my visit, one bartender was very attentive and efficient, while the other seemed more concerned with chatting up the kitchen staff, being on the phone, or watching the television over the bar. The bar menu is quite nice; a good mix of lighter and heartier fair. The pulpetas (Cuban meatloaf served here as meatballs) is rich and earthy with wild mushrooms piled on top. The mix of mushrooms, pickled shallot and truffle oil combined with The Cuban's particular blend of cumin, smoked paprika and oregano seasoning in the meatballs themselves is definitely a curious combination. My date was less kind in her assessment, likening the flavour to that of a certain part of the male anatomy. Oh well. The chorizo is nicely spiced, not overly laden with oil, and paired well with onions and peppers. The shrimp ceviche, served in a tall glass, is well prepared, though definitely a bit fussy. The flavours quickly became muddled and not even the unseasoned plantain chips that accompanied it could help settle the palate. Perhaps the star of the menu is the watercress salad. It is a delightful mix of (obviously) watercress with other fresh veggies, avocado, some fresh mint and cilantro and dices of mango. The presentation is attractive, with the entire salad constrained in a sash of thinly sliced cucumber, and lightly topped with a vinaigrette that is not at all overpowering. While perhaps not the golden fleece of Latin cuisine in Hoboken, The Cuban is an excellent choice for a relaxed, cozy - even intimate - experience.
(3)
Lili K.
This place is a LOT bigger than it looks! I kinda like restaurants like that, haha. I got the 3 course pre-fixe for $25 sunset special (when you come Mon-Thurs from 4-7pm). I had: -the avocado salad: good amount of avocados, yum! -grilled skirt steak: tasted a bit off...could only eat 1/3 of it -tres leches: i liked the chocolate whipped cream Btw, free mojito with a yelp check in! Now THAT was delicious.
(3)
Crisan M.
the food was absolutely amazing ! i had the steak with fried okra and water crest salad . DELISHHHH ! the drinks are out of this world. Its nice and quiet with a very exclusive feel to it. my entire experience was amazing. i will definitely be going back and attempting to try every thing on the menu. I wouldn't say it is an inexpensive restaurant, but you do get your money worth from service to food , drinks and everything your looking for in a full service restaurant.
(5)
Tiffany H.
The seating and service was prompt, the waiter was helpful and the food & drinks were yummy! Recommendation: Try the Cuban Guacamole & the Red Wine Sangria.
(4)
Melissa V.
I absolutely love this place.... It's amazing foods Gd drinks are awesome it's a great date night place...
(5)
Mike M.
Wow great restaurant. The atmosphere is classy and festive and the food is fantastic. Coming back here definitely
(5)
Bloss C.
Free check-in drink was STRONG and very tasty! Loved the sugar cane stick in it. Service was ok. Not rude or anything, but a little pushy. I enjoyed my food more than my companion who did not like the seafood ceviche mixto appetizer and thought the Ropa Vieja entree was only ok. I loved my shrimp entree.... the shrimp was juicy, garlicky, and well cooked and the green (cilantro) rice was off-the-hook good. I would definitely come back here for drinks and shrimp, but everything else I'm not sure about. Price wise drinks are moderately priced and food is expensive. Also the bathrooms were weird and did not smell proper.
(4)
Dan C.
One of the best restaurants in Hoboken-- consistently, since it opened. Just love this place. The owner/manager is there from opening to close, 7 days a week, it seems. And it truly shows. Service is timely, attentive, friendly, overall- excellent. Restaurant has great decor, ambiance, etc. Food is fantastic. Weve been here quite a bit, and I've never had less than a fantastic experience. Love The Cuban!!
(5)
Melanie B.
Two visits in the last 2 weeks - brunch and a dinner date. The food is excellent always - brunch I had eggs Benedict with the skirt steak on English muffin. For dinner we had a special salmon tar tar app, mahi special, and a regular menu steak dish. It is such a gem in Hoboken. Besides the food being special, the service gets them that 5th star. The servers I had were so nice, and not that fake nice like in other places. You can tell they enjoy the restaurant and want it to succeed and ensure happy guests. The drinks, app, entree were timed perfectly. Recommend for a weekend brunch or dinner date and hope to go back again soon!
(5)
Jolene P.
Nice restaurant, good for groups and weekend outings. A little too dark for my taste, but nicely complements the mood of the place. Service was very good, engaging, and prompt. Ordered sangria and mojitos, both good, but preferred the mojito. The sangria tasted too similar to wine, and kinda lacked the fruity taste. The food was great, portions were huge. My husband ordered the churrasco, and loved it! It was juicy and a great cut of meat. I ordered the criollo chicken. It was also very good and came with a side of a fusion rice that had sweet plantain chunks among other things. My only complaint with the chicken is that it had the skin on it, which personally I hate, especially because of the slimy texture. Bottom line: good food, service, and ambiance.
(4)
Jonathan M.
I really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere here. I'll definitely be going back. The space was deceptively large. When you first walk into the place, you think there's just a bar area with 15 two person tables. However, just walking further back there's a whole other room that has multiple levels with plenty of additional tables. We ordered the Churrasco and the Vaca Frita and a pitcher of the house sangria. I was thoroughly impressed with both the taste, and the presentation of both meals. The wait staff was very attentive, continually coming around to top off the water and the sangria glasses. The hardest part was deciding which meals to try. Looks like I'll be back again to try something new!
(5)
Stefanie L.
Their brunch options are great. I had the skirt steak which was good but my faves were the lump crab guacamole w/ plantain chips & the sparkling sangria. Looking forward to coming back for dinner!
(4)
Adam C.
I've come here twice with my wife, and both times the service is impeccable. We have a 2 year old so we don't get to dine out very often anymore, especially just the two of us. I took my wife here on saturday for her birthday, and they hit the mark yet again. The food was delicious, but the service was outstanding. I never felt smothered but I also never lacked anything. My wife is gluten and dairy free, and this restaurant really isn't an issue. I love it, and I'm sure you will too. Caveat to some folks like me. I've seen a couple reviews on here about how its loud and so on. The restaurant is in downtown Hoboken, and is very popular, it's going to be loud. That being said, I asked to sit in the back and planned my reservation on the earlier side to make sure that happened, and we didn't have a problem.
(5)
Janine W.
Three times is a charm at The Cuban - I wanted to revisit this lovely establishment before writing just to be triple sure! Boy they did not disappoint. My favorite drink in the world, the Washington Avenue is the best way to start any meal. A slight kick from the pepper infused tequila, slightly tart from the juice but smooth going down. I have to say my favorite meal thus far is the CHURRASCO which consists of the most fabulously succulent grilled skirt steak, Cuban yuca fries, watercress salad, chimichurri. AMAZING. There is also a great wine selection. I like the vibe of this place, happening, cool but not too loud. Since it is warmer they have seating outside or inside with the doors open.
(5)
Lew W.
Not as impressed as others about this place. They rush you through, and we actually had to repeatedly stop them from taking our plates while we were still eating. We had 2 rounds of drinks, appetizers, main, and dessert, and we were out of the restaurant less than an hour after we walked in! Service and food, beyond that, were decent, but I won't go back to a restaurant that clears the plates from our table as soon as I've taken my last bite of each course. We wanted to dine, not just eat.
(2)
David S.
This place was awesome in every way. Convient location on Washington and a short walk from the path and train stations. Walking in the restaurant looks tiny and I was a little concerned that we were going to be squished and eating on top of each other but the front area is just the bar seating and the restaurant opens up toward the back. Very cool feeling, different levels, different chairs and tables, and nicely decorated. Really felt like someone put some thought into the design of this spot and worked with the space. I checked in as I always do and received a FREE mojito. If you didn't have me at hello, you sure do now. Service was on point. Polite, attentive, accomodating, and knowledgeable of the menu and all its offereings. Food was GREAT. The roasted chicken was tender and juicy and the lump crab guac was a great way to start. Definately coming back here. They also offer a happy hour and a late night menu.
(5)
T W.
In a town over run by bars and grills, it's nice to have a restaurant offering menu options other than wings and burgers. Good for both couples and groups, the ambiance is trendy enough without appearing to try too hard. The food is good, in that it is consistently well cooked and flavorful. However, do not come here if you are looking for inspirational dishes. The Cuban does well because it knows itself, and knows that sticking to standard cuban fare and cooking it well is the best MO. Because I love tapas I tend to order a bunch of appetizers in place of an entree (and in doing so usually end up spending more and having too much food, lol). I recommend the crab guacamole, the mussels, duck fries, the dates... really anything on the appetizer menu! Friends had the rope vieja, surf and turf and pork flank. For reviews all around.
(4)
Melissa M.
I have been wanting to go to this place since it opened! Finally got the chance to do brunch here. My friend got the Ropa Vieja which came with rice and beans and I ordered the vaca frita which came with rice and beans. The waiter actually switched our orders - we didnt realize it until the end when we talked about our dishes and then asked the waiter - but im glad he did because the ropa vieja was delicious and the vaca frita was dry. I thought it would be in skirt steak form but it was in the same form as the ropa vieja except without the sauce. Rice and beans were delicious. I made a reservation for brunch at 2:30pm same day (I called around noon). We got seated right away, the restaurant is very nice. Staff is great! We had 2 pitchers of the red sangria (the special with watermelon) it was delicious and strong. and they did not rush us at all after we finished eating and ordered another pitcher. Great place!
(4)
Hea S.
Definately great food! We loved it here. Friendly staff great service. First time in Hoboken and this place gave us a great first impression!!! We shall be back!
(4)
Dennie C.
The Cuban is one of the best restaurants in Hoboken and that is saying a lot considering the quality of food options in the area. As the name suggests, the restaurant offers Cuban cuisine but it's really more Latin/fusion than just traditional Cuban which you can find nearby at La Isla (another great restaurant on Washington St.). The restaurant is beautiful inside and is warm and elegant and the service is impeccable. The food is delicious and it was delightful to order familiar Cuban dishes but to get more modern, refined versions of the classics such as Ropa Viejo and Vaca Frita. As I mentioned earlier, the Cuban is Latin fusion so you'll also find great versions of Latin classics such as ceviche, empanadas, etc...
(5)
Eliana G.
As we're getting seated we get told we can't eat there because of the attire that my boyfriend was wearing (a cut off shirt) so why did the guy in the front attend us and take us in in the first place?!
(1)
Giselle R.
Cuba esta 'Bacan' para 'Afincar' con tus ' Aseres'. I'm loving this place. Happy hour is pretty awesome. Pisco Sours, mojitos, sangria and a few others with some top shelf alcohol at $5 doesn't make me feel cheap but frugal for finding a place that isnt scamming me but providing me with a bargain, a true happy hour. I wound up having a half pitcher of sangria after a Pisco Sour, because I can drink like that and it was even more economical. It was very tasty, nice kick, yummy fruits. I wound up not even finishing the whole thing because crawling out of the restaurant was not on my agenda. The bar menu includes empanadas,I had the veggie, which were tasty and mussels that were rich and a decent size, especially great at $5. The staff is fantastic.Warm, attentive and very friendly. I stayed for dinner and had the paella. This was not my favorite dish as I found it to be very watery, more like an asopado and had an unusual flavor that I couldn't pinpoint. Not bad just not what I am used to or like. I'm used to arroz bomba that makes a socarrat and a heaping portion.It really was very very small for the price point. But you know, I like what I like. The manager heard me yapping up the bartender as one is want to do when alone at a bar and sent over a desert and after dinner digestive on the house because it was my BDAY, which was a really nice touch. Gracias. Clearly this place is on my go to Happy Hour list, nay, dare I say vying for the top of my list? Yes, yes I dare say it. I will definitely return, time and again to try different things on the dinner menu as well and I have a feeling once I do I'm going to be bumping them up to five stars, for sure or should I say "Claro que si!"
(4)
Nancy R.
Excellent special sangria and the guacamole with crabmeat and plantains is great. Loved the ambiance and service.
(4)
Vineet S.
I am a big lover of authentic Cuban food and this spot did not disappont us. I have been here a couple of times for drinks and finally tried food during my last visit. The place is quite big with ample seating across the bar in the first section and they have a section in the back with two levels and it looks very fancy. On sundays it is half off all appetizers, for $5 bucks one gets delicious appetizers which can one share with friends. We had the El Cubano and Empanadas. El Cubano was so delicious and empanadas were also tasty. The staff behind the bar was friendly and courteous. Definitely coming back herr for dinner soon and to enjoy live salsa music on thursday nights. FYI - Yelp check in get you that delish Mojito.
(4)
Sasha G.
Live salsa? Check! $5 mojito specials? Check! Small palm trees to set the ambiance? Check! Pretty Latina waitress? Check! Intense conversation with my date? Check! The Cuban is intimate and not at the same time; very difficult to pull off. The service is a bit overwhelming but I did appreciate my water glass always being full. The place is huge, the bar is sleek, and the two-man salsa band was a nice touch. We did come here under the impression that there would be salsa dancing (Salsa dancing? Hell yes. Sign me up!) but no dancing occurred. Boo hoo. The band was there for the lovers at the front who wished to listen to music as they ate and swayed in their seat. I always feel strange listening to music and just sitting but I guess it helped me seduce my date who fell for my every move. Hypnotism at its finest. *cue creepy hypnotist voice* Youuuuu will nowwwww telllll me the truthhhhh; do you have any kids? Anyway, my salmon dish was good. My date's strange obsession with sandwiches was fulfilled with their very awesome Cuban sandwich. Kind of sandwich that would incite an obsession in any one. I will certainly come back here! but I think they should definitely implement some salsa dancing night of some sort-- a bailar!
(4)
Phil M.
This was my 1st time having Cuban food. We made reservations and showed up an hour late and they still went out of their way to seat us quickly. They have a great selection of drinks like various mojitos, cuba libre, sangrias and very large wine list. Mojitos are $8 to $10 each but very good and strong. You get your money's worth in liqour content. Had octopus appetizer which was amazing, best tasting octopus I've had in Jersey. For diner my date ordered the oxtail which was also amazing. My Vaca Fritas steak dish was very tasty maybe a little overcooked but that is sort of the style of the dish. All the employees were nice and attentive with their service even though it was pretty busy. The atmosphere is cool and romantic. Definitely a place worth visiting when your in Hoboken.
(5)
Michael D.
The place is nice, though why advertise live music if only the diners in the front part of the restaurant can enjoy it? Food is bland and overpriced, as are the drinks. I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that New Jersey, with it's vast multi-cultural population, and with it's proximity to the ocean and vast farmland, is serious lacking in quality restaurants.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Damaris M.
This is my second time at this restaurant. Being from Miami I look forward to coming here to eat. Why? If there are enough Cuban restaurants in Miami. Well, I've had my share of overly greasy cuban food which is just too much. This place is right on point. Appetizer- Pulpo (Octopus) is really good. It looks a bit creepy on your plate but believe me it's soft and good. Dinner- The Vaca Frita was good. I read some reviews here that say it's overcooked or dry. Well it's supposed to be crunchy and seems dry but that's what Vaca Frita should be. Boliche was awesome with the sausage in the center just as I expected and very soft. Oh sooo good. Drinks- I had the Sangria typical Spaniard drink. Order in red if possible. It's the traditional one. Very strong very good. Zero space for dessert. I would have ordered Flancito or Tres Leche because again it's a traditional Cuban dessert. I can only imagine how good it would be. Cake Boss was down the street so I opted for that instead. Can you blame me? Lol
(5)Dave H.
Everyone I know loves this restaurant, however, I'm not the biggest fan. I guess I could be wrong?
(2)John M.
Actual rating was 3.5 but rounded up. Great atmosphere and food. Service was poor, and deserts could have been better, but this restaurants has great food at very affordable prices.
(4)Luis S.
Brought my girl here on our anniversary and she loved it! Great atmosphere awesome food and the drinks made this the perfect night! She ordered the vaca Frita and along with a few mojitos! I ordered the churrasco which was to die for! I can honestly say this place is better than Cuban Pete's! Better atmosphere and u don't have to wait in the middle of the crowded room! We also come on Sundays for brunch and sit outside and really enjoy the beautiful city of Hoboken!
(5)Liz S.
Definitely delicious. No complaints on the food or service. Table area near the bar is on the tighter side - let's call it "intimate". You are close to the table next to you but it doesn't feel too intrusive. Besides, we were too wrapped up in "yum-omg-sosos-good-ing" through our meal to even care. We left with a doggy bag and it tasted even better the next day!
(4)Elizabeth K.
This place deserves five stars even though it appears on some nights they are severely understaffed. I have been here many times, it is one of my favorite restaurants in Hoboken, with the flavorful food and live music on occasion. Although I've never had a bad meal here, I have had slower than I'd like service. Fear not, it doesn't deter me from coming back for yummy coconut mojitos and crabmeat guacamole. I recommend this place to people who never even visit Hoboken! Edit (3/2/15): Service has vastly improved and returned The Cuban to its former glory in my eyes. It will always be my favorite place in Hoboken, but to see that they've made positive changes for the benefit of the restaurant and the customer is excellent for everyone. I will be back again and again and again.
(5)Brian M.
Great looking restaurant. Came Here on a Tuesday evening by myself bar hoping..I had a pisco drink(viva peru) which was made extremely perfect by the awesome bartender. Had the ribeye for dinner which was cooked medium rare as I requested but needed a better crust on the steak..it's really important in this specific cut since its very fatty..also needed salt and fresh cracked pepper. Had to request it. A wise chef told me; there should never be salt and pepper on the table because the chef should season it properly. All in all I will be back to check out the weekends I heard it gets packed with beautiful girls..
(4)Phil H.
The lady and I dropped in here after a Yelp event recently. The weather was still super nice out so we decided to take a seat on the outside sidewalk seating. Kick-ass mojitos, wonderful appetizers, excellent service, live music on Thurs night, outside seating. Perfect. What more can you ask for? Oh, maybe happy hour Tues-Fri 4-7pm, and Sat-Sun 3-6pm! $5 drinks and tapas! Live Cuban music Thursdays 6:30 - 9:30pm! DJ's Friday and Saturday nights! Strong mojitos and ridiculously authentic Cuban specialties. Drinks made with top shelf as the norm too! The staff and service was very attentive, warm and friendly. I felt like I was at a family's place hooking me up with a good time. Loved sitting outside under the stars listening to great music while kicking back with a few mojitos. Our waiter helped us navigate the menu and we were quite satisfied with our choices. Empanadas ( Chicken Fricase, Ropa Vieja, Escalivada ), Potato croquettes with wild mushroom, grilled mushroom escabeche, truffle jalapeno aioli, and a Tamale ( Traditional Cuban corn tamal, pork, Creole onions ). All very good. Basically, we just ordered a bunch of appetizers "tapas style" so we could try a few things out. Really, the food here is delish! Had to try out a few desserts. The Flancito ( Caramel flan w/ Malibu coconut pineapple salsita ) rocked it! We also had an ice cream that is hard to describe but oddly addicting - Mamey. I don't know what it was but could not stop eating it. If I lived in Hoboken this would be one of my go-to happy hour spots as you can't beat it! Fun atmosphere, great food, cheap strong drinks. Who am I kidding? I would be there on weekends too. Tasty!
(4)Mike M.
Not a bad place to get dinner and drinks, haven't been in some time but I remember the appetizers were good and the entrées were tasty (ropa vieja, things like that). If you are having drinks, an appetizer and meal its not a cheap night. It's not close enough to me to go very frequently, but I suspect I'll be back at some point.
(3)Cassidy K.
This spot is Official! Bomb food and service! The tomato avacado salad with the pickled onion is bangin! The Vaca frita texture and flavor is on point! Def a great spot with great atmosphere and music!
(5)JB S.
Favorite place in Hoboken. Great food, highly recommend El Classico (pork shank) and Churassco. Have been numerous times and want to try most of the menu. Service and ambience are good, price is on the lower end for hoboken (mid $20s for avg entree). I'd recommend asking for a table in the back dining room as the front bar area can be very noisy.
(5)Vivian P.
I'm speechless, partially to do with how much I just ate, but mostly because of the amazing service, delicious food and great staff. The drinks were also to die for, try the mojitos and caipirinhas, best I've ever had! Highly recommended!!!
(5)Zach T.
Happy hour bait-and-switch. I'll start off by saying I have really enjoyed this place for the past few years. Dinners are a treat and they have an excellent happy hour that runs through the weekends. I will be reserving most of my comments to the happy hour and I will likely never return here. I met some friends for happy hour before we were to head into the city for dinner. We arrived roughly 30 minutes before the end of the specials and ordered food and drinks at the bar. As we finished our drinks the bartender asked if we would like another round, we debated and obliged since we had time to spare, a late party to our group even ordered another chorizo she had just seen us finish. The issue came when we received the check. Our second round and additional order of food was all charged double. Now, I'm fully aware of The Cuban's tactic of replacing the bar menu when happy hour ends to their full bar menu since I frequent them during this time. However, I have a huge problem with not being notified of the change if we order the same drinks as the last round. Apparently it is our responsibility to look at the menu again and read that the same drink we just finished has doubled in price. This is so easily mitigated it is infuriating. Great service would include, "would you like another round before happy hour ends", but a simple, "happy hour has ended" would suffice when ordering again. My only consolation, "sorry, I did change the menu after happy hour" was received. Given that response, I can only assume The Cuban's goal is exactly what happened to our group and likely many others. This is a fair warning to all. The difference might not be a big deal to some but it certainly would have been the deciding factor for our group whether to stay for an additional round.
(2)Yary G.
I'm always skeptical about going to Cuban restaurants because I feel like they're sometimes exaggerated like a Cuban Themed Disney World Ride ... (ahem I won't mention a certain restaurant in Montclair). However, The Cuban turned out to be perfect. The food speaks for itself, no over-the-top antics needed. I'm pescetarian so I ordered the salmon and seriously it was HANDS DOWN the best salmon I've ever had. It was so full of flavor and done perfectly. I was ranting and raving about it all night. The dishes might be on the little pricey side but it is WORTH it. With the low lightning, The Cuban is the perfect date night spot. I also got a classic mojito which was delicious (but a little on the strong side). Overall I had an amazing experience and I'm sad I just found out about this place. I will be going more often.
(5)Brian K.
I almost want to give this place bad reviews so that I can actually get a reservation on a Saturday night! But it looks like the secret is out with the Cuban. The food here is outstanding. I've tried a few of the entree's but I keep coming back to the Vaca Frita (the twice cooked skirt steak). I have a craving for it when I'm away for too long. Despite the appearance from the outside, there is a huge seating area here. The bar is on the small side and can be busy if you go at a peak time. Highly recommend The Cuban!
(5)Linda G.
Awesomeness!!! Hubby and I were in Hoboken to meet up with some friends earlier in the day, and decided to stick around after everybody left. I texted my niece, who comes to Hoboken waaaay more than I do and asked her where we could find good Cuban food (cravings kicked in). She recommended The Cuban - and boy oh boy, are we happy she did!! We sat at the bar, since that was the only open area to eat at that point (outdoor seating available, and it was a really nice evening, weather-wise, but we didn't want to wait the 45 minutes for a table). So, seated at the bar, we ordered 2 mojitos and checked out the menu. I have been craving empanadas and Ropa Vieja...not sure why, but I don't ask about my cravings...I just answer to them! So, I ordered both those items, my husband ordered a fried eggplant appy and the skirt steak. The empanadas and eggplant were served within 10 minutes and devoured within 5. Both were exceptionally tasty - just the right amount of chicken in the empanada, and the fried eggplant, although a teeny bit bland, was still tasty (there was a garlicy type sauce with it)... Our meals came out soon after, and both were also on par. Hubby's skirt steak was tender and flavorful and juicy - mmmmMMMM. and my ropa vieja was perfect over the side of rice and black beans. next time I'm trying the vaca fritas! (same thing, just pan fried)..... We will be back! (when the craving hits again, oh, within a few weeks).... (OH - I took a trip to the ladies room - which was very clean and well-stocked) - the place is way bigger than you think! There are 3 levels!!! There's the bar area, with tables along the wall on the other side, then there's a smaller room toward the back of the building, then go up a flight of stairs, and there's another room - which seems like a good place for a private party, or a bigger group. Bathrooms are on the 3rd floor (which now that I think about it - may not be handicapped accessible...just FYI)....
(5)Chris V.
I saw this highly rated, so decided to try while I was working in the Hoboken. You Yelp peeps know what you're talking about as this place is fantastic. Ordered two dishes, the Paella Valenciana tasted like any home made Paella with the seafood on top of the rice cooked perfectly. The Vita Frica is steak w/white rice, avocado and black beans. The steak looked over cooked BUT once you take a bite just delicious. For a drink had the pomegranate mojito it was decent.
(5)Kersonder W.
Awesome food, awesome atmosphere, and superb service. I'm new to New Jersey, and this will definitely be a spot for me.
(5)Haydee A.
Great food! Was amazed how delicious it was. Came here on a Saturday night and it was too loud (took a star away) I would deff recommend to anyone!
(4)Helen F.
This place look small on the outside, but was huge - comprising two floors. Really tasty mojitos - 1 free if you check-in, but believe me, you'll end up with 2 or 3 more. The apps & food were all very good and we ordered a variety. I had to be rolled out of there. Just heads up, the restrooms are at the VERRYYYY top of the stairs. Not so great, I imagine, for high heels & pregnant ladies.
(5)Leah B.
It's really hard to assign a proper star rating for this. WARNING!!!!! IF YOU HAVE A SHELLFISH ALLERGY, THEY WILL NOT WARN YOU THAT IT'S ON THE GUACAMOLE!!! I've never had crab meat in or on a guacamole dip so I didn't suspect it, and it appeared to be mashed up garlic. My boyfriend took the first bite and warned me. A waiter passing by confirmed the mystery ingredient as being crab meat. I guess they won't learn until they have someone go into anaphylaxis at their establishment. What's good about this place: human sized dinner portions, perfect sangria (the only item I trusted after the guacamole). What's bad: pricey, attempted murder.
(2)Ken B.
Just found out about this place through Yelp and already been there twice within the past two weeks. Have to agree with most of the positive reviews here, the food is very well prepared and the environment is pleasant. Definitely give the place a try and see for yourself.
(4)Jeremy K.
I went here for me and my girlfriends two year anniversary and wow were we pleased! We started off with the Papa Rellena (Stuffed potato balls with oxtail inside and a nice dollop of cream sauce on top with a hint of truffle) They were extraordinary! Then My girlfriend had the paella and I think it might have been the best Paella i've ever had! packed with seafood and just incredibly delicious! I had the Ropa Vieja which is standard Cuban fare and they nailed! The drinks were friggin awesome too. Lots of variety. Cant wait to go again!
(5)Jae W.
Excellent food! Came here for my birthday and the service and meal was amazing. They had live music, and the ambiance was chic n romantic! You must go!!
(5)Eva G.
Came here with my husband today- so happy with food, service and atmosphere. The mojitos were on point and the appetizer we ordered Mejillones with chorizo was to D.I.E. for!! Guy: "I see you left half of your meal untouched.." Me: "Yes. Because I want to slowly enjoy the rest tomorrow." :) :) (Entrees were that big)
(5)J S.
Fun drinks, cool specials. authentic
(4)Luis M.
The Cuban restaurant experience really doesn't get better than this. The atmosphere is welcoming but not subdued. As soon as you walk in and take in the bar and music, you know you're in for more than just a restaurant experience. The friendly staff and specialty drinks, you have to have a Mojito, will make you feel relaxed and welcome. The food is authentic, generous and reasonably priced. The rope viewable is just like you remember your mothers -- if you're Cuban -- zesty and tender. The classic roast pork is elevated with the use of the shank, crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Some black beans and rice and Maduros and you are golden. Of course, save room for some guava fritters for desert. Then work it all off on the dance floor on the weekend. The location is great, right on Washington Street in Hoboken. Easy access from all parts, including a short PATH ride from Manhattan and there is no excuse not to try this gem. You won't regret it, and you'll be back often!
(5)Rob R.
Had dinner with several work folks last night, one from AUS and one from UK. We were very pleased. The salmon ceviche was excellent, sweet and with a jalapeno kick. Our entrees couldn't be better. I had the organic chicken with Cuban rice, my colleagues had roasted pork; all arrived perfectly cooked and in big portions. Wednesday nights they have live music, an extra treat for us; not too loud either. We'll be back!
(5)Lindsay K.
Can't get enough of this place! Tip: Sit at the bar and order the El Cubana sandwich (can't order this outside of bar). Every bite is like a party in your mouth! Best Mojitos in town!
(5)Bill N.
I wanted to write an update, have been going back again and again, every time is excellent. This weekend I went for brunch for the first time. Music was a great background, not too loud and very lively. Had the Tortilla De Clara De Huevo - fantastic flavors. My friend had the French Toast. We were both very happy with our choices. I'm happy to say that The Cuban continues to have excellent service, attentive but not over-bearing.
(5)Sonia M.
My best friend came up from ATL and I wanted to take him to a nice restaurant on Friday night. After reading and hearing about the great reviews, I decided to bring him here. I made a reservation for three people for 9:30pm. Unfortunately, we were late...Parking is always a problem in Hoboken on a Friday night. We called ahead to let them know we were running late. We arrived around 9:50pm and the hostess made sure we knew we arrived late...Yes, thank you for pointing out the obvious! She told us to wait while she went to look for an open table. There was a DJ near the bar area. I felt a bit underdressed compared to the individuals who were here on Friday night. I thought this place was more of a casual place, such as La Isla down the street, but it's the complete opposite. The décor is really nice and sexy. Great for a romantic date! The hostess came back and told us there was a table available and quickly walked us to the back dining room...Do not be fooled...This place is pretty large compared to other Hoboken restaurants. We were given a table in what I like to call the "Zebra Room". We were immediately greeted by our waiter and were given a cup of water shortly after. The service was pretty good throughout our time there. As for the food, I immediately noticed the price tag attached to the main courses. It's a bit expensive, but I went ahead and ordered the Ropa Vieja. We also ordered some maduros to start off with. Our waiter brought over some warm bread rolls, but unfortunately, they were not fully baked = (... My main course however was amazing! It was the best Ropa Vieja I have ever tasted!!! It also came in this cute little pot. The beans were delicious and the maduros were yummy as well. I didn't order a drink from here, since we were heading to the city for some drinks afterwards, but I will most certainly be back soon!
(4)Alysha P.
This place pays attention to detail! Went here for my birthday one night for a nice dinner for the first time and I will be back for sure. Professional and prompt staff, great environment and delicious food. I had the salmon (which I recommend - perfectly cooked ) and the sangria is a must try! The Spanish music they play is great, some good salsa music is played throughout the place and I believe they even have a live band on some nights. I will be back to check that out. I'm all about customer service and the staff was great. Our waiter was very polite, professional and really delivered high end service. Happy girl I was! :)
(5)Katherine P.
Food is good, service was great and location wise, few 5 or 6 blocks from hoboken train station. The pernil was tasty, so was the moro. Yuca and sweet plantains kinda dry but still pretty good. I am a huge Sangria fan and this was was tasty. Prices are very high and portions are conservative so eat a little something before arriving at the restaurant of bring a heavy wallet. What I didn't like was the fact that we were seated in the basement area of restaurant and the only bathroom is on the third floor. Was kind of a hike to go to the bathroom and get through the many tables and cramped up space. If we were seated on the third or second floor, much better. Was my first time coming here so I didn't know. Ladies, thought you may appreciate knowing this. Overall this restaurant is a little overpriced but has great ambiance and good food
(4)Gurpreet Singh M.
One of my favorite restaurant in Hoboken. Amazing service. Charussco steak is to die for, it is delicious!!! Empanadas are amazing as well. Highly recommended.
(5)Al B.
We walked in based on the music and the vibe. The bartender, Steven, mixed the best Mojitos we ever had. No exaggeration. We each had a delicious steak entree. Didn't stay for desert this time. We will be back.
(4)Greg W.
For me - it was not bad but not the life changing experience of other reviews. Maybe because I lived in Miami for 3 years I have been to too many upscale cuban places. Either way, this is a nice spot that everybody should try. The food was quite good, 4 star food without a doubt. Mojito's were right on point as well. The service was fine, the manager/owner was very nice and got us a round when our reservation took forever to open up. The reason for the 3? Everything was overpriced for what it was. Say what you will about ambiance and decor (this place does well with both) but if you put La Isla's food next to this in a blind taste test, most of the time, La Isla would win. Now add that it's much cheaper and you can see the 3-star rating. Nonetheless, the food was good, had a good time, and will go back.
(3)BriAnne O.
The food was delicious!! And so was the sangria. Only complaint is that it's tight seating and the tables are small.
(4)Alex M.
I went here last night with friends. The food was excellent and so was the service. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because the prices were slightly higher than I was expecting. Still, very nice decor inside, great food, we all left happy! We were a group of 8 and they fit us with no wait. Highly recommended!
(4)Isa I.
Good food but too loud
(4)Kerry-Ann H.
Great girls night out spot! Awesome food! I had a shrimp dish with green rice that was scrumptious. The ambiance is cool, crowd was chatty when I was there (saturday night) but its a fun spot. Mojito was de-lish! My friends had virgin guava- mojitos and they loved it. Prices were reasonable, $20-$30 for entrees....$9-$14 for appetizers. Def going back to this spot. ADDED BONUS: the staff is very accommodating, friendly and genuinely interested in making sure you enjoy the experience.
(4)Jonah P.
Best restaurant in Hoboken, without a doubt. I hate rating anything "5 stars" on yelp, but when you're three hours out from your meal, and your conversation is still lingering on dinner, it seems appropriate. There's a great energy to the place, which hits you the second you walk through the door with the bright red motif and smells of citrus, garlic and grilled meat. The drink menu is focused on rum and tequila-based cocktails, but injects creativity with original recipes. The food is the true star, though. Prices may seem at the higher end for Hoboken, but considering the appetizers are the sizes of typical entrees, and entrees are more than enough for 2, the prices turn out to be very reasonable. No dish at our meal was short of spectacular. All beautifully balanced richness with acid, and introduced me to new and exciting flavor profiles. I'd hate to recommend one or two if that means someone might pass over another dish they might otherwise order, but safe to say, you can't miss. My only regret was not saving room for dessert. One tip: make a reservation. The front space is tight, and seats are hard to come by on Friday or Saturday nights.
(5)Vikrant B.
Good food. My burger sliders were amazing. I could taste the Chorizo in it. My wife's Vaca Frita was ok. Not a big fan of Fried steak. The Coconut mojito was too strong. The outdoor seating on a nice sunny day is a plus. Would like to try again for dinner.
(4)Megan G.
I had the paella and my boyfriend had the salmon. Both dishes were very good, but nothing extraordinary. For $26-$28 apiece, we had expected something a little more exciting. Other than that, the wait staff was friendly and attentive. There are many other dining options in Hoboken, so we most likely will not return unless it's for live music or some kind of special.
(4)Jessica H.
I came here with my boyfriend through a deal we found on Living Social. I like that we had access to the whole menu, unlike some other online deals. Of course, we both ordered the churrasco, which came very recommended after reading several Yelp reviews. The churrasco was indeed very flavorful and tender- and a huge piece. I thought the piece was big when they brought it out, then realized it was folded over and was actually double the size- wow. My boyfriend enjoyed the arguala salad that came with it, and he usually hates salad. The reason why this is a 4 and not 5 star experience is because the tables were tiny and space was very cramped. When you repeatedly burn yourself on the candle on the table, you know there's not enough room.
(4)Andre N.
OK at first i was reluctant to like this place I actually loved the NINE ..well perhaps for the night life it was all ways cool to go and was close to my apartment. lets face it during the day the place was never as packed as it is now. I was there with YOSTEPH (good times) yes for some reason i always get this place confused with "Havana" remember the "CAGE" But now i have ventured to CUBA---N the place every time i walk by its full of people, So was there on a Sunday afternoon the Cuban sand witch and the beef sliders had there was superb. there was a happy hour special on Sunday where it was 5.00 so this will definitely be my Sunday go to spot Still the same format couple of changes from NINE lounge in terms of decor i guess more Cubans details put into the design. In all I am going to have to agree with these reviews I am thinking this is the best restaurant in Hoboken the food is that good and really nice atmosphere
(5)Alex P.
Ate here Saturday night and had an awesome meal. I've been wanting to try this place based on the positive Yelp reviews, and finally had the chance. The decor is very nice with picture (I think) of Cuba on the wall. The bar is very nice and the entire restaurant really looks great. The service was excellent. They first bring out some very good rolls with garlic butter. Very nice start. We had two appetizers. One was a special the waiter highly recommended which was raw Filet Mignon cut carpacchio style and rolled with avocado and mushrooms inside. It is then topped with jalapeno, fried garlic, and cilantro and has a horseradish cream sauce on the side. This appetizer was amazing! We also had the shrimp and scallop ceviche. This dish was pretty good, but a bit too sweet. It did have some real spice in it which offset the sweetness a bit. My wife had fish (forgot which one, but it was like snapper) pan roaster over some sweetpotatoes with asparagus and other vegetables. She loved it. I had the Ropa Vieja, which is what I get 90% of the time at Cuban restaurants. It was very good as well. It comes with rice and black beans and I got sweet plantains on the side. We didnt really plan on dessert, but the waiter was raving about their dessert special which was a purple corn pudding with pineapple and topped with yuca something...not sure exactly what it was. It tasted like rice pudding over a fruit marmelade and was really good. It was one of those desserts that just got better and better with each bite and when you finish it, you are sad that it's gone. Overall, this place is awesome. I would come here again in a second. Service was great. Presentation of all the dishes was great. And everything tasted great.
(5)Vic L.
This is one of my favorite restaurants I've ever been to. I have been here with friends, family, and have brought customers from work from out of town here. Never have had anything less than a great meal or experience- steaks, paella, fish, everything great. Have tried a number of different menu items and they are all filling, well prepared, and high quality. The sangria is a nice treat , and the mojitos are also delicious. Cool décor and enjoyable place to go to & much bigger on the inside than you would think. It is "expensive" for Cuban food but well worth it.
(5)Tara W.
Started off weak- we almost left- but by the end after our multiple foodgasms we were vowing to return. Had a reservation at 10 but got there a little early and were seated at the bar. The 2 bartenders, one of which we later found out was the manager, were swamped between the bar and table orders. Had a delicious grilled pineapple and sage caipirinha. And waited. And waited. Finally about 25 minutes after our reservation time we were seated. Whatever doubts we had were erased by the killer food. The soft shell crab special appy was a perfect combo of warm, oily, and acidic with the accompanying relish. Our entrees of skirt steak and paella were enough to feed a small village but each bite was a wonderful explosion of flavor. The manager Luis kindly came to our table and apologized for the wait, and offered to comp us drinks and dessert. Now at that point, we were stuffed but figured hey, why not? The frituras were perfectly crusty on the outside, soft warm and gooey on the inside, and we kind of wished there were more. Our visit went from 1 star to 4 stars. Hopefully will be able to give it 4 when we return.
(3)Pat V.
I had reservations for mother's day and I was pleasantly surprised that when we got there there was no waiting lines and we got seated right away. The service was great and the food was excellent!
(4)Shami L.
Great ambiance. Best to make a reservation less you be placed at the bar. Still, a great experience non the less. Friendly staff, great location. The guacamole & plantain chip appetizer was in short- yummmeeeee....the dishes are a good proportion and very tasty as well. 4 stars because the dessert I had was so so (bread pudding) and the pork in the el classico was a bit bland. Could use some more seasoning.
(4)Mel C.
So the brunch causes me to upgrade my star rating!! Walked in at 11:45 and seemed deserted... I'm okay with that seeing that my hubby and I could have the place all to ourselves! What I'm not okay with is that a brunch this good deserves to have a packed house!! Our table was greeted with a yummy, cheesy, chewy, pan de yucca!! Seriously the best starter table bread ever!! We opted to try an appetizer bc we luv variety, got the empanaditas (chicken and the jamon con queso) so delish. The jamon emp. Was drizzled with guava so you get a flavor explosion of salty sweet... My favorite combo!! Then our main entree the bistec... The most perfectly cooked skirt steak joined by the Cuban styled fried rice and a sunny side egg, the flavors were awesome! The rice was laced with plantains and peas and it coupled well with the steak and egg. My only complaint is that it came with one egg and not two, just threw me off... I think they can spring for one more egg...but this won't stop me from coming again!! Muy bueno y saboroso!!!
(5)Linda P.
3.5 stars but I will bump up to 4. While I enjoyed my meal at The Cuban Restaurant, I had a lot of issues. My husband called and made a 6 pm reservation for Sunday evening. When we arrived, we were escorted approximately 15 feet into a very narrow restaurant with a modern bar with fiery red and yellow pendant lights hanging to the left, and bench seating/chairs tables to the right. We were seated at a small table for two about 5 feet away from the bar. I assumed that the rear of the restaurant was full so I took my seat ready to have a great meal. Unfortunately, happy hour was just finishing and a young lady who sounded and looked like Snooki was at the bar with her group of her inebriated and loud friends. We listended to F-bombs and shrieking girls laughing and talking our entire meal. Even the waiter apologized. Still, I did not knock off a star for the colorful bar crowd. What did upset me was when my husband informed me that the rear of the restaurant had many empty tables. Bar seating should be last resort seating for dining patrons, we were there for my birthday dinner, not for drinks and tapas in the bar area. Ok, my rant about my shitty seat is over. On to the food & drink. My mojito was excellent, lots of muddled mint, strong with a nice sugarcane garnish. The bartender must have been distracted by Snooki because my second Mojito had no garnish. Dos XX and Presidente light on draft were enjoyed by my husband. We ordered three appetizers. * Garlic shrimp with Yuca mofongo......brilliant, delicious. * Empanaditas. not impressed..the meat seemed underseasoned but the black bean/goat cheese puree that they were placed on top of was delicious *Bacalao. Baked cod with onion/tomato stew/corn cake topped with a sunny side up egg. Visually beautiful, unfortunately, very bland and underseasoned to eat. Perhaps they ran out, but there was no corn cake in our appetizer which I am sure would have been a lovely, contrasting taste and texture to the cod. Instead, there were two slices of toasted bread served. (see pic) Entrees: Sea bass with pineapple/lemon butter salsa. Fish was prepared excellent, nicely salted crispy skin, perfectly cooked. Potatoes/spinach were bland accompaniment. Churrasco: Skirt steak, very generous portion, perfectly cooked medium rare. Side salad of baby greens delicious. My husband opted for cuban black beans and rice instead of yuca fries. Fantastic/authentic black beans.... Sadly, we skipped dessert. The Cuban Restaurant has some very nice innovative twists on traditional Cuban. In my opinion, it is not a 5 star restaurant. The ambiance is narrow and cramped. Sitting dining patrons in a loud bar with tiny tables (even the waiter apologized for our small table that could barely fit the bread basket and two appetizer plates) When our waiter read us the specials,he was completely inaudible due to the noise. So if you do decide to check out The Cuban, request to be seated in the Zebra room in back, because our bar seating felt like the jungle. Also, parking absolutely sucks.
(4)Elizabeth G.
best happy hour, and strongest mojitos!
(5)Belkys S.
Great atmosphere , Great food, music isn't over powering . Decor is tastefully done & the plate presentation is impressive. Overall Hoboken's gem on Washington.
(5)Holly N.
Shhhh... please don't tell anyone else how great this place is! Our group of girls decided to check out The Cuban for Happy Hour on a Friday and the prices are so reasonable you question whether or not you're still in the tri-state area. Two of us started out going for the cocktails and they weren't the run-of-the-mill house drinks on special, it was the fru-fru-fannnncy cocktails on special for a mere $5 each! I went for the Antiqua Havana (rum, pomegranate, sugar, orange, maraschino cherry & bitters), the bar tender likened it to a Cuban Manhattan but I felt like it was milder while still packing a punch. Next, the Siesta which was a margarita-ish martini - yum! Other HH specials included $5 sangria, $3 beers, and appetizers starting at $5. So, for HH alone, this place was totally worth it! But, we stayed for dinner..... Holy heck, dinner fantastic, too! We started by splitting the special appetizer, which they might as well put on the standard menu because it was super scrumptious! It was a "pizza" with braised short ribs and other yummy herbs and spices - plenty for our group to share. For our main meal my friends went for the salmon and steak entrees, but I was full so our waiter recommended the "Bacalao a la Vizcaina" appetizer and I was so overwhelmed by the menu that I agreed, even though I wasn't sure what I was getting into. The dish was plenty for dinner - it was a beautifully layered dish containing baked cod, onion tomato stew, corn cake, and an egg sunny side up. It was flavorful and a dish I will gladly order again! Also, let's talk about the service! When we were at the bar both bartenders were very nice, informative, and attentive. They even helped us find an extra stool so that the three of us could sit together. Then, one of the bartenders morphed into our waiter when we sat down and he was great! He answered all of our questions, was beyond well educated about the menu and offered fantastic suggestions. I never made it inside when it was "Nine" but I can tell that even from the outside peering in before, this place has undergone some serious changes. The decor is elegant and modern and the layout of the back rooms is unique. I can't wait to come back and have dinner in one of the back rooms. This place is exactly what the good 'ol Boken needed and I can't wait to come back!
(5)Al E.
After getting free shots for checking in at Dos Caminos, I check in everywhere I go. And to my glorious surprise, checking in at The Cuban gets you a free Mojito. Now honestly, the Mojito was so so. On the other hand, screw the judgmental prick that is picky about a free drink. It s free dammit! Drink it and shut the hell up! Anywho, I ordered the guacamole with lump crab meat to start. I would have never thought of guacamole with crab meat, and I'm sorry no one did sooner. Hot damn, it was delicious. Better than guacamole at Mexican restaurants. For an entrée , I got the churrasco steak and I was not disappointed. It was juicy and flavorful! I got wood eating this steak!! Seasoned just right! For dessert I had the flan. Now at first , I looked at this tiny dessert and was kinda pissed. (What a shocker! Fat boy is bitching about portions again. How new!) Then, I tasted it. Now as a Latino which automatically makes you a flan connoisseur, I have to say I was impressed. It was firm but not hard. It was creamy and not too eggy. The burnt sugar had a slight char taste without tasting too burnt. Since it was rich, the small portion was just right. Got to give lots of credit to our waiter that explained the dishes and how they were prepared multiple times. Anyone complaining about this place can kick rocks! Thumbs up!!
(4)Mark A.
The Cuban is one of the best restaurants in Hoboken (probably the best). I've gotten the skirt steak, short ribs, and pork chops special--all top 10 meals I've ever had.
(5)Vanessa M.
I loved this place I came a couple weeks ago for a friends birthday it was a group of about 13. Larg groups can get messy when it comes to dinner but the staff did a great job. The food was awesome the menu had so many different options and from everything I tasted it was all great. The drinks from the bar were well made the place had a great vibe. I cant wait to come back ! ps i waited too long to review this place otherwise i would have added more details Also Keep in mind dishes like Ropa Vieja and Vaca Frita are HUGE
(5)Lyn R.
Went last night! We had the meatballs for an app and they were really good. The sauce they come in is full of flavor. I had the Churrascurro and my husbnad had the twice cooked skirt steak. Both were out of this world...the rice..ay yi yi sooo good. Also the yucca was perfectly cooked. My husband is definitely discerning when it comes to food and he rà ved about everything from the app to the flourless chocolate cake for dessert. I had a glass of wine, altogether with tip it was $111 which we both thought was fair for the kind of quality and the wonderful ambiance we experienced. We were both stuffed when we left but both kept saying " That was SOOO good!"
(5)Mabel B.
This review is long overdue. Been here a couple times so this review is based off my experiences all together. Love this place. The place is bigger than one would think. The front portion is the bar and several tables for more informal dining. The further you walk back the better. Ambience is nice. Food is delish. Haven't had a bad starters dish yet! Sampled the Empanaditas, crispy pork, pulpo, and the roquetas de jamon. All were good but what stood out was the pulpo . It was cooked perfectly and tender to the bite. As far as main dishes..the Rabo Encendido wins hands down for me...enough for me to order twice in separate visits. The ropa vieja and the churrasco was also yummy and doesn't disappoint. Hubby also enjoyed the yuca frita as a side. The waitstaff for each of our visits were very attentive..but perhaps they can speak a little louder to be heard over the music and be not as softspoken but this didnt ruin our experience overall. This place is def a must try. A very good addition to the area.
(5)Rui C.
Awesome decor, cool vibe and most importantly delicious food!! Came here with my wife and a couple of friends for my BDay. Although we waited a bit even though we had a reservation there was room at the bar to enjoy some Mojitos while we waited for our table. The papa relleno & barrigada de cerdo were a great wait to start the meal!!! Had an amazingly delicious skirt steak that was cooked to perfection (could've done without the yucca fries). My wife had braised short ribs which were equally delicious!! Oh and almost forgot the small bread basket was also great (think Brazilian pão de queijo) which with the garlic butter makes a perfect pair!! Will definitely be coming back!!
(5)Courtney N.
I always always enjoy going to this venue. I love the decor and the outdoor seating during the summer months. I love how clean it is as well. There is a man at the door that always greets you and ensure that your experience is plesant. I am always happy to bring family and friends to The Cuban because it has very good eats and an awesome drink menu. This is one of the best resturants Hoboken has and it is always a pleasure doing business here.
(5)Donna M.
The Cuban is a very welcomed addition to Washington Street! Favorite dishes include: Chicharrones de camarones- mmm mmm mmm!! Not only are rock shrimp the most delectable food to begin with, but these sweet and spicy morsels exceeded my expectations! Paella Valencia- the rice was so flavorful and there was ample shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams and chicken.. The chorizo was also DELICIOUS and I left more than full. Salmon- seasonal pumpkin mash, tomatillio mustard glazed salmon and refreshing shaved apples. Next time I have to leave room for dessert and keep the mojitos coming!
(4)Chalina H.
This was so good!!! I had the steak and the bf had the paella. Each dish was delicious and very well prepared. the bread was awesome and the mojito was to die for. I really wish it was a bottomless glass. The service was impeccable and the decor is super cool. We had a great time there and will return. Get the yucca fries!!!
(5)Jon E C.
I never thought much of Jersey being a hard core New Yorker (QUEENS and LI, BABY!) but I have to admit it's got some great restaurants, this being one of them. A great atmosphere, delicious, thoughtful food a great wine selection as well as an attentive, friendly staff. I could go on about some dish in particular but I was thoroughly impressed with all the dishes we had especially the Vaca Frita. The Spanish wine we had was also very good and complimented the meal well. I would definitely make the trip back for this place and highly recommend you do....Jersey aint so bad after all!
(5)Susana F.
Great food! I love Cuban food and this place did not disappoint. Service was equally as good which is so important! The manager gave us a little tour showing us their private room in the back. It was so fabulous! Zebra printed seats- every Jersey girl's dream! But let me clarify it was tasteful not trashy lol! It would easily sit 30 people. Great little nook for a private party.
(5)Bryan S.
4 stars mainly for the food and service. However we were seated near the door and got hit with the wind everytime someone opens the door. We didnt mind it as much so we stayed. We ordered the guac with crab for app and it was amazing. For our entrees i had the porl shank which was great too. My gf had the long cooked steak or beef looked like shredded beef on a plate. She liked it but it really had a bad aroma iny opinion. It smelled like old meat. Brw the tres leche cake here was one of the best. Will def go back and sit in the back and order something else. Great and fast service also
(4)Liz R.
I'm not really sure were to begin. The Cuban is probably my favorite restaurant in Hoboken, so it was an obvious choice to bring my friends from out of town here for dinner. I made a reservation 1-week prior to coming, 8 PM on a Saturday night. Saturday came and I arrive at the restaurant prior to my friends, say my name, reservation for four at 8 PM to the hostess. She checks her book and tells me she has no one by that name then asks for my phone number, again nothing. I informed her that I called a week ago, spoke with a man and that he took my phone number and said I was good to go. I showed her the record of the call in my phone. She informed me I called the wrong number and that it would be an hour wait for a table. Thanks for accommodating me. I walked outside and compared the phone number I called to the number on their delivery van. It was the same number. I looked up the phone number via google (same thing I did when booking my reservation) and again, it was the same number I called to book my reservation and the same number printed on the van, so I hit call to ensure I wasn't crazy and that it was the correct The Cuban. It was. The person I spoke to on the phone was about as accommodating as the hostess. I stormed inside to inform them they clearly have two lines and they proceeded to insist I was still wrong. So I called the "wrong" number and guess what? The phone rang! Alas, still no table and no one even tried to accommodate this very pissed off patron. A friend who was meeting me for dinner proceeded to call the restaurant, lashed into them and somehow got them to agree to give us a table at 8:15 -- thankfully a reservation didn't show. Fast forward to 8:45. Were still not seated. They kept telling us we would be next and yet other people were seated around us. The entire time we were waiting the hostess kept pushing us out of the way and was downright rude and dismissive. A couple was waiting next to us, they had an 8:30 reservation and didn't sit until 9. Something is very wrong with their reservation process. I understand being busy, but before you take a reservation you need to ensure you'll be able to seat the party. Table turnover is a good thing. We finally sat around 8:45 and asked to speak with the manager. Again, not accommodating and didn't seem phased by the series of events that unfolded earlier in the evening but promised our food would be out promptly since we had to be somewhere at 9:30. Thank god the food and drinks were and are good or else the night would had been an even bigger disaster than it was. The manger comped our one round of drinks - gee, thanks. Needless to say, I won't be back for a while and next time I do go, I'll needlessly triple confirm my reservation and will make it for a half an hour before I actually want to eat since that's how long it seems to take to be seated.
(2)Richard H.
The Cuban has quickly turned into one of our favorite restaurants in Hoboken. Favorite drinks: Mojoto dfe Ginebra, Antiqua Havana Favorite entrees: Churrasco, Merluza & generally any of the seafood specials. I've been here for date night, double dates, guy's night, dinner with the in-laws, and even threw my fiance a surprise birthday party with ~20 people. Never a complaint on service. Keep it up guys.
(5)Liz D.
Great service (Lavanna was a wonderful server) and the food was outstanding. Nice ambience too. Best octopus appetizer (so tender) and the skirt steak was delicious! We wanted to try so many other things on the menu--will have to make a trip back soon!
(5)Jonathan C.
Hoboken's been dying for good food and we finally have a contender. The Cuban is my new go to in Hoboken. The apps: The best Octopus I've ever had. It's super tender, can cut it with a fork. everything about the dish from the tangy sauce to the potatoes works so well! We also had the empanada's, the shrimp and the Chicken one's were my favorite. so flaky and flavorful. Dinner: Ropa Vieja- just as everyone said, some of the best i've ever had. Roast Pork- super tender and flavorful. we were lucky enough that night to have the Chicarones included that night. They normally don't come with the dish. Rice and beans that came with both entrees were super flayvorful and done really well. Great place for dinner with friends with great drinks. Only issues were the reservations. we had to wait 15 minutes or so but the owner was kind enough to buy our group a round of drinks. The Cuban's definitely a welcome addition to Hoboken!
(5)Michelle C.
Love the service, atmosphere, and food but it is on the expensive side. The portions can be on the lighter side depending on what you get. If your dish doesn't come with potato or rice, you may want to get appetizers or side dishes. Our waitress was very tentative and amazing which is a plus.
(4)Brian M.
We stopped in for brunch based on yelp reviews and all was great. The twist on the guacamole was a great starter and the skirt steak was flavorful and well prepared. The mojitos complimented the meals well and all this came together with a friendly and attentive servers.
(5)Stella Z.
My friends and I decided to go there because of all the good reviews on yelp. Three of us each ordered a different dish and a different mojito. The food and drinks were good but not just normal good. Nothing jumped out and made us really want to come back again. I eat out a lot. In fact, there were a few times that I were picking a restaurant on Washington St, I decided to go somewhere else instead of going there again. The waiter we had that evening was very pushy. We stayed there for about an hour before we were asked to leave(it was a relatively early dinner on a Friday night), and the waiter kept coming by as soon as we finished our food. While we were still chatting and finishing our drinks, he just stood by us "casually". In the end, he asked us to leave because there were people waiting for a table. If you are looking for a place to catch up with your old friends, this place may not be a good option.
(3)David L.
My gf and I went on a triple date to The Cuban this past Friday and it definitely lived up to the positive reviews. The drinks appeared to be very complicated to make and although the bartenders were very friendly and didn't seem to mind, I felt bad ordering additional cocktails since each one took 20+ steps to prepare. Charrasco was muy deliciouso and a very generous portion. Gf had some skirt steak dish that according to her was "twice cooked with a crispy exterior and a yum yum interior." Definitely have a repeat customer in my GF and I, possibly the Graham's as well -- they're quite the characters.
(5)Jerrica J.
Who knew Hoboken had good food? Not I! Rarely do I leave Brooklyn even... but Hoboken? It was a rare occasion. My roommate and I travelled to Jersey to scope out some wedding venues for work. I happened to be on a search for some good Cuban food at the same time and this one popped up with some great reviews. It was also convenient because it was on the same street as Amandas, which was just a few blocks away. One gripe I had was the parking. We literally drove around each block for about an hour looking for a parking space on Washington or even on a side street. Finally we parked about five long blocks away. Walking into a packed Cuban bar/restaurant also didn't help because we were so hungry we assumed it would be a long wait. I was wrong because we were seated in the back room which was more like an event space. SO much space it was great. We ordered and the server brought out the most delicious Cuban rolls ever. I asked for a second basket which was a mistake because I started filling up on them before my food. I'm practicing vegetarian now so dining out is a little bit of a challenge. I ordered a few side dishes since I wanted to try the quality of the food. I had white rice and stewed black beans, side of sweet plaintains, and steamed yuca with pickled onions. All of my sides were so delicious and the rice was really soft. I was so full after that bread that the other half of my sides had to be taken home. My roommate had the half grilled chicken over yellow rice and vegetables. She said the chicken was really tender and flavorful as well. Service was really nice and matched the vibe of the restaurant. I would definitely come back to Hoboken for this restaurant!
(5)Olivia R.
I met up with an girlfrannnn here for dinner and she loves Cuban so I had my fingers crossed that she would enjoy this place. She and I both realllly enjoyed it. It is definitely a nicer venue and we missed the $5 appetizers so we had to cash out for a good meal but it was worth it! The cocktails were fantastic and really interesting flavors. We had a few tapas which included the crab guacamole, potato croquette, and chicken empanaditas. Very delicious and generous portions for "tapas". Really interesting flavors and tastes .. "fancy". There's no better way for me to describe it but as swanky Cuban cuisine with a blast of flavor. Really enjoyed it and we were both full after three "small" plates. Woud love to come back here for a date.. with a man.. because the venue was sexy and romantic.
(5)Nancy C.
Check in on Yelp and get a free mojito! The wait staff was friendly and attentive to our large group. I wasn't expecting much from the food, since I don't expect great latin food in Hoboken. I was pleasantly surprised with the churrasco. It was scrumptious! Tender and very flavorful. My group also greatly enjoyed their meals. I would definitely return if I am in the area. Recommend!
(4)Pascal D.
Yes, 5 stars restaurant in Hoboken. Probably the best. Get a res or you will eat at 10pm. Only bad thing: the back of the restaurant is a little noisy, I recommend the tables in front of the bar, these are ok. Best service ever. Food is amazing.
(5)Ed A.
Nightlife review So I just recently got done reviewing the long-defunct Nine Lounge (I guess I had never gotten around to it...better late than never). In that review, I lamented the loss of a reliable, if unspectacular, nightlife option on Washington. Imagine my amazement, then, when I walked down that block Saturday night, only to see its new incarnation, "The Cuban", open for business. My friend and I walked in, hoping to see what new and exciting changes were brought about. Now, this wasn't exactly a late weeknight in a sleepy suburban town. This was Saturday night - a week after the place's grand opening - in a town buzzing with 20 somethings (on a night where the line for Black Bear was almost to the corner). The bouncer (a pleasant guy) also doubled as the coat check manager. He did inform me that the coat check - while mandatory - was free. I guess I had the look of a pauper on my face. The coat check was conveniently a small broom closet by the entrance. Not very classy, but I digress. The main bar...looked exactly like the old Nine bar. Down to the dark, ominous light settings and everything. Actually, they did make some changes. For one, they got rid of the TVs behind the bar. I guess that's considered a downgrade, not an upgrade? Not sure Anyway, the front bar was empty except for the bartenders. Weird, but everyone must be in the back I thought. We walk to the back room...again, identical to the old Nine layout. Well, except for the miniature fake palm trees at the bar. Also the lights seemed more "orange" than I remember. The back room had 4 people in it. By the time we got situated and ready to order, that party had left. So, there we were: my friend and I, the only 2 patrons, in a brand new, recently reopened nightlife spot. WTF Nine, get it together! Engage in some marketing. Flood Facebook / Twitter. Take out ads on MTV. Anything! So why does this place get a 3 instead of a 0? Well, for starters, they did have a few interesting Latin American beers in the back (which were curiously not even on the menu...comeon Nine!). The bartenders were very friendly, and the music was actually pretty good (some salsa/merengue, to go with the Latin/Cuban theme). I suspect that this place will have some early hiccups, but in time I can see it become an interesting variation of a tried and true Hoboken restaurant/lounge theme. I just realized I called this place "Nine" instead of "The Cuban" several times in my review. Just goes to show how similar this place is to the old spot. If you liked it then, swing by and check out the new one. You won't be disappointed.
(3)Dev R.
Went here for an extra-early happy hour and were seated in the mostly empty patio. The server was helpful and prompt. The cocktails were strong and not too sweet. The sangria however, was a tad too sugary. Not knowing much about Cuban cuisine other than the plantain-based dishes, we were recommended some good non-meat appetizers (maduros?). The chicken empanaditas were delicious and the chicken was perfectly mixed with the tomato sauce. Our dessert choice 'Dominos was the best surprise -- the spongecake in the shape of domino tiles with the banana ice cream was perfect and the presentation was definitely a stunner. We will definitely visit this place again to try the entrees. *** Update: Went there again on a Saturday night with 7-8 people and we were escorted to a nice little bar area upstairs. The same waiter who had served us was the bartender and made consistently strong drinks for all of us. Still haven't tried the food yet, but can't wait to go back.
(5)Tyler I.
Wow, this is really is surprisingly excellent. Sometimes I worry that positive reviews in Hoboken are compared to other restaurants in Hoboken, which, unfortunately, doesn't set the highest bar. But no, The Cuban is good compared to anywhere, including New York. What I loved about it was that every dish was rich and strong, the way you typically think about Cuban food, but it was also so subtle. This is what made it, I think, better than Cucharamama (the other contender for best restaurant in Hoboken). In every dish there were flavors that stuck out, but there were also hidden lingering flavors that were hard to place and made it each dish complex and interesting. Before I get to the food, the ambience is nothing spectacular, but it is intimate and inviting. It's a small restaurant with one row of tables and a bar. The lighting is low and intimate and the colors are dark and rich. Decoration is minimal, just some old photographs of Cuba. It feels comfortable. I care a lot about ambiance, because the aesthetics really affects my whole perception of a place right down to the taste of the food. The Cuban doesn't look spectacular but it certainly doesn't detract from the food. Also the service is great. They are very attentive, frequently asking if you need anything and clearing silverware, plates and then cleaning the table after each course. Our waiter was quite friendly and down to earth. The drinks were great. I had El Macho, which was sweet, tangy from orange and lime, and spicy from jalapeño. We had goat cheese croquettes, which were so soft and flavorful, then a playful salad with clover and other greens, mango, cherry tomatoes, other delicious things and can't remember, and it was all artfully bundled up in strips of cucumber. Food presentation won't blow you away, but it is definitely thoughtful and creative. For our main we had Salmon and vegetable paella. My girlfriend says it was the best salmon she has ever had -- slightly crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside. The paella was good too.
(5)Victoria O.
I was really impressed with this place. I got the pork entrée, which was absolutely delicious; however, my fiancé's skirt steak (called Churrasco on the menu) stole the show. That was absolutely incredible! For dessert, we got these little fruit filled zeppolis that were also amazing. Overall, the food was Also, the servers were very attentive and well mannered. It is pricy, but well worth the cost. I would put this at the top of my list for classy dinning in Hoboken, and definitely some of the best Cuban food I've had in a long time.
(5)Jordan R.
We went based off of reviews, and we're so glad we did. We decided to try a bunch of appetizers and were impressed with the size of them, we ordered 5, which was more than enough for two people. Our favorites were the guacamole with crab meat and steak empanadas, we also got the mussels, which weren't as fresh as I like, but the preparation was very nice and the ceviche which was good, but I guess coming from Maine originally, Jersey seafood will just never satisfy. The standout was the pork morsels. The garlic mojo and onion topping, we couldn't get enough! Definitely give this place a try for a satisfying night out!
(4)Margo G.
After reading a review in the NY Times, we decided this would be a good place to try. My husband and I went with two other couples. We're all good friends and don't get to go out together too often so were looking forward to a night of good food and conversation. The drinks were wonderful, the food fine but, forget conversation. The multi-level open space with high ceilings made the noise level too high for 6-person conversation. I was able to speak with the two people on either side of me but felt like I needed to shout to the others. Perhaps that wouldn't have been the case had there been only four of us or if we had been seated downstairs but, as it was, we got the noise from our floor as well as from the one below. I realize that many people wouldn't be bothered by a high level of noise but, if that's something that would impact your enjoyment, this might not be the place for you. About food, drinks, and service: Three of us ordered specialty drinks and loved them. The other three went with Sangria and enjoyed it very much. Appetizers were delicious. Entrees had mixed reviews as did desserts. I'm not inclined to race back here for dinner but I wouldn't say no to it either. However, if I was going with a group again, I might plan for a night other than Saturday. A word of warning: As tough as it is to find on-street parking in Hoboken, keep trying! Driving a large SUV made that difficult so we used one of Hoboken's parking garages. Imagine my shock when the cost for 2.5 hours was $30. I've paid less in midtown Manhattan!
(3)Paige C.
Very greasy steak and an unripened avocado shouldn't cost that much... Still, not the worst food in Hoboken.
(2)Chris C.
Overpriced drinks, cliche atmosphere, and less than attentive staff. Mojitos were average at best.
(2)Christopher R.
My girlfriend and I were meeting my parents here for an early dinner. We got to the restaurant a little early. As we waited for my parents to arrive I checked in on my mobile app and VOILA, a notification comes up that I got a free mojito. Points right off the bat. For an appetizer we shared the octopus and the empanaditas. This was by far the most tender octopus I have ever had. Not sure what they did to it but it was fantastic. The chicken empanaditas were very good but nothing special. For a main course I had the vaca frita which is one of the best dishes I have had recently. The dish was comprised of shredded pieces of crispy yet juicy beef with rice, beans, and avocado. The flavors were fantastic. The only thing I found to be odd was that multiple members of the waitstaff were soft spoken. Project!
(5)Shaun G.
This place is awesome. Great food (authentic), drinks and service. Definitely recommend. Needs a Michelin Star!!!!!
(5)Brandon E.
This place is a great higher end Cuban option in town. Not hole-in-the-wall atmosphere that La Isla or Zafra give you. It's a smaller place inside but outside seating during the warmer months. The Cuban is a bit pricey for dinner and that deters me from going on a regular basis for a proper meal. BUT, the happy hour here is probably the best in town. There is a select list of $5 drinks. Now this isn't coors light and well vodka, these are driiiinks. They don't mess around, I don't know what I ordered I told the bartenders to surprise me and did they ever. The drinks are strong but flavorful and for $5 you can't beat this. They also have an awesome selection of $5 "tapas" and I use that term lightly because you could eat some as a meal. I had the chorizo/beef sliders and I can honestly say they were the greatest sliders I have ever had in my life. It was a party in my mouth and these sliders were the host. The fries cooked in duck fat, great googlie mooglie! For what you are paying no doubt the best deal between 4-7 Monday- Friday out there. The bar is small though so get there and get a spot before this best kept Happy Hour secret gets out. Brunch, awesome. I got the sliders again, well just cause I mean they are that good. My wife got the "eggs Benedict" with ham and braised beef and corn biscuits...yup grand-frickin slam. You'd be a traitor not to order these (see what I did there, fellow history geeks will get it). It was huge and for $12 a meal for 2. As for dinner, it's been awhile since I ate here at dinner because it is a little too pricey I feel, that's why no 5 stars. But it was delicious, and the service is always great here! Definitely give this place a shot!
(4)Joe C.
One of the better restaurants in town, but can be expensive, The skirt steak is great, and the portions are huge. Had the pork shank once, and wasn't too crazy about it. Was a bit dry. Have enjoyed the cocktails there, will have to try the place out for happy hour one evening.
(4)Luis T.
We were two couples just looking for some drinks and some apps on a Sunday mid afternoon in Hoboken. Didn't want to do the typical pub "thing", so this place seemed to fit the bill. Walked in, the bar is packed but the rest of the place (indoor and outdoor tables ) was empty. Figured just sit by the bar at a table but at 3:30pm on a Sunday afternoon , those were reserved for dinner. We even explained that we'd order some apps but no. Walked past the place at around 6 after hanging out at Port of Spain and it was still empty. Unbelievable .
(1)David L.
Awesome food. Very Fresh. Small and a little loud!
(4)Jackie B.
Holy crap this is hands down the best restaurant in Hoboken. Couldn't be better! My main squeeze and I ate dinner out on the patio on a weeknight--we considered sitting at the bar for happy hour (it's only available inside, sitting at the bar), but opted to pay full price and enjoy the outdoors. Totally worth spending a few extra bucks. Drinks were fantastic, food was unreal. We split the whole red snapper which was cooked to absolute perfection--our server suggested we get the rice and beans which were also a hit (sides were a la carte). Super friendly service, super tasty food. Doesn't get any better!
(5)Gary S.
I went there with 4 last night. Had a mojito, wasn't bad, but wasn't great. I was happy enough with it, thought it tasted like cheap rum. We sat in the back room with the odd zebra striped couches and the lights that were brighter than the sun. We got 3 apps, 3 entrees so we could try a lot of food. As far as the apps, we did the guac with crab meat (pretty good/not worth $14), tried the pork empanadas and they we're the best thing we had- though had better many times, and the fried oysters. This was a recco from the waiter. This guy had no clue and said these "are popular". I asked if it was good, not popular, but that's okay I tried them. Definitely a frozen oyster and tasteless, however one of the oysters was bad. So I told the waiter when he came back that it was rotten and tasted like fish guts. He did nothing...he kinda laughed at it. I don't ask to get something nor do I want anything, but at least offer and try to please your customers! So, as I write this I feel sick and have felt sick all night. I literally brushed my teeth 3 times to get that foul taste out of my mouth. For dinner, we did traditional items. Churasco- wasn't bad but he gave us a butter knife to cut (until I asked) and we ate half of it. Was too chewy and bloody. The salad that came with it was like eating weeds in your backyard. We had the full chicken. That was good, bad order on our part as it was just chicken, but the rice that was with it was great. Finally, we had the Paella and that was good. Food: overall, meh. Not a great first visit, especially getting sick. I'll go back for happy hour and try a few more apps at some point. Atmosphere: the bar area is pretty cool and they have a band sometimes. Drinks: Just ok, don't expect too much. The beer selection is very weak...only good beer on draft was Negro Modelo. Hardly any bottles to choose from. My expectations were too high, the 5 star reviews on here make me think they've never been to a good restaurant. Place is average in every way.
(2)Jeff B.
Went here for dinner a few months ago. Living in an area that is plush with good Latin restaurants, I was very pleased to find yet another delicious Cuban restaurant with great food. There was also some live music playing when I was there. I would give 5 stars if we didn't have such a long wait between our appetizers and meal, but it was a very long time. Then when they charged our credit cards to split the bill, they charged my credit card twice. I will give them credit for fixing it when I noticed it on my credit card statement, but it did take me 3 telephone calls to get this fixed and I was the one who had to make the follow up phone calls instead of them calling me. The food was also a little overpriced, but I guess that is to be expected in Hoboken so it's really not their fault.
(4)Lisa B.
The chicken was fantastic, but the skirt steak stolen from my husband's plate was amazing! Shared the chocolate torte that put us over the edge :-) Service was friendly and attentive. We'll definitely be going back. The free Mohito for checking in on Yelp was a nice bonus too.
(5)Dave F.
This might have just become my new favorite place in Hoboken. The food is really fantastic... some of the best, and most unique in town. The atmosphere isn't really me, and the service could use a little work, but man, was the food good. We started with the oxtail croquettes and the octopus. The croquettes were light and crispy and the oxtail was tender and delicious. The octopus was cooked perfectly... super, super tender. For the mains we had the Bacalao (black cod) and the Enchilado (shrimp and scallops). The Enchilado had the shrimp and scallops in a very mild tomato / pepper sauce, and was served with a green rice that seemed cooked in cilantro with a hint of spice... just enough spice to say "hello, just so you know, I'm here." Only had a few bites of the Bacalao, but it was superb. Fish was moist and tender and flake, and the pureed yuca was smooth and delicious. Total for 3 drinks, 2 apps, and 2 mains came to $107 before tip. The place is dark and loud... and when I say loud, I mean, you struggle to hear the person across the table from you. The service, while super friendly, was less than attentive. Here is my example... drink #2 was finished along with the appetizers. I wanted to order drink #3, but the waitress did not return to ask until we were nearly done with the mains. That being said... the food overwhelms any critisims I had for the atmosphere or the service. If you go on a Friday / Saturday, you should probably make reservations... we left around 9:00 on a Friday, and there was literally not an open table (or spot at the bar) in the entire place.
(4)Ilya F.
Being a non-local to Hoboken, me and my friends were given advice on where to find good food. It was the 4th of July and there weren't many people polluting the streets. On our short list of suggestions, which included a sushi bar, an American fusion experience ,and the last was a Cuban diner, sadly it was packed and we quickly decided to move on. We started to walk north on Washington St. After a few blocks and plenty of restaurants we saw a small awning, The CuBan. We were all in the mood for some Spanish food; the 100 degree weather was also influential to our decision, but it turned out to be a very good one. Hostess and waiters were professional and answered all of our questions with out a 'hum'. The place itself is beautiful. There's a portion of the restaurant that, with a large enough party, you can have to yourself and your guests.
(4)Rob M.
As the hundred + other reviews have noted, the food here isn't just good, it might be among the best in the tri-state area. That being said..why doesn't the Cuban deliver??!??!? I mean, this probably speaks volumes about me since I'm about a 5-10 minute walk from some of the best Cuban food ever and yet I still want delivery, but putting that aside - join delivery.com or seemless or something - I want this cuban goodness without having to leave my home!
(5)Adam B.
I honestly can't believe I didn't know about The Cuban until recently. I have lived in Hoboken for nearly five years and never even noticed it existed. Glad we found it. The place is crazy deceiving in size. You walk in to a somewhat busy bar area with a few booths, and walk towards the back to three separate areas - all of which are nicely decorated (although I am not a zebra decor fan). Our server was awesomely attentive and made great suggestions on what to get. We ordered the Empanada sampler (three different versions). All of them were delicious. Not the best I've ever had, but very good and creative. We also got the guacamole with crab. Holy shit it revolutionized guacamole for me. Crab meet, people! And served with banana chips....? C'mon! For an entree I ordered the pollo a la parrilla. Delicious. I think I could have slept on/with the roasted Kobocha. My fiance ordered the pollo criollo. The meal was really amazing and had so many great flavors in every bite. The thing to know is that you cannot compare this to other Cuban joints in Hoboken like La Isla. That is more greasy spoon Cuban comfort food. This is more upscale, creative with South American influences. I highly recommend coming here. It is a great addition to Hoboken and should be rewarded not only for the great quality, made from scratch menu, but for how it runs like a well oiled machine. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is the empanada sampler. This is 5 star dinning for Hoboken, no doubt, but I want to try to be fair and not just drop five stars anywhere. If I could do 4.5-4.8 I would!
(4)John G.
I've been here several times and have yet to be disappointed. It has become one of my "go to" place in Hoboken. Cocktails are great. Food is great. Probably some of the best in Hoboken (the land of B+ cuisine). They often have a guitarist playing live Cuban music up front. Ambiance and service are way above par. Good for dinner or just drinks. Great first date spot. Highly recommend.
(5)Cassie L.
YUM YUM! If you are looking for a great Cuban place in Hoboken (that is not BYOB), definitely give The Cuban a shot. The complimentary sweet bread and garlic/herb butter is delicious. My date heard the portions were giant, so we didn't get an appetizer, but we did test out their white sangria, and that hit high marks. GRILLED pineapple was in the sangria and it really made a difference! I had the ropa vieja and while it was a smaller portion than I expected, it was done deliciously, and it was the perfect size for me. My date got the pollo criollo and that was a FLAVOR EXPLOSION. Chicken on the bone with garlic and spices, all on a bed of chorizo sweet plantain fried rice. Now THAT was awesome. We are 100% going back to try their brunch sometime soon! Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because it smelled like fresh paint since they were redoing one of the rooms. Food was fantastic though.
(4)Rebecca S.
2 words - SHORT RIBS. I have never been able to bring myself to order anything else here as they are out of this world. Although pricey, they have a great happy hour for half priced appetizers and drinks. The watermelon sangria is amazing and may have you stumbling home. You really can't go wrong going here for a date night, bring out of towners, parents, etc. Enjoy!
(5)Kyle O.
Overall underwhelming and not a good value, but some positive points...or churros I mean. Pros: 1. Chocolate churros! I would go just for those... Seriously delicious. 2. Water attendants were on it, it was hot and the food was salty so water was key and they were water ninjas! 3. Rice was tasty, maybe sugar or butter in it, not sure but good. Cons: 1. Overpriced, not any added value versus the other 3 Cuban restaurants in Hoboken. 2. Appetizers were tiny, empanadas were good but what deep fried food isn't good? 3. Churrasco is what everyone talked about but it was super fatty, ridiculous salty, and lacking in chimichurri (had to ask for extra). The beans were almost inedible they were so salty. 4. Server wasn't attentive, just going thru the motions. The water guy was nice and friendly and cared way more, bringing us sauces and going out of his way. Overall, I would just get chocolate churros and a drink after going somewhere else.
(2)Monica C.
Growing up in Hudson County I am not easily impressed with Cuban food who's prices go for well over $21.00 a plate. You can go to Union City, West New York and/or North Bergen for some slammin' Cuban eats at almost half the price. Nevertheless, The Cuban colored me impressed. We had the churrasco (skirt steak) which was fantastically juicy with so much flavor and the rabo encendido (ox tail stew) which was a tad bit bland but overall not bad. So at $28 for the steak and $24 for the ox tail I feel this can be a bit steep however let us remember...this is Hoboken. Higher rents, more people willing to pay up for tasty food without realizing they can go less than 2 miles for authentic Cuban food. Yeah, I guess the prices are fitting. I'm giving it 4 stars (technically 4.5 stars) because their Pisco Sour was mainly sour than pisco. The waiter was more than delighted to change for a mojito instead. I'll leave them to master the mojitos drinks which is a Cuban staple aside from the Cuba Libre.
(4)Deanna M.
This restaurant was very tasty. I went around 4:30 and sat outside with no other parties so it was peaceful. The service was very good. Our waitress recommended multiple different things to us. The seasonal watermelon sangria was terrible. Unless you are a big fan of Brandy and Watermelon and excessive amounts of lemon, this isn't for you. The guacamole was perfectly seasoned with very fresh crab chunks. The crab was light and refreshing and soft. It melted in your mouth. The ham and cheese croquettes were too mushy for my liking. The bacon wrapped around this Cuban yellow fruit was delicious. The bacon added a crispy flavor. The El Classico was hands down one of the best meats I've had in a while. I HIGHLY recommend it. The Braised short ribs were very tender. They came in a thick sauce. We didn't try dessert because we were so full!
(4)Mira C.
Great food! we went on a Sunday & they had a Cuban band playing In between the patio and front room.. We were with a party of about 20 so we had the pre-fix menu.. Everything that came out was very good, expect for one of the shrimp appetizers which was in a cream sauce.. Personally I didn't like it because it was served chilled. The churrasco was AMAZING - def would come back just for it ( craving already )
(4)Randi E.
We have been to the Cuban before. This time instead of a sit-down dinner, we sat at the bar and indulged in happy hour drinks and bites. On this occasion there was not the oppressive far-too-loud live music; it felt more intimate. We tasted a rainbow of mojitos and caipirinhas. Some we enjoyed better than others (the Colada and the Apple Mojito were bomb), however, each was distinct and pretty flavorful. The bites were also exceptional. We wanted to try all the happy hour special, but we restrained ourselves and only tried three. The pork pieces were delightful, fatty and garlicky while the sticky sweet plantains wrapped with salty bacon was absolutely amazing (probs my fave). The mussels and chorizo in broth with fries, was initially confusing, but tasty and definitely messy. We had a really great time and everything was lovely. I would definitely go back for another happy hour (maybe not dinner because of my last experience). The prices were good and the atmosphere was lively, but not too loud and overbearing, both of which are a plus on date night.
(4)Cynthia M.
Great food, great service! The pollo criollo was flavorful and tender which went well with the rice mixed with chorizo and plantains. The ropa vieja was also delicious. I'm already planning what I'm having during my next visit.
(5)Daniel G.
Best restaurant I've been to so far in Hoboken. Worth the money. Definitely get the tres leche with passion fruit for your dessert! Buen provecho!
(5)Kathy L.
Delicious, one of my favorite restaurants when I visit Hoboken. I had a shrimp entree with pesto rice and a watermelon mojito and it was great.
(4)Zamaan R.
Myself and 4 friends decided to have a Sunday Brunch here for a birthday. We made reservations in advance. When walking in at first, the place seemed a little tight and congested but it turned out to be bigger than we expected (multiple floors). The service was excellent. In fact, a friend didn't enjoy his Mojito so they took it back and substituted it with another drink of his preference (no charge on the Mojito) and the food was delicious. Friends had omelets and french toast. I had a platter which included steak, sweet plantains, rice & beans and a sunny side up egg. And we completed our delicious brunch with Flan, also very very good! The only negative thing I'd have to say is there is live music right by the entrance, which is great but if you're sitting at the tables across from the bar or sitting at the bar, you may need to yell in order to speak since the live music is pretty loud.
(4)Lena D.
This place is delicious and the service is excellent. Came here on Hoboken St. Patty's Day, which means the entirety of Hoboken is full of half drunk/full drunk zombies by dark. (The dinner was planned ignorant of the fact that the day was Hoboken St. Patty's) Nonetheless, we were a large party and sat in the upstairs area. I had the hippy mojito, cucumber, gin mint and lime. These were delicious. I find regular mojitos sometimes to be too sweet. So the gin was a fantastic change of pace. We ordered prix fixe for our group ($35 pp) It included: (keep in mind, I didn't look at any menus, it just came to our table) - a cucumber salad with avocado - pork pieces - chicken empanadas - yucca - rice and beans - ropa vieja (delicious!) - pulled pork (with pork skin- soo good) - salmon Dessert: coconut flan-esque pudding (so good :) ) Everything was delicious, my water glass was never empty and the waitstaff are wonderful. Highly recommended.
(5)Chris S.
My wife and I LOVE the Cuban and make a point to stop in for at least one dinner every time we come to the NY/NJ area! Our favorite dish is the vaca frita, which I have tried, quite unsuccessfully, to re-create at home. It's an awesome dish of slow-cooked skirt steak that is shredded and then fried in oil with garlic and onions. So tasty! As for drinks, the Sangria de Casa is the way to go! Tastes great, and a great bargain at $28 for a pitcher. Just don't plan on driving after you've had more than one or two, they'll sneak up on you! Can't wait to go back again!
(5)Sunny G.
I highly recommend getting the sangria and crab guacamole with plantain chips. The ropa vieja was prepared well and flavorful but i was disappointed with the small portion size.
(4)Mark S.
This restaurant did not dissappoint. The food was excellent, portions were plentiful and the service was excellent. We can't wait to go back and try the other items on the menu. Our dinner consisted of: Appetizers: Platano Maduro Con Tocino ( smoked bacon wrapped plaintains) Entree: El Classico roasted pork shanks, Moro rice, garlic orange mojo, yuca con mojo, sweet plantain, pickled red onion. Paella Valenciana saffron rice,shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, clams, chorizo, chicken and garlic aioli Dessert: Pudin de Pan Con Manzano- warm bread pudding with apple raisin brandy topped with vanilla ice cream Be warned that space is limited so there could be a wait.
(5)Lina K.
I really love this place and can't believe I haven't reviewed The Cuban before. I had been here before for dinner and got crazy full on just appetizers before. The crab / guacamole with those long plantain chips was easily my favorite, as well as the complimentary pain do bono, pulpa (grilled octopus) and salads. However, The Cuban gained the fifth star for doing an extraordinary job when we held our friend's birthday dinner here. I called in advance for the price fixe menu (see under Parties) on the website. I think we got Open Bar too but the end of the night was confusing because one of my friends took over the tab split (never saw the final total breakdown but it was def more than reasonable). Fidel and Louis helped me pick the menu and oversaw the impeccable service ... confusing at times because some people came and left early, some came late in the dinner ... some people came at the tail end for just a cocktail. In any case, we satisfied the appetites of vegetarians, pesce-tarians, carnivores and omnivores quite nicely. Appetizers included the meatballs, shrimp ceviche (outstanding), salad and empanadas. Entrees included vaca frita (twice grilled skirt steak which was hands down my fave), a grilled chicken dish and salmon. Dessert was tres leches and flan. Coffee was included and many at the table opted for cappucinos and expressos. Service was amazing and as more latecomers joined, more food was brought to the table with pain de bono (we didn't ask, they just did it! How awesome!). We got the sparkling sangria and some ordered wine. The sangria was delicious! The Cuban even brought out a candle for the bday girl to blow out. We were never rushed and enjoyed our party table in the Love enclave upstairs. Thank you to everyone at The Cuban for making this a fantastic and celebratory night!
(5)natalie p.
Ok I love this place! My husband and I came here last week and we had reservations at 8. We were promptly seated upon arrival and our server was very attentive. The drinks are outstanding, literally anything you get is fabulous. My favorite drink is the caipirinha and I ordered their flavor of the day, passion fruit. It was amazing. I also ordered a regular, just as amazing. I ordered the skirt steak with yuca fries because of all the reviews on yelp. I always yelp a restaurant and read the reviews before I go to a restaurant. The reviews were right about this dish, the steak was so flavorful and the yucca fried hearty and starchy. Don't expect American fries, these are very starchy but delicious! My husband ordered the Pollo Criollo and it looked fantastic too. Will be coming here again for sure, great service!
(5)Franco B.
I guess I'm ready to write a review after visiting this place several times. My favorite part is the drink selection. I'm no bartender but I'm sure they have the best pisco sour around hoboken. My other favorite the avenida washington if you are into tequila and jalapeños. Food is great which focuses on cuban food obviously but the mussels with chorizo are great and top with french fries. The bistec was amazing maybe a bit less cooked next time for a medium well steak. My wife loved the churrasco with yuca fries. My friend tried the spicy pulled pork, tender and very home-cooked. The service is really great just met the assistant manager who is very polite and efficient. Haven't met the manager. Good ambience and they play salsa on the background for the most part. Parking is difficult but it's hoboken you don't have a choice. Now time to experience the brunch!
(4)Maks B.
This place was amazing. I came here last summer to celebrate my birthday so I had made reservations in advance. We initially asked to sit outside but within 10 minutes, it began to pour. The server was immediately at our table, gathering the plates and glasses to move us inside. When we got inside, we wished we had asked to be there from the beginning. We were taken to the back to a corner table and the ambiance was perfect for a quiet romantic dinner. The food was phenomenal. We had the salmon carpaccio to start and vaca frita and the churrasco as main courses. Everything was delicious, flavorful, and well presented. The place is a little on the expensive side to eat there every day but I would definitely consider this place for any special occasion.
(5)Ambrose C.
I first heard of Hoboken when I read a story about a "giant chicken" that walked around when I was in primary school (The Hoboken Chicken Emergency). I also think of city "grit" from the rough and tough characters that bring real life nightmares to innocent families. Fortunately, a very good-hearted girl told me that Hoboken has changed. Another friend told me that I had to check it out, saying that it has become a fun place. When I arrived, the city was somewhat nicer than I thought. Anyway, I went into this place, and I got a seat at the bar. It definitely has a sophisticated look, so you may have to look nice at this place. The Mojito Cubano drink was excellent. It was refreshing, the mint was not too strong, and it was not too sweet, and it was great complement to the food. As for the food, their Cuban Fried Rice is a good choice for a light meal, it can ordered as a side dish, and the price is reasonable. The flavor was good. I also had some Croquetas de Jamon, and they have a nice crispiness on the outside, and a decent savory flavor on the inside. My friends enjoyed the Cuban sandwiches offered on the bar menu. Interior is very comfortable, surprisingly spacious, and sometimes they provide some decently good live music. Service was fairly friendly. Overall, if you are looking to "kick-start" your evening in a place like Hoboken, this is a great start, especially if you want a good drink. This place is a versatile choice if you want to go to a great bar or have a good dinner appointment with some cool and gorgeous people. I had a great time here, and I would definitely recommend this bar to people who are visiting a place like Hoboken.
(4)Maicol B.
This place was amazing. The empanadas and squid appetizers were delicious. The squid especially was cooked to perfection and soft as creamy butter. We ordered el classico (pork, rice and yuca) and the paella. Both cooked to perfection and super delicious. The sangria was also tasty and complemented the meal nicely. The staff were incredibly nice and friendly, went along with all our jokes and made the experience that much better. Definitely going back.
(5)Nick C.
The Cuban is one of the nicer restaurants in Hoboken. I used to go for happy hour specials all the time, when it was more affordable for a broke college student. The cocktails are strong, and they make perfect mojitos. The ambiance of the restaurant is levels above most of the casual places in Hoboken and the prices reflect it. But the food is very good, especially the Cuban sandwiches and churrasco.
(4)Connie C.
I love this restaurant which is why I went back after my first experience. I first came here during the summer for my birthday with a couple of friends. I really liked the atmosphere because it was very lively---indoors and outdoors. I loved having live music by the door since our table was by the bar. For drinks, I got a mojito and half a pitcher of sparkling white sangria. I forgot the flavor of the mojito, but it was the fruit mojito of the season or something. It was yummy and this is coming from someone who loves her mojitos. The sangria was good for sharing with my friends. For my entree, I had El Classico, a pork shank dish. It was delicious and the portion size was pretty big (at least for me). Since it was my birthday, for dessert, we shared the tres leche. It was sweet and very good. The second time that I came here was in December. Obviously, since it's a lot colder now, there are no outdoor seatings. I had another seasonal mojito that I forgot the flavor to once again. A girl never gets sick of mojitos though. I shared the Churrasco with my boyfriend. It was delicious. I definitely recommend along with many other yelpers. I thought the watercress salad was light and very complimentary to the grilled skirt steak. Also, the yuca fries were amazing; super yummy. The food may be on the pricier side, but that's expected for a fancier restaurant. I definitely recommend coming here since it at such a prime location anyway on Washington Ave.
(5)Lourdes E.
I didn't find out until later that there was a dining room and our server put us by the bar- no choice. I certainly didn't like that. Aside from that- the food was very good and the sangria excellent. We had vaca Rita and Rambo- the fufú that came with the Rambo was excellent. The black beans had too many green peppers for my taste. For dessert, we shared a Putin de pan - excellent and light and delicious. Good food for sure.
(4)Xiomara R.
I went here for dinner and the food was delicious better then I expected. Staff was friendly and attentive, a bit pricey but worth it. Would definitely recommend and would love to go back.
(4)Jay F.
I came here a couple of weeks ago for an early dinner with a friend from out of town. We did not have reservations, but were lucky enough to get a table and boy was I glad!. (I highly recommend making reservations. It is a rather small place that fills up quickly). We started with the Cuban guacamole w/lump crapmeat and plantain chips and caipirinha to drink. What a wonderful way to start off the night, we couldn't get enough of either item. Caipirinha was refreshing and had just enough kick to make us order a second round. For dinner I had the Pollo Criollo which is Chicken with sweet plantain rice. The sweet plantain rice was a nice surprise- I have never had the 2 mixed together in such a manner. I would try it again. My friend had the Paelle Valenciana. She seemed to enjoy it and the little bit she shared tasted great! To end the evening we shared the Bread pudding - it was by far one of the best bread puddings I have had in a long time. The evening was highlighted by the excellent service we received, not just from our waitress but from every server, bus boy, etc in the establishment. Everyone checks on you, everyone serves you making for quick, yet seamless service! I would return for the food and service.
(4)Donna F.
My boyfriend and I have often had brunch here, and we've always left feeling extremely satisfied. The service is prompt, the servers are friendly and courteous, and I also like the atmosphere of the place. It has a kind of subdued sophistication; there are no garish pictures on the walls or loud colors. Everything is coordinated and blends together well. On Saturday (08/30), my boyfriend and I decided to check out The Cuban for an early dinner. Although we didn't have a reservation, the place wasn't full, and we were seated within seconds. Servers immediately came to our table to take our drink orders and place full water glasses in front of us. I ordered a seasonal drink, the Sandia Mojito, which was mixed with mint, lime, and watermelon (there were actual pieces of watermelon in the glass too). Normally, I despise watermelon, but the mint and lime masked it so well that I wasn't bothered by it. My boyfriend ordered a Peach Caripirinha (which I still can't pronounce, however hard I try) which I thought was a bit bitter, but he enjoyed it. We split the Pulpeta for our appetizer, which was a cluster of meatballs served in truffle oil with mushroom fricassee and roasted shallots. It's a shame this isn't a full entree. I loved how the meatballs were cooked; juicy, tender, and with a hint of spice. For our main courses, I ordered the Ropa Vieja and my boyfriend ordered the Pork Porterhouse. My meal was huge and I couldn't finish all the meat, but I loved how it was prepared. The meat was shredded thinly but was not stringy at all, and it was cooked well. My entree also came with a side of white rice and black beans, and both were equally delicious. My boyfriend liked his Pork Porterhouse, although he did encounter some pieces of meat that were a little on the dry side. I cannot confirm this, as I only sampled a non-dry piece of pork. :-) For dessert, we split the Torta de Chocolate while my boyfriend had an espresso. The menu said the cake was "chocolate sponge cake", but it tasted more like devil's food cake to me. Regardless, it was incredibly light and came topped with fresh strawberry slices, chocolate caramel mousse, buttercream in the middle, and caramel sauce drizzled on the sides. I am proud to say I was able to finish the dessert when my boyfriend was too full, so this little gem did not go to waste. Throughout the entire meal, our service was excellent. At no point did we feel rushed, and we didn't have to search for servers when we finished our meal so they could pick up the check. I really hope this place stick around, because I don't think Hoboken can do Cuban cuisine any better than this.
(5)Joe K.
Food was absolutely fantastic. Came here with a couple of friends and everyone loved the meal they got. The service was really good, reminded me of a more upscale restaurant where they fold your napkins while you are up from the table and replace the silverware between courses. Constantly refilling water as well. The ambiance was very nice as well. Got an entree, two drinks and an appetizer to split between the table and it was about $50, not too expensive but not cheap. Would be a great date place. Amazing beef/steak dishes and great mojito selection as well.
(5)Michael G.
For a town lacking rally great food, The Cuban is definite standout. We ordered the crispy pork with corn purée, beat salad and avocado with crab meat to start. All were really good and flavorful and quality ingredients. The paella which I have had before was very tasty with the nice burnt crust at the bottom. Drinks here are very good as well. Overall a great date spot or place to grab some small plates and drinks with friends.
(4)Ryan D.
One of my go-to restaurants in Hoboken - live music is always nice to hear and they have a great happy hour menu as well as tasty cocktails (If you like mezcal check this place out!) Favorite dishes are the mussels which come with fries in the middle and a spicy sauce as well as the crab meat avocado served with plantains. I have had a few of their steak dishes which are also quite good.
(5)Mark R.
It's cute. Yes. It's very cute. You can miss it if you are not looking for it. I literally had to stop and stare for awhile but the dining experience was fantastic. All I saw were couples after couples. Jeez. People in love make me sick. YUK. It was Saturday and they offer brunch menu which is different from their normal dinner menu otherwise I would have had the seafood paella or something more. So my buddy and I decided to give this brunch menu a try: Tacos De Camaron - This is 3 small soft tortillas with 2 large chunks of grilled shrimp with pickled cabbage and avocado with spicy aioli. This was definitely a cute treat but also very flavorful and tasty. Fried rice - I ordered this on the side and it came with eggs and bacon bits. Wow. Sweet. I mean sweet for real. hahaha. I added some salt and pepper to even it out but overall satisfying. Sandwich De Picadillo - Cuban version of hamburger helper. It's sweet so you might want some hot sauce on the side. Not much to add here. I would not mind going back to try their dinner menu as well as just enjoying the vibrant scene during night time. Who wants to take me out Cuban style?
(3)Alex U.
Food is delicious, service is quick, and the staff knows the menu inside and out. This is the best Cuban restaurant in Hoboken!
(5)Rebecca L.
This is hands down one of the top 3 restaurants in Hoboken. The food is absolutely incredible as well as the atmosphere, service etc. Everything is well worth the price. I've dined in over 5 times and done takeout at least 3 times. Both make for a satisfying experience . MUST TRY. And make sure you check out the back of the restaurant, it is not only the area in front by the bar. Very impressive back there.
(5)Cassie B.
I've been here a few times - once being on Valentines Day for the prix fixe. It was delightful and pretty authentic. I will not go to say it is the best Cuban food I've ever had but delicious and no complaints. They did not rush us, despite the holiday.
(4)Amanda Y.
The food, ambience, and service was excellent. The churasco was excellent. I highly recommend it.
(5)Maggie B.
Ah The Cuban I really wanted to love this place. The food was pretty good but the service was so bad and I have to say that is extremely important to me with a dining out experience. The waiters were not only inattentive but SO RUDE. It was me and one of my girlfriends and yes we are only 22 but don't treat us like we don't belong. I would give two stars because of how not welcomed/uncomfortable the staff made us feel but the mussels were really good (they had french fries on top- two of my favorite things combined). Despite the one delicious dish everything else I thought was good but not enough for the insanely high prices. I will not be returning to the Cuban as there are equally as good places to get this type of food with much better service.
(2)Bob F.
Great atmosphere great staff and service unfortunately I felt the food was just average Same goes with the portions average at best the best thing about the place was that bread. I guess after reading the reviews I had high expectations it was just okay I will not return
(2)Mark B.
We had dinner here with friends on a Saturday night and had a fantastic meal. Decor: They have both indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoor is nothing too special but indoor is great. The look and feel of the place is very trendy and cool, one of the more fun places in Hoboken. They have a ton of tables and there really is not a bad seat in the house (either in the bar or in the back). It's a somewhat upscale place but you really don't need to dress up to go for a meal. Bathroom: Very clean and very inviting. They keep the A/C pumping downstairs and this is a nice warm up spot as well haha. Staff: Our waiter was wonderful. He was quick to greet us and take our drink orders, returning soon after to take our meal order as well. He was pretty helpful with the couple questions he had and overall just a friendly guy. Food/Drink: The food is absolutely amazing. We started with some drinks (mojitos and a Washington Ave - which is AWESOME) and also some apps: Croquetas de Jamon (good, but not my favorite) and Aguacate con Cangrejo (so good!). For dinner we had: Paella Valenciana (very tasty!), Ropa Vieja (deliciously tasty), and Churrasco (absolute PERFECTION). Everything here is good though, as we've been several times. Value: It is a little bit more expensive but you certainly get what you pay for (both food and experience wise). This is probably the best restaurant in Hoboken. Yes, the best Cuban restaurant in Hoboken but probably the best overall as well. It's our favorite place and we will be back many times in the future.
(5)Yenny O.
Gorgeous and enchanting with great atmosphere. If you like spicy, you must try the spicy Washington ave cocktail and if you are into something sweeter try the guava Mojito. You must try the appetizer stuffed yuca and please don't skip dessert, you will not be disappointed. We had the special dessert (panacotta). Service was impeccable! Overall my experience was memorable and great from beginning to end. Thank you
(5)Eric A.
We had dinner here as a group of 6 with business colleagues on a Wednesday evening, found the atmosphere charming, service impeccable, and the experience overall was great! We started with PULPO, their grilled Spanish octopus, red pepper & onion escabeche, potatoes, salsa verde. This dish was AMAZING! The octopus was grilled to perfection, moist & delicate - I would go back for this appetizer alone, even consider ordering this as a meal. I was pleasantly surprised by the tenderness of this dish, my experience with octopus comes solely either as fried calamari or raw at sushi bars where the texture can often be rubbery when raw - this dish was no where near that texture. Wow! We also ordered the AGUACATE CON CANGREJO, their Cuban guacamole, lump crabmeat, plantain chips. Nice variation on typical guacamole, the plantain chips were perfectly fried, crisp, slightly salty, yet sweet. Would definitely order this again. For dinner, I ordered the PAELLA VALENCIANA, saffron rice, shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, clams, chorizo, chicken, garlic aioli. Great flavor! Not a morsel left on my plate after dinner. Regarding the impeccable service, the mussels came in the shell with my dinner, and every time I removed shells and put in a side bowl, a server was right there to remove the bowl and replace with an empty one. Nice touch. Would definitely return to this restaurant and recommend to friends!
(4)Nunzia P.
I went here for a friend's birthday party and I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere is nice and the food was really good!
(4)Diego C.
Left 1 Replublik and their high expectations of dress codes to get allowed in this place they greeted us and welcome us in. They were packed and sat us at the bar while we wait on a table. Pretty good crowd !!
(5)Michael M.
The drinks were strong and I really liked my salmon. My friends however were very disappointed with their skirt steak and pernil orders. I would go back again.
(4)Emily A.
I love this restaurant! The bar area is cute and casual, and then you walk back and realize the restaurant is 3x bigger than you had originally guessed. I've been here a couple of times and every single thing I've tried has been fantastic. The guacamole with lump crab meat served with plantain chips is heavenly. I see their menu has changed a little since the time I tried their version of papas rellenas - little fried balls of braised oxtail inside of mashed potatoes, served with a truffle jalapeno aioli - because I don't see them on there anymore, which is a shame because they were amazing. Same with the surf and turf entree of filet mignon and lump crab meat. I do see that they still have the steak and eggs brunch entree which might be the best steak and eggs I've ever had. Normally, I like my steak and eggs with bread to soak up the yolk. The Cuban serves it with the most delicious fried rice that complements it perfectly! Their mojitos and sangria are also great - very well balanced and not too sweet.
(5)Joan E.
Definitely a fan of this place. Came here for a friend's birthday and the waitress accommodated us as much as possible. The place is pretty cramped, even more so when it's packed. It should be noted that this place will not seat any group unless the entirety of the group is present and they can "visually" see the people. Anyway, it was originally 4 for us so they sat us down in the first level by the bar, but my boyfriend decided to show up. Though the hostess would not accommodate a 5th person, the waitress was willing to serve 5 people at a 4 people table (all 3 girls squeezed at the booth). Great service and food!
(4)Brian W.
Great food each and every time. Brunch is the way to go, same menu just Lowe pricing. Bring friends and enjoy the live music on Sundays
(5)Thomas A.
Had dinner and drinks on a sat evening. Wait wasn't long even thought we were late trying to find parking. Mojito drinks were good but nothing great. The place was decorated nice with superb service, wait staff attentive. The bread n garlic butter were to die for. So good!!!! Started with some apps and salad. We had the chix empanadas which were good here but had better with a crispier batter elsewhere. Forgot the name of the salad, had mangos, grape tomatoes, greens and cilantro in it. Salad was delicious and fresh. Everything great at this point until the the octopus app came out. The octopus was overcooked and inedible, told the wait staff about it. Manager came to table moments later to ask about octopus app, told her it was overcooked and had it removed from check. Then it went down hill after with dinner entrees, had the vaca Frita which had great reviews but was soooo disappointed with it. Whether it was over fried or not, it just was to dry for me. The other entree was the paella which looked very good at the table next to us. The paella was just awful, rice soggy, mussels had a bad smell, shrimp overcooked(tough). Would still go back and try other items on menu next time.
(2)Gabriela L.
Saying that I've eaten a lot of Cuban/Dominican/Latin American would be the understatement of the year, so the fact that I am dishing out 5 starts for this place means it's worth it. Trust me people. The food is so good and the service is attentive. The music is typical merengues and salsas, which keeps the atmosphere upbeat and fun. Loved my cocktail, the Pomegranate Mojito; it had enough alcohol and wasn't not overly sweet. I strongly recommend the Crab Guacamole (Aguacate con Cangrego), Mussels (Mejillones con Chorizo), and Vaca Frita. Everything was great. I definitely want to go back for brunch, then again for one of their live music nights, and then again.... because why not?!
(5)Luis C.
Great service, prompt and professional... Atmosphere great as always... Had the crab meat and avocado appetizer, which was awesome.. For main had El Clasico, roasted pork shoulder... Cooked to perfection, meat falling off the bone but both mine and my companions had no taste whatsoever, lacking a lot on the condiment field.. Was very disappointed..
(3)Rafael F.
Food was great. The ceviche was a little underwhelming. It was kind of just cooked shrimp in sauce. The sangria also left a bit to be desired. We thought we were getting a bonus with the seasonal watermelon. But it was tasty sangria nonetheless. The pork "El Classico" dish was real good. Meat fell right off the bone. The churrrasco was also very good and a recommended dish. Wish we tried more of there flavorful mojitos!
(4)Stephanie S.
Alex was a amazing waiter. He was helpful and very knowledgeable of the menu. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was just right for a girls night on the town. Make sure to try the speciality made drinks. They are worth every penny. Definitely a place you want to visit in Hoboken
(5)Susie T.
I enjoyed this deceptively large Cuban spot on Washington. Make sure you call ahead on weekends because the place was packed. We split a pitcher of Sangria, which was just okay. For appetizers, we tried the goat cheese (on special) as well as the meat and cheese board. Both were good. We split the paella, which was delicious and more than enough for two. I will definitely be checking this spot out again soon.
(4)Matthew P.
After going to the Cuban with my friends we all unanimously decided that it was the best Cuban food be have ever had (granted we haven't had much). From the beginning the service was fantastic, kind, and helpful. We weren't dressed in the fanciest manner but it didn't matter because there was a comfortably casual aire about the place. The clientele was also very relaxed and seemed enjoyed themselves as my friends and I argued about god knows what. Walking from my table to the bathroom was scenic; the design and architecture of the building was very pleasing to the eye with different flights of stairs and seating on different elevations. Once the food arrived I could see it was arranged by a culinary artist, it captured the very premise of art and transfered it into a dish. The classic ropa veijo that I ordered was done with a perfect simplicity that made the experience of eating it even more magnificent then I thought it could have been. I wound the dining experience down with some mango sorbet that tied the meal into a perfect knot.
(5)Alex V.
My favorite Cuban restaurant so far, on either side of the Hudson River. The appetizers and entrees were delicious and seemed authentic. The Ropa Vieja was beautifully prepared. The Mojito cocktails were out of this world...started feeling it after the first one. Got one of them on the house by checking in with my Yelp app. The only thing that kinda annoyed me was the live band, playing right next to the door. One word: LOUD!
(5)Mayra A.
The food is amazing, sangria went down very smooth, the service 4 stars loved our waitress, the ambiance superb, great restaurant. A bit too loud.we couldn't hear rack other at the other end of the table
(5)Kari B.
Had dinner and drinks here for a friend's birthday. They were able to accommodate a large group and the service was good. I enjoyed the food and atmosphere a lot.
(4)Michael M.
Had a very good time here. Went in for a very light/quick meal so we just did apps and salad Bread is hard on the outside nice and soft on the inside served with a nice garlic butter. $14 pulpo- Grilled smoked paprika glazed Spanish octopus, red pepper escabeche, grilled chorizo, garlic chip, salsa verde. pulpo was great, nice amount of octo and chorizo. i wish there was some more garlic chip and salsa. perfectly cooked SO tender. $14 AGUACATE CON CANGREJO - Cuban guacamole, lump crabmeat, plantain chips. Dip was very good, and you get a lot (id hope for $14!), crab is a nice touch. plantain chips were very good as well, though, i had a few that were under cooked. overall, great dish. $10 ENSALADA DE LA FINCA - Watecress, cucumber, tomato, mango, avocado, pickled carrot, mint, cilantro, crispy shallots, sugarcane-lime vinagrette So I hate watercress because its so bitter. but this wasnt at all! very impressed. very good looking dish. we had 3 people, this was the perfect amount of food for a light meal to share.
(4)Maryan I.
Last night I called to see if they had any outdoor seating available and I was told yes by the hostess. I got there and there was indeed an empty table outside. When the hostess saw that I had a baby in a stroller, she refused to seat me and my husband there. I was appalled at how rude someone can be and I couldn't believe that she was denying me a seat because I have a baby! I was furious and she insisted on not seating us. She wasn't even apologetic or trying to be nice about it. It's really a shame because we loved that restaurant but I'm not sure if I will go back after this experience.
(1)Scott M.
Really great brunch. Not crowded, not that expensive, good drinks, good food, great service. Recommended.
(4)Alice M.
Delicious food and drinks. I highly recommend it for all occasions, great food and service and festive atmosphere. They are great with accommodating large parties for birthdays etc. Mojitos are top notch and love the seasonal flavor selection.
(5)Marla F.
I've lived in Hoboken for 2 years and somehow have never come to The Cuban. Last night I finally made it in and for a Wednesday night, it was packed-- now I see why! After you sit down, a cute little wooden bread box comes to the table. Inside is hot balls of soft bread that were steaming when you cracked them open. So delicious! For my entree, I ordered the Vaca Frita (slow cooked and crispy beef) which came with half of a sliced avocado, fresh red salsa, white rice and a side of black beans. The portion was pretty much on point for the $28 price tag. The beef was flavorful and very tender with little bits that were crunchy, yum! The service is amazing. Probably the best service I've experienced anywhere in Hoboken. I've only been here once but I never needed to ask our waiter for anything yet didn't feel smothered. We split a bottle of champagne and I never had to refill my glass even once. It was a nice personal touch. I will definitely be coming back!
(4)kathy l.
We came last Thursday night for some drinks and bar food. We like this place a lot but we both had food poisoning from the food. My fiancé was very very sick and had to call out sick Friday. Went to the doctor and confirmed it was food poisoning on Friday. He's still feeling not well today. I got better a day or two after.
(2)Vicente C.
I walked by this place several times and I wasn't really interested. Being Puerto Rican I am a little biased toward our cuisine over Cuban food not to say that I don't like Cuban food because I do. The Cuban came highly recommended by my manager who is a Hoboken resident. Upon his high praise I decided to take my wife there on a dinner date. I made a reservation days in advance and for good reason, when we arrived the restaurant was crowded. We were seated immediately, the place is bigger than what we originally anticipated. We looked over our menus and we went with the Aguacate con Cangrejo (Cuban guacamole with Crab meat) to start. It was light and very flavorful it was accompanied by thin sliced plantain chips the layers of flavor within the app were good and provided a nice depth to the simple yet tasty dish. We also ordered a pitcher of white sangria that was very good. We selected the Main Course which was the Classico, a dish composed of roast pork (which looked like a mini pernil) morro style rice, 3 pieces of fried sweet plantains and yuca with onion and garlic sauce. This dish was very, very good. It's portion size was great just enough to satisfy but may be a bit overwhelming for a light eater. The service was outstanding. We will be visiting this restaurant again very soon. Thank you for such great service and providing us with a great option for some great Cuban food.
(5)Chris W.
Was a really great meal. I had the Vaca Frita which was a well done crispy skirt steak served with avocado, white rice, black beans. Delicious. My friends had Chorizo and Beef sliders and the Pollo Criollo, which was a very flavorful Half Chicken with Chorizo fried rice. everything obviously home made and obviously well conceived and perfectly executed. Great place. And Hoboken is a beautiful place too. what a great place to stroll, eat and relax.
(4)Vanessa L.
Love this place and would recommend it highly! The drinks and that appetizers are excellent! The prices are fair considering the area the restaurant is in (lively Hoboken). Keep in mind you will have to look for parking or park in a lot...$20 for up to 5 hrs is one lot I saw.
(5)T M C.
I actually really like this place but the little things do matter. The food overall is very good and the prices aren't too bad. You get what you pay for. With that said, bread was too hard, the sauce on the maduros wrapped in bacon was too sweet and took away from the flavor (not quite what I expected). For dessert the mocha tres leches cake was good but needed more of the delicious mocha ice cream on top (we were literally given a teaspoon) to even it out- the cake was a little dry for tres leches. I swear I do like this restaurant and still recommend it but for the price those are things worth noting to improve.
(3)Crystal G.
All the meals were great but absolutely loved the chicken empanadas were sooooooooooooooooo good, very different, delicious! Service was great, wonderful atmosphere, and good portions.
(5)Danielle H.
Food was good but not excellent. Cocktails were great! Some of the food lacked seasoning which I was shocked about.
(4)Tony H.
I'll preface this review by saying, I strongly dislike the vast majority of the restaurants I've been to in hoboken. (Granted I've only been to about 15-20 of them) I'll start with the bread. Comes in a box, served with butter that must have some seasoning in it. Delicious. Butter spreads and melts perfectly to the bread. Appetizer- decided to go with the chicken empanadas as that's what most reviews say to get. Good, solid, hot (80% of food in hoboken comes out luke-warm not hot) and tasty. You can tell this is freshly made in house the chicken inside is moist and glazed with a form of verde sauce. Good but I will def try a different one next time. My gf got the veal chop with their version of fried rice. I tried some. Very good. Not personally a veal chop guy but the pieces cut very easily, was juicy and nicely cooked. Fried rice tasted like a homemade fried rice (I'm Chinese) with a Spanish spin. I got the short rib meal. WOW. The pieces of meat came apart so well, easy to eat, topped with deliciously seasoned homemade onion rings that were topped w cheese. All spread on some delicious creamy starch product (mash potato? Mash yuca? Idk it was a nice filler). What else was nice had to be the small slices of chorizo stuffed between meats and starch while everything was drizzled with their sauce marinade from the short ribs. Only complaint was that it wasn't hot enough but that's me knit picking bc it was good. I will disclose that although I wanted to I will definitely next time grab a mojito which not only I've heard is good but looked fantastic when I saw it walk by me. (Maybe Monday mojito night) Will definitely be back! I recommend over zafra where the food came out jus short of luke-warm (maybe just the time I went?)
(5)David C.
Very good appetizers but underwhelming drinks and entrees sink the show. The final kicker was the ridiculous sideshow of a front of the house service. We had a reservation which they mysteriously cancelled. No explanation or apology and then proceed to make us jump through hoops to get a table. They told us to we had to walk in and wait an hr, then 10 min into out wait, they said a table opened up but everyone had to be there ASAP before we could be seated or else we'd lose the table. This is all 45 min before our original reservation time, so it was a mad scramble for everybody just to get there. Very frustrating ordeal. But you want to know about the food. Like I said, the starters didn't disappoint. The crab guac with plantain chips was awesome and a dash of cutting edge that we yelpers crave! The truffle infused croquettes with braised oxtail meat was glorious. The dish usually comes with just 3 pieces, but the server was able to add an additional piece for us, for $2. You definitely want a whole croquette, trust me. Underwhelming entrees include ropa vieja, a classic dish which they didn't want to mess around with too much. Understandable but c'mon, we want a remix here! I will say the dessert of creme brûlée trio was great. They have good food but they also have terrible service. You've been warned.
(3)James B.
I can't express just how excellent the food is here. As a matter of fact, everything about the place is magical. The ambiance is comfortable and upscale without being pretentious. The Sangria is, by far, the best in town and will easily get you drunk. Even the wait staff are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and great at their job. I've come here with friends, and just the gf and me and every time has been better than the last. Portions are plentiful, the food is full of flavor. The Cuban is simply not to be missed bit make sure you make your reservation. I'm sure word had gotten aroundand I'm not the first to rave about it's excellence.
(5)Elizabeth C.
The chimichurri sauce is simply amazing!!! So tasty all the food myself and my daughter order was just to die for!
(4)Amanda D.
The Cuban is definitely one of the top restaurants in Hoboken. Perfect for a nice date or if you want to treat yourself to a reasonably upscale restaurant. To start, their sangria is delicious with plenty of alcohol to do the trick. They have a seasonal and traditional option and both are amazing. I've only had the Vaca Frita plate here, but because it's so delicious I don't want to try anything else for my entree! Crispy pieces of steak with rice & beans...so much flavor and I'm not usually a steak fan. The Croquetas are such a nice appetizer and perfect portion before a big meal. The only reason I didn't give it the 5th star is that they promote a Sunset Menu on their website, so of course, I wanted to get the amazing meal at a reduced price. When we went for this, we definitely weren't treated with the attention that we got when ordering off regular menu and the food didn't wow me as much. The restaurant wasn't crowded at the time we attended, so they should just remove this option if it's going to be a different dining experience.
(4)Jack L.
It's always nice to go back to your hometown to find new things to try out. Like The Cuban. My family of 4 was looking for a place to eat that wasn't pizza. Well, on Washington Street, there was plenty to choose from that fit the bill. We settled on The Cuban because there was no wait on a Saturday afternoon, they were serving brunch and because I had a free Mojito because of my Foursquare check-in! Free stuff! I ended up with The Cuban Sandwich. Totally hit the spot for me and it went well with my free Mojito. The restaurant is huge but I'm sure it's more for the nightlife crowd that I have totally graduated out of! I'll try to come back when I'm at home to try out other stuff on the menu but the value was great, food delicious and service was very attentive.
(4)Jena R.
Eating brunch at the Cuban was an amazing dining experience! The restaurant is absolutely immaculate with a relaxing atmosphere. There was a live band and the volume was just right, not too loud so you can still carry on a conversation . The service was great, attentive to your every need whatever it may be. The food was phenomenal ! I had the steak and eggs and the flavor profiles were way above par. Steak was cooked to perfection. Thanks for the wonderful experience . Will definitely be back .
(5)Jennifer P.
I've gone to this restaurant a few times and only came back because I genuinely enjoy the food and music- though the service and management wasn't always the greatest. Now, I will NEVER go back after this past experience I had this weekend. My sister and I wanted to grab some drinks and apps with our parents - we started off with a large pitcher of Sangria and an app. We planned on ordering TONS more drinks and apps that would add up to being well OVER $100. After the waitress realized we were not ordering entrees (YET!) she asked us to get up from our seat outside because people ordering entrees wanted our seat. I was absolutely appalled, but didn't make a scene and we just left. I really couldn't believe they did that- the MANAGEMENT THERE SUCKS AND SO DOES THE SERVICE. Food is great, but there are other places to go that will treat people much better than this crap. I will NEVER come back to this place.
(1)Belle V.
Really good food! Bigger than what it looks from the outside. Fun to go with your friends and catch up. At night however, it turns kind of a lounge/clubbish atmosphere. If you are with a big group of people, you won't heat each other's conversation. But I do highly recommend their food!
(4)William B.
Been to the CUBAN several times. The food and service are always very consistent. The food prices are fair for the quality you receive. Always a very good experience.
(5)Ashwin M.
Fantastic experience at The Cuban on a bitter cold Sunday night. The place was packed, probably because the next day was Presidents Day. It appears small and narrow in the front, but there's a bigger dining area in the back. We shared the shrimp ceviche, delicious. Paella was on point, and came with a large, healthy portion. Tuna special, served on a bed of butternut squash, was cooked to perfection, not overdone. Great service, great vibe/atmosphere, great drinks (go for the red sangria!), I will be back for sure!
(4)Olga K.
The food was cold, appetizers were less then ordinary, sangria was watered down, my husband's Pompano was boiled, not grilled with dark meat(blood) on most of the fish. The prices were outrages for less then mediocre food and service. No returns! (We were a company of 7 and nobody was happy)
(1)Philip H.
Went back to order my favorite eggs Benedict and was told they ran out (this is at 12:00pm on a non busy Saturday). Low and behold a couple sits next to us and orders the cuban Benedict 20 minutes later and whallla It shows up in 5 minutes. Waiter tried to get me to order the two most expensive things on the menu instead of the cuban Benedict. Great food, but sketchy and unprofessional service to pull something like that.
(1)Elizabeth M.
My date brought me here last night on his friend's recommendation. We had a reservation for 830 but due to ridiculous traffic on the Cross Bronx we called to let them know it would be more like 9 and the gentleman who answered the phone was very polite about it. We arrived at 8:45 and were seated immediately. It was VERY crowded so it was a bit noisy but the music was so loud I could not hear my date or the waiter. I think there was a drink special with some lemon and sangria? He came back to tell us the dinner specials and the entire time I was just watching his lips move and wondered if it would be rude of me to request the music be turned down a little. I think I heard something about fish with the skin on. Guess what, I said nothing and moments later the music was turned down. Yay! I was finally able to stop yelling WHAT across the table every time my date spoke. We ordered cocktails and looked at the menu some more and came to a decision at about 9:15 and continued our conversation. At 9:30 I was about to drop my knife on the floor to cause enough of a scene for the waiter to come over as we sat there with the menus on the corner of the table. Good thing I had that banana on the drive over. We finally ordered and the food. Another round? Sure. Except this time my Kettle and club was iron man strong. I swapped with my date :) The food came just after 10. It would have been less annoying if the table next to us, who had been seated just before we finally ordered, hadn't gotten their food before us. Plus, my date had something planned for at Pier 13 which closes at 11 and he was getting antsy so I felt bad for him. The food came and looked amazing. BISTEC Grilled choice ribeye steak, grilled asparagus, caramelized onion, crispy truffle potatoes, Valdeon butter I ordered the steak med-rare and it was cooked to perfection. The asparagus was wonderful and the truffle potatoes...WOWWWWWWWWWWW. I thought the valdeon butter was good but it had a powerful taste and I thought it would suffice to use a little bit less. Otherwise, I was very happy with the entire dish. BOLICHE Braised short rib, chorizo, parsnip puree, Manchego onion rings, tempranillo au jus Another delicious entree. If it wasn't for the fact that we were there for 1:45 without even getting an appetizer or dessert I would give this place 5 stars. Let's just call it leisurely.
(4)Krisann W.
Totally awesome ----- fruity (but not sweet) sangria and loads of appetizers after deciding we could taste more that way. Everything was delicious. The chocolate filled churros for dessert --- truly makes the top 10 ever!!! Really nice ambiance and great service. Go, go, go!!! -- you won't regret it.
(5)Heather J.
Just finished eating here, I'm in love. I had a mojito and pulpo to start. Delicioso! Paella for dinner! So, so good! Wish I had room for dessert. But because I didn't have dessert and the food was so good, I'll definitely be back. My girlfriend who was with me, who happens to be Cuban says this is one of her favorite restaurants. So really, you know it's the real deal!
(5)Katie B.
Cuban Restaurant is incredible! Outstanding service and food! There were four of us and we got the tres leches french toast, the Cuban Benedict, the crab guacamole, and the chicken tostadas. Everything was undeniably delicious. Will be back for sure!!
(5)Sophia V.
outdoor seating in the summer, excellent food, attentive service, great ambiance - overall a great place and will go again. I've been eating a lot of cuban food lately and this has to be the best i've had so far. Our waitress, Levanna, was extremely friendly and the wait staff were very attentive - always refiling our glasses, cleaning off the table between courses and taking our plates when we were done. probably the best service i've ever had at a restaurant. the bread and butter they give you at the beginning of the meal has a weird texture but it is SO GOOD and it comes out warm which is nice. they also offered this $25 menu with a starter, main and dessert and i thought that was a great bargain. I got the vaca frita meal with empanaditas and a tres leches - very big portions so you get your money's worth. overall, great experience.
(5)Lani M.
Authentic cuban meal. Nice large portions. Drinks were on point.
(5)Sandra B.
Here's what I like about this place: Let's face it, not everyone is a foodie. Some people enjoy straightforward fare. I came here with a group that was a mixed bag, and there was something for everyone. The more gastronomically adventurous folks raved over the grilled octopus appetizer while others savored the perfectly prepared guacamole with crab and plantain chips. The entrees offer an equal spectrum from classic to inventive flavor combinations, all beautifully executed. I found the pricing very reasonable and the ambiance downright sultry.
(5)Karla B.
Great food, excellent customer service. Wonderful ambience. I had lunch 5/10 . I taught my bill was incorrect and pointed it out to the waitress - I was persistent. The waitress was calm ,took her time to explained my mistake. She is good at what she does , trained or she might just be a natural .......exceptional customer service throughout my meal. ......thank you
(5)Dallana U.
Food, environment and service were all amazing. The waiters and Manger were very attentive. The best part was the food.l, amazing upscale cuban food! Definetly going again. You should try "El Classico" for a true cuban plate, has all the elements cuban food is known for, and a good portion too!
(4)soraya s.
Gluten free dinner rolls?! Yes! Plus a variety of delicious gluten free menu items! Every time we come here, the customer service is AMAZING, their drinks are delish and the food is always on point. The skirt steak, the paella, the salmon, all soooo good! I always have a hard time choosing. I always bring out of town guests here for dinner and they have also always loved it. The restaurant itself fools you when you walk in, you first see a tiny dining room, but there is a larger dining room in the back. Lovely to sit out on the streets during nicer weather. The Cuban is the best restaurant in Hoboken!
(5)Emily G.
This is by far the best restaurant in Hoboken, hands down. My boyfriend and I decided to stop by for brunch, and were initially taken aback by how empty it was. Not sure if they tend to get busier for dinner, or if it was just a slow day. Either way, we were more than happy to have the outside area to ourselves. We decided to share some empanadas as an appetizer, and I ordered the ropa vieja for my entree. Although we tend to avoid bread when it's handed out at restaurants, we inhaled the bread and butter that our server brought out for us. Never would've thought that I would care that much for butter, but seriously, you'll regret not trying it. It's also brought out warm, which made it all the better. The empanada appetizer was great, but really paled in comparison to our meals. There's something to be said about the presentation, too -- my steak was prepared separately from the rice and beans, in a delicious pepper sauce that made it melt in my mouth. My boyfriend chose a more traditional brunch entree (bistec a caballo) and his skirt steak was truly cooked to perfection. We actually had a chance to return for a second time -- I ordered "el barrio" and my boyfriend got the steak for a second time (why mess with a good thing?). This time we also ordered drinks (a half pitcher of sangria) and dessert (tres leches for me, ice cream sandwiches for him). Probably not the highlight of the meal, but still pretty good. My advice is to skip dessert, maybe even appetizers, and just enjoy a ridiculously delicious and very filling meal. Top notch service as well!
(5)Mark F.
I'm a paella snob - this place has the best! El Classic is a meat-falls-off-the-bone dish you have to try. Service is attentive, atmosphere is warm. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Paola C.
Currently having dinner here, seated in a corner table of the zebra room. The vibe is not like in other rooms which is a bit disappointing but what definitely kills the vibe the corner table. It's super weird and I feel like I'm waning with the couple across from me :/ It's our first time here and actually our first time in NJ period so we didn't have any expectations other than the ones here on Yelp. I made a reservation earlier which was fairly easy but ran late and showed up 30min later. When we arrived we waiting a few seconds before the hostess walked up to the door and the most awkward thing happened- she came up to us and literally just stared until I asked her for a table. No hello, how are you or welcome just a stare down. WTF? Then she asked if we were having dinner or drinks, I said dinner and she guided us into the back. Apparently the table she wanted to seat us at wasn't ready so we waited a few. The main thing I was looking forward to here was the classic mojito which I read came with a piece of caña/ sugar cane. I know it's silly but I love Cuban everything and a sugarcane in mojitos is hard to come by. So I ordered my drink and as it arrived I was really sad- NO SUGARCANE :( the Waiter said they were all out and that was that. Food was actually amazing. My sister had the vaca frita and I had the shrimp and green rice- both superb, hence the 4 stars. If they could improve on anything it would have to be the customer service. They're definitely quick and efficient but would smiling kill them? Also super weird but I got the feeling that they didn't want to speak Spanish. I feel awkward talking to my peeps in English but they actually refused so whateves.
(4)Melissa J.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Hoboken. The quality of the food, service, and drinks cannot be beat! It is a bit of a walk from the PATH, but I would happily make that walk in rain, sleet, snow, wind, and ice to dine here. When you enter, the restaurant is dark and intimate. There us a small dining area and bar. In the back is a much larger dining area with tall ceilings. The ladies bathroom is up the stairs on the right (sneaky!). I think the mens is up there too. Favorite Dish: Vaca Frita. Twice cooked crispy skirt steak, tomato escabeche, avocado, white rice, black beans, garlic mojo. The meat is crispy and awesome. The flavor combo of the components of this dish is right on point. I am salivating as I type just thinking about it. The dish is pretty darn huge... great as leftovers the next day too! Favorite App: Guacamole with plantain chips. It is also a large serving. The guac is fresh with lumps of avocado. I wasn't sure about the plantain chips at first, but they are a perfect pairing and are just the right amount of crispy. Favorite Drink: Mojito. Fresh mint and limes, complete with a sugar cane stick for garnish. Can't go wrong. Their bartenders always seem to have a heavy rum hand, which I definitely cannot complain about! Honorable mentions: Sangria (red is better), and Churrasco. Both delicious. Be warned: this place does get crowded during prime dining hours, so be sure to make a reservation. Parking in this area can also be difficult, but you might get lucky and find a spot right out front!
(5)Danessa L.
My family and I were looking for a great place to celebrate, this restaurant was suggested to parents. This place by far beats the surrounding Cuban restaurants in the area and trust me we have tried many. Let's start off with the venue, it has great decor and the hidden spacious dinning areas. It has a good ambience and great background Salsa music. I highly recommend the passion fruit mojitos. Their appetizers are quite small but yet so tasty. My favorite was the salmon ceviche, the avocado with crabmeat, and their chicken empanadas. The service was excellent as well! This is a great choice for a real Cuban food, it definitely won't let you down.
(5)John T.
I usually don't like to take many risks with my food so when the "better" half suggested Cuban for dinner I was a little hesitant. After all, we tried another Cuban restaurant down the street 4 months ago and left regretting the choice. However seeing the restaurants review, I thought maybe I should give it another shot. Let me just get right to it...the place is AMAZING! Everything from the bread, entrees, service, music, ambience, etc. exceeded our expectations. We ordered the Paella Valenciana and the Vaca Frita and were left extremely satisfied with our meal. We loved each and every bite of it and even had enough left over to enjoy it the next day for dinner. And all this time, I had no idea Cuban food could be so good...lucky Fidel Castro!
(5)Courtney B.
YUM! I was really happy with my meal here last night (and my free mojito for checking-in on Yelp!) I came here with two friends and we were served some sort of bread and herbed butter very shortly after being seated. (It was delicious.) All three of us ordered rope vieja, and I subbed out white rice for cuban fried rice. All three of us were extremely happy. The meat was full of flavor (and the portion was pretty nice- none of us finished, but it wasn't ridiculously large.) The fried rice was also delicious-- I definitely recommending asking for the substitution (I think I might have been charged an extra dollar, but it was well worth it.) Overall, the food was fantastic. The ambiance was nice-- it's a pretty small place but it is laid out well (nobody brushed past me or bumped into my chair.) It was definitely a great place to come and catch up with friends. I'd definitely come back!
(4)Elizabeth L.
came here for my birthday dinner. Overall great portions and perfectly prepared food we ordered 2 apps and 4 entrees. Ordered a pitcher of the special white sangria but to our disappointment it was watered down and had maybe 2% alcohol The apps : Meatballs: not really spicy but a good portion and very tasty 10/10 Mussels: amazing flavor and big portion great broth with chorizo and fries! 10/10 Pork shank entree: 8/10 Fall off the bone paired with perfectly cooked rice and plantains Rojo vieja: 9/10 meat was flavorful and tender pretty standard but hits the spot Pollo criollo : 9/10 the rice with this was delish with herbs and veggies chicken was tender fresh and flavorful Boliche: 8/10 Very rich dish with potatoes and onions. Overall we left with 4 doggy bags. Pros: Portions and variety, flavor, decent price for portion Cons: Watered down sangria
(4)Qipper T.
I was going to rate this place 5 stars for the ambience and food however I did get diarrhoea. Maybe it's because my body is not use to eating such heavy food. The place is deceivingly large. At first you go in and you think it's a cozy, single aisled style restaurant but you then it barrels out into an open space then there are two staircases. One leads down to a rounded booth seated area, the other leads up to a second floor seating. Overall the waiters and food were hot and delicious, in that order.
(3)Kimberly B.
Came here for my birthday with a party of 12, but I am a picky eater! I asked for something off of the "bar menu" vs. the regular restaurant menu. The server gave me a difficult time and I eventually had to ask to speak to a manager. Came a second time for a roommates birthday and told them over the phone we were celebrating a birthday. I had expected a small plate with a candle so we could sing, however they never acknowledged the birthday. The food is great & so is the atmosphere, so I will probaly keep coming, however I did expect more from them!
(3)Cris A.
I seriously can't believe how amazing the service is here. We were starving and wanted to grab a quick bite and a drink. I checked on yelp and this was the closest restaurant to our hotel with great ratings. We ordered the eggplant fritters, papas relleno, and the pulpo. All were great. I had the special caipirinha of the day, grilled peach, (YUMMMMM!!) and my husband had a few classic mojitos. Like I said before, the service was fantastic!!! I wish every dining experience was just like this! As a business owner myself, I would like to tell the owner of this establishment that they have an amazing staff! It's so tough to find good employees. You have a terrific team! EVERYONE was totally on point!!! And btw I'm writing this review while still sitting in your restaurant. We will be back whenever we are in Hoboken!
(5)Pamela L.
I cannot think of any bad things to say about this place. The ambience is just right, the service is supremely attentive and friendly, and when I had dinner there last, there was a live band playing Spanish music - adorable and perfect. I wish I had the patience to try new things on the menu, but I can't for fear of missing out on fantastic paella. I can't stop ordering the paella and feel guilty for getting the same thing on every visit, but I never regret my decision at the end. It's absolutely fantastic and everyone who goes should at least try it once. I've gone with several friends (who don't always order the same thing) and they've all loved the plates they've gotten, so I've yet to hear a bad review. We luckily did not have a wait (on a Thursday night) but usually on the weekends, it's packed (for good reason). Warning: the sangria is deadly, proceed with caution!
(5)Maria G.
I had dinner at here back in December and it was very good. I went this past week and then only good thing was the Mojito. The octopus was over cooked and chewy, the boliche tasted of chemicals. I was totally embarrassed as I'm Cuban and was took my girlfriend there to introduce her to good Cuban food. Go to La Isla across the street if you want great food or better yet go to Union City and spend half the price.
(2)Jill V.
This review is based on only a short pitstop with some girlfriends. We stopped there before going to another bar to meet some friends. The crab guacamole was okay - not enough crab but loved that they served it with plantain chips. The sangria was decent; not too strong but not just juice either. Service was great as we were being a bit indecisive with our drink choices but they were patient. They also didn't make a fuss about us being seated in the dining area for just drinks and apps. I want to go back and have dinner there to try the rest of the menu. Note: there is a huge dining room in the back, so if you're looking for a place to accommodate a large party, I suggest this place.
(4)Sarah K.
Came here on a Saturday night. It was crowded got lucky and got seated right away. We skipped the app and went straight to the entre. Good thing we did because the meat entre we got were very heavy and filling. A lot of food! At least for me. Would come back and try their apps & a salad entre.
(5)Felisha B.
One of my favorite restaurants! The food is always excellent no matter what you order! The Churrasco Steak is excellent. Sure to not be disappointed!! Staff is extremely polite and attentive as well.
(5)A. A.
My husband and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary and a family member recommended this restaurant. I think it's safe to say that this was one of the best meals we have had in a long time. The food was delicious, the mojitos were nice and strong and the service was impeccable. I will be back... Maybe this weekend! Wonderful place.
(5)Lori L.
Hoboken is still an unexplored area for me, but when a few friends of mine needed a brunch spot within walking distance of their apartment, The Cuban was one of the first places to make the list. Although they don't accept reservations, the venue is surprisingly spacious, complete with a hidden dining room located past the first room that greets guests. There's a long bar area, perfect for settling into for drinks and small plates, making it an ideal location for brunch or dinner. I was the first of my party to arrive that afternoon, and even though four others had yet to show, the server had no issues with seating me first while setting up our table for the rest of my friends [1]. When we were all present, our questions were adeptly addressed, especially as one of my friends was vegetarian, and requested that the protein in her omelette be replaced with avocado; it was a swap that was easily adjusted for without an additional surcharge. While we waited, we were given a warm bowl of cheese-filled bread buns, better known as Pão de queijo, which helped to whet our appetites. I, predictably, went with the Cuban Benedict, which put a unique spin on the traditional plate. Instead of an English muffin, a croissant-like biscuit was utilized instead, which gave an uniquely layered base to the plate. It's topped with a few slices of smoked ham and a generous amount of ropa vieja, as well as the requisite poached eggs and a mustard béarnaise.The ropa vieja was braised to an ideal tenderness, the eggs perfectly poached, and I appreciated the use of the béarnaise, versus the traditional hollandaise, as the addition of terragon and vinegar cut through the richness of the proteins. A few of us also shared an order of the French Fries, which were crispy and well-seasoned, although they disappeared quickly from the table; either the portion was a tad small for sharing, or they were just that tasty. I can't speak for the authenticity of the plates served at The Cuban, but I can verify that the food is done well and service is nothing short of welcoming. Given the amount of space the restaurant has, it's ideal for larger groups as well, and well-worth a trip, especially for those who live in the area. -- [1] Many restaurants I've visited adhere to the "full party must be present to be seated" policy, regardless of the existence of a reservation, the number of people already present, or the emptiness of the dining room. A personal gripe of mine, but it's always appreciated when a restaurant puts common sense before widely-instituted procedures.
(4)Jenny Z.
Amazing food! However, it took more than 1.5 hrs to be seated! We made a reservation, but a couple friends were late so we had to give up our table. Once our party were all there, the hostess said 20mins, which turned out to be more than 45mins. Thank goodness the good was worth the wait! We started with the octopus, crab guacamole and ceviche. The octopus was amazing, super flavorful! Crab guacamole was great too, lumps of crab! Yum! The ceviche was boring, can't recall much. For entree, i had the ribeye steak in medium rare and it was delish! Yummmmm... the asparagus and potato crisp were perfect sides! The skirt steak was awesome too! Everything was served on generous portions, I had more than half leftover! Dessert wise, we had the banana bread pudding and chocolate molten cake, both were just ok... not impressed... (the snowboken from dino and harrys is still my favorite dessert from Hoboken). Can't wait to come back and try out more from the menu!
(4)Albie P.
If I could give more than five stars, I would. This place is absolutely amazing. I usually don't speak like that, so that's how I really know that this place is absolutely amazing. The restaurant is spic and span. Looks clean, smells clean, is clean. Their staff has got to be the best staff any restaurant has ever employed. It was the best damn service I ever received hands down. You will be hard pressed to find a better staff. The food was the best damn Cuban food I've eaten. I lived in Miami for 5 years and this place still is the best damn Cuban food I've eaten. I ordered the pandeja pais and a cortatito. The steak was cooked and seasoned perfectly and the coffee (cortatito) hit the spot But I must admit, I left this restaurant very angry. I'm so angry that this restaurant isn't in NYC. I will definitely be back with the wife though.
(5)Laila D.
This is the best restaurant I have eaten in within Hoboken in terms of the food, the service, the beautiful (Cuban) live music and general ambiance and decor. After running some morning errands we heard beautiful live Cuban music playing during Sunday brunch time and were lured inside. The band leader was Manuel Alejandro and he played Cuban son so beautifully with his partner....we could not believe such great full complex music (percussion, vocals, guitar) could be created by only two people. We ordered two of the special cocktails to start: a delicious caipirinha infused with lemon and grilled pineapple (yum!!). This was the winner! The sangria was also delicious and full bodied as well as very smooth. We shared a special appetizer: salmon ceviche with pickled pineapple and onion with a kick of chili spice in there: this was one of the most delicious ceviche either I or my husband had ever eaten and we were 'wowed' at the fireworks of flavors and smooth textures in our mouths. The presentation was also very beautiful. We could see this was a very serious, experienced, passionate, and creative culinary master. We ordered one of the appetizers on recommendation of the server who was warm and very helpful with suggestions. She recommended the fried mashed yuca which was so delicately fried and filled with a delectable and perfectly seasoned ground beef filling which contained sweet fried plaintain, white raisin, and served with a special relish and cream....this was one of the most delicious and complex and subtle yet satisfying things I have ever eaten in my life. I was overjoyed to have discovered and experienced this traditional Cuban delight which was so meticulously prepared. We then shared a salad of watercress, mint, cucumber, slivered carrot, avocado, tiny delicate anchovies served with a mustard-based dressing....also another explosion of perfectly paired flavors and textures in our mouths! We left very happy and grateful indeed and will certainly be back.
(5)Elaine H.
Came back here after almost a year and I still insist to give high credibility. My recommendation half chicken with garlic rice received positive feedback from my friend as well. I went ahead and tried paella, together with sangria...remembered last time they put watermelon and orange and this time it became green apple lol, indeed seasonal as they were calling it. This was also my first time sitting inside the room (last time was brunch so chose to sit out and enjoy sunshine) and we nicely discovered their decent painting. Have to admit Cuban restaurant would never let me down!
(5)Juliet Z.
OK so maybe I've been to too many GREAT Cuban restaurants that makes me not care for this one and makes it my first and last time here... First of all , I do have to say that the restaurant itself has an elegant appeal to it which I liked the customer service is PHENOMENAL and that's the reason why I'm giving it a 2 instead of a 1 our waiter went above and beyond to explain the menu gave us a few suggestion was very attentive and service was rather fast . Now the food , As an appetizer, we ordered the BBQ chicken empanadas (2) empanadas split in two gorgeous presentation but why I care for presentation if the food is not great... The chicken tasted old but it was still juicy but it was sweet I guess the BBQ made it sweet I literally had only half didn't like it.. As an entree I got the ropa vieja which comes with the shredded beef rice and beans (no sweet plantains,) like every Cuban restaurant... Amyway, there was more stew sauce then meat in it ... For $20 a plate I expect at least half a lb of meat so I could have leftovers for the next 3 meals... Either way I guess it was a good thing ,it wasn't a lot because I would felt bad throwing away all that tasteless food... The ropa vieja needed more adobo garlic and sofrito had no flavor once or ever. My husband ordered the vacca frita again no flavor not even Jesus could help that food with some flavor.. Now desert was delicious but for $10 they could of gave me a bigger slice .. I literally ate it in 3 bites and I'm not a big girl.... Needless to say, in my opinion, this place is still open because of its magnificent service and not so much for the food all those great reviews were done by people without taste buds ... $135 later for dinner for 2 people I was angry at my husband for wanting to try something different because at Cuban Pete's in Montclair we usually get 2 appetizers a jar of mojito 2 entrees ,and 2 desserts and the bill never comes up to even $80.... I don't care if I have to pay $135 for a meal for 2 if the food is exquisite but this place didn't WOW me. Never again.
(2)Patty L.
I had a wonderful experience at The Cuban!My friend and I went on a Saturday and sat inside. We shared the "barrio chino" which are shrimp and corn dumplings. They weren't my favorite but we still enjoyed them. The paella however is amazing and I highly recommend getting it. It is also big enough to share with another person. The drinks are delicious and strong but kind of pricey. Overall I love this place and can't wait to try other items on the menu!!
(4)Jessica W.
Came here on a random Wednesday night with no reservation. ( they aren't on open table), and they were able to seat is within 5 minutes. I had the white sangria, and a mojito, both delicious. To eat we had the guacamole, tostones, and salad. (I was dating a vegetarian at the time) everything was awesome ! Cannot wait to go back and get a protein. Great date place or dinner with the girls ;)
(5)Shonnie H.
MEEHHHHH. This is my second time at The Cuban - the first time was a couple years ago, shortly after it first opened its doors. I think I went on a week night and we were one of only 2 or 3 other patrons. This time was completely different - there were SOO many people, which is usually a great sign of the quality of food and drinks. We made a 7pm reservation (Saturday evening) and I called at 6:30pm to let them know that we might be about 10 minutes late due to traffic. The woman who picked up the phone was rude - she said "well, you might have to wait anyway"- really? I was making a courtesy call, no need to make such a rude response. I was also only late by 3 minutes - I ran inside while my date went to park the car. There were about 3 tabletop seats available (across from the bar) and the girl (likely the same rude girl who picked up the phone), tells me that she won't seat me until my date arrived. What's the point of doing that when you have free tables? Since I obviously made a reservation, you would have to give me one of those tables anyway, as there was no one else waiting. My date finally arrived a couple minutes later, and to my surprise, the other host took us ALL the way to the back and up the steps to where a party was taking place - there were about 10-15 people sitting in a area and were loud as heck. I told her that I wanted the tabletop seat at the front. She, at first, refused, saying that those are for "reservations only," to which I, at this point was frustrated enough, shot back and said "I had a reservation and I am NOT sitting up here." She went to check if there were still seats available (there were still a couple tables available just when we walked up the steps so I don't see why there wouldn't be), and she finally gave in and escorted us back. Totally unnecessary drama - management needs to step up their game and replace these rude hosts or train them to stop being snobs - the African American girl was particularly rude. She's problematic and for a restaurant where you're serving people, put a smile on your face sometimes - wouldn't hurt not to be be such a RBF all the time. Putting that all behind us and motivated to enjoy the rest of the evening, we ordered 2 appetizers - grilled calamari and guac with crab meat. They were both excellent - the fried plantain was a perfect match with the guac and I was so delighted by the surprisingly spectacular match of guac with crab meat. As for the drinks, I ordered a lemongrass mojito after reading some Yelp reviews and it was, indeed, very good. We were both feeling seafood that night, and I ended up ordering the paella. It sucked. I was really disappointed with how grossly soggy the rice was, and how there was barely any sauce. The rice was swollen and the whole dish was nauseating. I picked out just the seafood and left all my rice. I had the Washington Avenue cocktail which was a spicy tequila drink - very interesting but would likely not order it again. The service was good - our waiter was sweet and attentive. I didn't like how they kept asking if we were "done" with our food - my date had gone to the car to get something and was literally gone for less than 5 minutes, and they were asking if we had finished our food. We finally gave in when we were asked a third time, since the main dish wasn't that good anyway. It was a perfect time to leave - we left at 8:30pm, and the bar area was getting crowded with drunks. I have no idea what the hype is about but I clearly forgot about this place after the first time I went because it was unimpressive then - had I remembered there was really nothing special to it, I wouldn't have come back. Anyway, Hoboken seems to still be needing some more upscale/fun/hipster restaurants that actually delivers good food - look at the low expectations, given the stars for this restaurant.
(2)Lyndenise B.
[For the service, we never got to try the food] We came by 3 days ago for a late lunch/early dinner and the waitress outside saw us and said "go inside to see the manager" and we did. The manager told us they weren't open for another 20 minutes but didn't even try to accommodate us for drinks until then. Completely non-chalant. Today we stopped by again to try it out and the manager sat us down and gave us brunch menus. Literally a minute later the waitress said we couldn't order from the brunch menu because it was over and she went to get us the dinner menu. Well the manager told her our only option was to move us to the bar for a limited menu until 5. Unfortunately this week we didn't get to try the food everyone raves about because the service was dismal coming from the manager/owner. Please don't sit someone down if you're not able to serve them the full menu. It looks bad on you and really embarrasses the waitress that was really sweet.
(1)Michelle L.
I liked this place so much, I came twice in two weeks! The ambiance here is very warm and sultry. You walk in to the bar and there are some tables and you think that's it. Then you head on over to the back room and it's like a whole other world opens up. Tons of seating on two levels and beautifully decorated. Outside of its looks, my favorite thing here was the lemongrass mojitos. Perfectly prepared, I could have drank them all night if I didn't have to drive. They weren't too sweet or sugary. They were a special, so the next time I went back and they didn't have them, I was a bit disappointed but the honeydew mojito special proved just as delicious.Their regular mojitos are good, but their speciality ones are the ones to order. The food here is great and the portions are surprisingly big. The bread is something out of this world. Seriously. If I could steal some home with me, I would. It's soft with a small piece of manchego cheese kind of melted inside; add the infused butter and you're in heaven. Suggested apps include guacamole with fresh crabmeat (definitely a generous portion of crab); empanadas, and the mussels. I loved the beet salad; which I ordered with a side of grilled shrimp. Both together and separately, they were dynamite. Also highly recommend the paella. Tons of fresh shellfish mixed into flavor yellow rice. You will not be disappointed. Definitely would recommend or a group night out with friends or a romantic date night or even just to grab some drinks and apps at happy hour. Restaurants like The Cuban make me miss living in Hoboken.
(5)Sophia Y.
I think this is the best restaurant in Hoboken. I've never had a bad meal or experience here. Favorite is the bistec - truffle potatoes and valdeon butter is to die for. Drink menu is also fantastic. Definitely recommend coming here!
(5)Jackie K.
The best food ever! Service is on point. They fold the napkins when you go to the bathroom. Everything you order is amazing. The flan is out of this world!!!!!
(5)Emery G.
I really can't wait to come back to this restaurant. This is the perfect place to take your loved one for a date or to even meet for your first date. It's so intimate inside and the service is totally first date quality. I love it when servers fill up my water glass even before it's done. That is attentiveness at its finest! Not only that but they are super nice. They let us know to order everything at the same time since everything takes a while to make so best to get it all in at the same time, also because they were busy. The complimentary bread was delicious. It was super soft in the inside, not dense and then crunchy on the outside. Delicious. We ordered the garlic shrimp and clams for appetizer. They were both so good. The sauce the clams came with was super good, so good it could have been a soup by itself. I ordered the pollo criollo which was off the chain. The chorizo sweet plantain fried rice I would eat every day of my life. Every day !! It had such a unique flavor to it. I know for sure to get that every time I go. The chicken was also filled with great flavors that complimented the rice. We also had the churrasco which had a great chimichurri on top of the steak. Also the steak was cooked perfectly. The yuca fries were pretty regular but the salad was delicious a nice fresh element on the plate. I have to come back to try their desserts maybe they're just as good.
(5)Julia W.
Upgrading to 5 stars since after living in HBK for 5 years, appreciate this more and more v the other options here. Also tried the Pollo Criollo and it was SO GOOD. The fried rice is crack, portion huge & tastes even better heated up the next day.
(5)Lauren And Mike M.
I have been here twice and it just gets better. Great service staff and even better food. I highly recommend the avacado and plantain chips with some crab meat. Really hits he spot. I also love their sangria!!
(5)Mars X.
After eating Cuban in Corona NY I thought I would never be able to eat Cuban anywhere else again but what can I say? I just can't seem to turn down Cuban food and well... I'm glad we tried Cuban Restaurant because this has to be the 2nd best Cuban food I've had! The ceviche has a slight kick but not overwhelmingly spicy. The shrimp is fresh and not chewy. The skirt steak was big and cooked perfectly. The ropa vieja was very flavorful. The cocktails were just right We didn't have reservations but they took us anyway. We were seated in the bar area, which was very alive, loud and entertaining. We normally don't mind but we were out celebrating a big wedding anniversary so we were hoping for something a bit more quiet and romantic. Luckily, my husband read other Yelper reviews so he knew of the various rooms in the back (you can't see it from the bar area). The hostess was more than happy and willing to move us when my husband explained and the manager (or owner - not really sure) even helped. Even though that dining room was busy, it was definitely more private and quiet. The waiters are friendly, helpful and on point with service plus the manager always made sure our glasses were full. The dining room, bar and bathroom are very clean, modern and properly lite. It's a bit on the expensive side but it's worth the splurge every now and then.
(5)Jacquie G.
Not sure how this place gets a 4.5 except that maybe the ambiance is clouding everyone's opinion. Tables outside though so point for that! Walk in to really loud music which made me a bit annoyed because I planned to come here for dinner with couples and had I known how loud it was I would have probably not chosen this destination. Don't be fooled when you walk in because there is a huge dining area with 2 floors all the way in the back. Still, the music was a bit loud. Maybe I'm old, but I want to be able to hear my friends and have conversation without straining my voice all night. The cocktail menu was great! I had the "Washington Avenue" which contained spicy tequila which I am all about lately. Overall, impressive mixology. The sangria was STRONG which I shouldn't complain about. Ok, well, a little toxic tasting, but after a few who cares. The appetizers were just ok I have to say! We had the meatballs, crispy chicken (just ok after recommendation from the waiter), and the octopus which was over-salted and very fishy tasting. Oh and the guacamole which actually was very flavorful. For the entree I had the Skirt steak that came with avocado and rice. Forget the name. Started with a V. The presentation looked interesting because as you can see from my picture the steak was shredded like pulled pork would be. The flavor was great, but it was way over cooked and chewy! It hurt my jaw to bite through the burned strips. When I did get to the moister pieces it was delicious. I get what they were going for, but any brisket or pulled pork I've had is never crunchy if cooked well. Avocado was ripe enough! Didn't try the rice to be honest. I think I was too into the sangria. Last, for the ridiculous prices, I should have been wowed and I wasn't. $300 later for 6 people and I was feeling buyers remorse. I'll probably just stick to BYO like Charritos.
(3)Andrew G.
I came to The Cuban with two other couples last weekend, and I was pretty excited to try this spot out - reviews had nothing but good things to say about it. The location is ideal: right on Washington, near all bars and night life. When we first walked in (we had a reservation), it seemed really cramped. The bar is on your left, and there are some tables on your right. When the hostess came to seat us, we were taken ALL the way back, through some partitions, and then the Cuban opened up to a bigger area (and two levels) of seating. Much better. The music was a bit loud - when you're at dinner with a party of four or more, you want to enjoy some conversation and hear everyone. I found myself yelling a bit and repeating myself often, which stinks. No one wants to leave with a hoarse voice. No one... The wait time was also a bit excessive. I get it: it's The Cuban, it's in Hoboken, it's mobbed. But you'd think they'd have a better-fitted staff to accommodate the amount of patrons. We'd waited a bit of time before all of our courses came out, including cocktails. The time between Sangria #1 and #2 was quite a while. Cocktails: pretty good. I got the Mezcal-based cocktail, and they did it very well. The Sangria wasn't bad - a bit strong though (I think it was the Gin). The quality of food is what gives the Cuban a solid score for me: We split a few appetizers family-style to starts, including the octopus and chicken, which were good. The main course I got (the Flank Steak) was delicious, and done very well. Seasoned right and cooked perfectly (medium-rare), and served well. The fries on the side were just OKAY - not seasoned. The other killer here is the price - BEYOND what you would expect to pay at a spot like this. Personally, I thought this place was $20 over what you should pay, but that's my honest opinion.
(3)Adam K.
Thought we were going to Hoboken to celebrate the Chairman of the Board's home town Italian fare and ended up Cuban, so so glad we did! The decor is modern and the restaurant has multiple levels. I learned this on the steep climb to the restroom, be careful if you have had a few drinks, its a real climb! Speaking of drinks, a Yelp check-in free Mojito to start and it was a strong and delicious one. I would of had more but I was driving. Next, while we were looking over the menu, out came some wonderfully warm rolls that I think may have had a bit of cheese in the dough. The rolls are served in an old cigar box with a herb butter. For dinner, my wife and I decided to do the 3 course prix-fix menu. This meant, two appetizers, two entrees and two desserts to be shared- perfect! Appetizers - Crab and shrimp empinaditas - excellent! Crisp outside with a wonderful filling inside of crab, shrimp, salsa and avocado puree. Second we had the ENSALADA DE LA FINCA with watercress, tomato, mango, avocado, pickled carrot, mint, cilantro, crispy shallots, sugarcane-lime vinaigrette and neatly surrounded by long strips of cucumber, so refreshing! Mains - Had to go with the Ropa Vieja and so glad we did. This dish served in a small cast iron pot with white rice and beans on the side. Succulent pulled skirt steak swimming in a delicious tomato sauce with green peppers. An absolute must dish. Second entree was an interesting one- Grilled salmon over pumpkin mash. Shaved apple, pumpkin seed oil and garlic make this dish really delicious. Sides - The steamed yucca with garlic and oil was probably the most tender yucca I have ever eaten. The generous portion of sweet plantains was served slightly charred and sweet and moist inside. Dessert - Out came a very simple wooden serving tray, a blue paper bag and a small dish of chocolate. This was a sinful combination of a bag filled with the most wonderful churros this side of the border. I'm talking about light, crisp sweet flaky rods of fried dough here! The chocolate sauce for dipping was a dark chocolate with a hint of orange liqueur to it. This is a serious dessert! Oh and along side this was a great custardy (no such word but hard to describe otherwise) Flan. Sweet, thick and not drenched in syrup - just right! A coffee con leche to finish it all off. This is a wonderful Cuban restaurant and one worth traveling to from Long Island just for dinner. Next time though, I'm getting a designated driver because their SANGRIA and CAIPIRINHA drinks looked so good.
(5)Valencia W.
I was in the area shopping for some running shoes and decided I wanted some cuban food and was told there was one down the street. Well, I saw that it was a nice night and they have some patio space but I wanted to be indoors. We were seated quickly and were greeted very nicely. We were given their bread rolls which were different and we ordered very quickly. The guac with plantain chips were delicious and I had ordered the Pollo a la Parilla. It was pretty good with the mashed sweet potatoes and carmelized onions. All in all it was a good experience and I would return.
(3)Tinamarie V.
Went with two friends for a much needed catch up! the restaurant had a great atmosphere, nice ambiance, but we found it a little pricey for what was offered.
(3)Alex C.
Nice outdoor seating, and a nice little place. Food and service were very solid. Appetizers of crab guacamole with plantain chips and the oxtail fritters were very good. What really stood out was the octopus with chorizo. The octopus was extraordinarily tender, with a nice char from a grill. The entrées of shrimp and scallops in a tomato broth with green rice were outstanding, as was the special of the day: halibut with chorizo. Their house special, churrasco, was very good. Cooked medium rare, it was tender and flavorful. A nice, solid restaurant
(4)Liz D.
The food at this place is just amazing. I usually get the flank steak and it is just amazing!! Drinks by the bar are great too and they have life music a few nights a week. Amazing place!
(5)Jaclyn R.
Came here again last night with a larger group, for a Monday night.... I was disappointed at the slow service...and I mean really slow. I think it took about 45 mins for our food to come out. It was worth the wait though, I think I enjoyed the food even better than I did the 1st time! I had the chicken crillio again...my boyfriend had the skirt steak, we split the entrees. Sooo tasty. So 4 stars for the food....1 star for the service last night (disappointed).
(4)alex P.
Check in on Yelp for a free mojito! We came here on a cold weeknight in December, around 7pm, and there was a good crowd but it wasn't packed. I don't really understand the attraction of having a DJ in a restaurant, but they had one, and he was fine. I've heard that there's a special bar menu that's cheaper at happy hour, but we sat at a normal table and didn't get to take advantage of that. Drinks were strong and creative, food was very tasty and portions were a good size. We had to wait a good long time for our server to bring us our check though, which is a pet peeve of mine. That certainly wouldn't keep me from coming back, though. There's lots of room at this spot, too. At first it looks like it's just the bar and the seats against the wall, but there are two additional seating areas in the back, including a room that looked perfect for a semi-private party. *Note: the restrooms are up two flights of stairs, and I am not sure if they had an accessible restroom on the ground floor. If that's a concern, you may want to call and check.
(4)Christina L.
Amazing service, really good food, trendy but not overdone decor...this is what a restaurant should be!!! Skirt steak, paella, maduros de platanos...ALL WERE SOOOOO good!!!! GO GO GO!!!
(5)Matthew K.
The food was amazing and the service was even better. The Seafood Paella was great and the oxtail appetizer was perfect! I will be back for sure! There was live music which made for a great atmosphere.
(5)Dennis C.
5 star for the food 3 star for hostess without the mostes Don't ask me if I have a reservation and ask me to wait at the bar when you have plenty of tables available and servers standing around just to have me order 2 drinks at the bar Other than the reception at the hostess station Food was very good and will go back, with a reservation to not deal with the useless hostess
(4)Miguel D.
Type of place that makes me want to come back until I've tried everything on the menu. Staff is beyond tentative. My water glass was full every time I glanced at it. The overall lighting and atmosphere makes it a great 1st date spot. Guac with the lump crab meat is a must. Just go you won't be disappointed.
(5)Ann K.
This is by far my favorite restaurant in Hoboken, and maybe my favorite restaurant anywhere! I have been here more times than I can count and have never once been disappointed. The place is exactly the type of atmosphere you'd want for a date night: dimly lit and kind of "swanky". The waiters are knowledgeable and extremely friendly. Literally everything on the menu will taste like the best thing you have ever put in your mouth. The menu "classics" are always delicious, but I recommend trying the specials as they are always so unique and tasty. Also, this place is great for groups: I had my birthday dinner here last year for about 12 people and it was fantastic. They haved a Prix Fix menu and serve the food family style so you get to try a few apps, entrees and desserts. Unlimited beer, wine & sangria is also an option. I had such a great experience last year that I am doing a repeat for my birthday this year!
(5)Brian L.
Hip, great vibe, live music during dinner. Not much better than that, for ambiance at least. Onto the food - I'd say it wasn't earth shattering, but it was good at least. Maybe I'm jaded by the expectation that if I'm spending $26 on paella without lobster (and the usual meats) it should be earth shattering. Oh well. I should tone down my expectations. The food was good, and I'd go back - that $26 paella has to pay for the ambiance and vibe I'm getting!
(4)Lauren D.
In an effort to be more generous with my 5 star reviews, and because we have never had a bad experience at the Cuban and it's now our favorite restaurant in Hoboken - the Cuban gets 5 stars! The atmosphere at the Cuban is nice - with a small front room, and larger back area that is simply decorated, casual and comfortable. It can occasionally get too loud. Service is also good, attentive without being overbearing. But the real reason to come here is the food - I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. My husband's favorite is the Vaca Frita. I've tried the Pollo Criollo, Churrasco, and most recently Enchilado. All have been excellent - but I think the Pollo Criollo was my favorite. The cheesy bread that they put on the table is irresistible and the appetizers are also good - we like the cheese and meat plate, but have also tried empanadas which were solid as well. The Cuban is one of Hoboken's few stand-out restaurants and a must try.
(5)Carolyn L.
Went with a big group. The staff were friendly. Had a unique cocktail. The food was delicious. Perfect for an upscale night in hoboken.
(5)Deanna C.
The Cuban is my go-to spot, and my only regret is that I didn't discover it sooner! There's no dearth of good restaurants in town - let alone good Cuban - but this one sets itself apart, from the the spacious, yet cozy ambiance to the consistently good menu offerings. Great date spot/place for get togethers/place to impress visiting family...so, clearly, awesome all around. The clincher for me? The yuca 'bread'. It's gluten-free, and is so soft and doughy that I'd take it over real bread any day. I'd suggest getting an appetizer (the plantains, especially), as the service is what I'd describe as leisurely-attentive. In terms of main dishes, the churrasco, for me, is the churrasco to which I compare all other churrascos (La Isla and Zafra don't even compare). It's a huge portion, with great chimichurri sauce, yuca fries (amazing), and watercress salad. Suffice it to say, there's never anything left to take home with me. If I go for brunch, my go-to is the Ensalada de la Finca, a nice light alternative. I'd go all the time if I could - but the prices (which I think are appropriate) are a bit prohibitive. Nothing bad to say about it - it's the place that seemingly wins over everyone, even the pickiest of eaters. If you haven't gone yet, I'd strongly suggest going.
(5)Jazmine R.
If your looking for good quality cuban food in the hoboken area, this is your place! The lechon is amazing& sangria is delishhh!
(5)Yeraldine S.
This place was awesome. I went around 4 so the place was not busy but I've walked by during later hours and it does get crowded. I had the "Ropa Vieja" which was fantastic. It's steak, rice, black beans. The drinks are also delicious. The servers were really friendly and helpful in what drinks we wanted. I have to come back to explore more of the menu.
(5)Christina P.
This place exceeded my expectations. This is a hedonist's food paradise. If you're into Cuban food and want to try something a little different, then come here. The chef does a great job of mixing flavors, and does not go over the top like I've seen at other modern Cuban restaurants. Croquettes and the yuca with manchego are heavenly!
(5)Michael S.
Delicious food here I got the seafood paella and my friend got a salmon special both where very good. Also got a half pitcher of sangria which was tasty. I enjoyed the outdoor seating also the staff was very friendly and knowledgable of the menu since this was my first time eating Cuban food, will most likely be back
(5)Julia G.
In my opinion...the Cuban is one of the best in Hoboken. I find Hoboken a difficult place to find delicious food because of how amazing the food in NYC can be. However, the Cuban is worth a visit for sure. They also have outdoor dining in the nice weather - will need to try that soon. Nice ambiance, good service, good food and drinks. Reservations usually needed.
(4)Nicole J.
I always thoroughly enjoy the Cuban! Great vibe and the food is high quality and delicious. A tad pricier than the typical restaurant in Hoboken, but the food, service and atmosphere is consistently awesome.
(4)Analise G.
A bit pricey and the live music outside was loud for such a small place, but the food was exceptional. The churrasco was tender and melted in your mouth. Sangria was really good too. For Cuban food, this is upscale and expensive, but worth it.
(5)Thomas W.
This is a prime spot. I've lived nearby for about two years and never tried it. One time I tried to eat here, and it was too crowded which is never a bad sign. We decided to give it another shot on a Thursday night because the menu looked appealing. We checked out the specials for the night outside, and they had a mojito deal. I was already sold, but an appealing drink special never hurts. Also, they have live Cuban music on Thursdays which really adds to the ambiance...which was perfect to begin with. They played at the right volume to where you could still have a comfortable conversation. We decided to set up shop at the bar as we were not in the mood for a sit down dinner, but they have ample seating and everyone with tables looked very comfortable and content. This is a plus in Hoboken as many of the tables are often too close and lack the privacy to have free flowing conversation. This was not the case here. When you walk in it seems rather small, but when you head to the back, it opens up to two levels of spacious seating. This impressed me for what looks to be a small establishment from outside, it's actually quite roomy. The decor is perfect and the place is very clean. They definitely use the space they have to its maximum potential. Now for the food and beverage The mojito was good, but next I opted for a pitcher of the red sangria with Grand Mariner. It was a little pricey at $30 but was excellent and highly recommended if you like sangria. I was intrigued by the octopus dish on the appetizer menu as I had tried it at another restaurant for the first time a week ago, and now I'm hooked. I did not order it, however, but I plan to give it a go next time. You can tell a restaurant is on point when you are planning your next visit while still enjoying your first experience. Again, we just ordered appetizers, but I predict dinner will be in my future. We ordered mejillones con chorizo (mussels with sausage in a tomato based sauce covered in french fries with garlic lemon aioli). This was phenomenal and all of the flavors were perfectly paired....bravo on this! I'm still thinking about it now. We also ordered the empanaditas con pollo. These were small as the name implies but tasty and priced accordingly. Last but not least, we had the yucca fritas which were drizzled with a garlic mojo and a chimichurri dipping sauce. After sampling all of the dishes, it's hard to believe that anyone wouldn't be satisfied if not highly impressed with anything that they ordered on this menu. Hoboken has some great restaurants, but they also have a lot of mediocre restaurants. The rents are high and any business that wants to survive and/or thrive here needs to bring something new to the table. The Cuban does just that. It provides wonderfully authentic Cuban cuisine with bold complimentary flavors that melt in your mouth. They have a comforting ambiance combined with great service and a professional staff. This place is a winner and I'm a huge fan. I do not give FIVE STARS often.
(5)Marc R.
Have to say this is probably my favorite restaurant in Hoboken. The bread, appetizer, drinks, entree, everything was perfect. Had the papa rellena con rabo as an appetizer, honestly thinking of going back the day after to have it again. Then got the ropa vieja as the entree which was cooked perfectly and so much flavor to it. I can't imagine that there's anything on the menu that wouldn't be great here. If you like great food you have to go here.
(5)Tara B.
My food was good, but nothing spectacular. Union City which is right up the hill from Hoboken has better and more authentic Cuban food. You can also get it for half the price than you will get it here. If you don't want to leave Hoboken this is a good option to get your Cuban food fix.
(3)Alexandra O.
I absolutely loved it! Great place, food and latin atmosphere. Live music sundays! Even the bread was great!
(5)Aaron C.
It's always nice when Hoboken is able to clean up a trashy establishment in a great location. The Cuban used to be a lounge called Nine. I'm told back in the day Nine was an awesome place to go after dinner for drinks on a weekend. But at least since I've lived in Hoboken I've seen it draw in worse and worse crowds. Finally, Nine changed to The Cuban. Excellent food and an equally great atmosphere. I particularly remember the churrasco steak being mouth-watering. The service is as good as it can be. What constricts The Cuban from being a great place unfortunately is its layout and management. The layout is so narrow and confined in space that it often becomes hard to move around or fill enough people to limited seating. The hosts and manager, like most in Hoboken, are snobby about the wait time, as if this was true fine dining in Hoboken. Sorry guys, food's great, but the quality of your servers and atmosphere itself are average... at best. The chef's abilities to cook quality food override the okay service and overall environment of The Cuban. So stop in for some arroz con pollo, but with caution.
(3)Joelle G.
Ok, I don't know how amazingly concocted drinks and food are only $5 during happy hour. This place makes a mean Cuban colada and papas rellenos con manchengo. The atmosphere is okay but the specials are killer. Great find & worth the trek from Manhattan.
(5)Kartik P.
I've been to this restaurant a few times and I must say it's an amazing place. Great food, great staff, great atmosphere. They have a great selection of drinks, and they are not cheap one bit on the alcohol that goes into the drinks. If you are a fan of Cuban food, you are missing out if you don't try this place.
(5)Victoria S.
Amazing. Great staff, great drinks, great food. Came here for a nice date with my boyfriend and it was perfect. The guac was amazing and our entrees were delicious. We also got flan and seasonal sorbet. Would definitely come back another time.
(5)Taressa C.
Love this place! Great drinks, great food, great energy! It's definitely not the cheapest place in Hoboken but the quality of food and drink is well worth it. I'm gluten free and there are a lot of tasty options outside of salad. It is a louder restaurant so be prepared to have music going strong while you're dining. It fills up (especially on the weekend) so you should make a reservation in advance for dinner.
(5)Brad M.
Great food. Great drinks. Great music. The night we ate here (a Thursday) there were excellent $5 mojitos and live Cuban music. The entrees were large and we had left overs for the next day. We couldn't use our $10 off coupon because we had the drinks specials, but the mojitos were worth it.
(4)Lindsay J.
Ooooooh this place is soooo good! Walked in and was immediately greater by the manager. The ambiance is fantastic, lots of space do you're not sitting on top of someone else's table, the music was at the right level, and did I mention that the food was amazing?! This is definitely at the top, if not the first place in Hoboken, on my list!! The second we walked in, we felt like well treated guests, like you would visiting a friend's home. We waited for our table at the bar, and had some pretty phenomenal drinks - good way to start off the night! Then we were seated pretty promptly and had great bread (I know it's a nominal thing, but if they put that much care into it, we knew the food was going to be special!). Dinner was amazing - I had the enchilado and my husband had a steak dish - both of us would recommend! Anyway, if you haven't already seen the place (it's fairly new) you HAVE to check it out!! A good testament to a great restaurant is coming back... With more friends... And we fully plan to do that!
(5)Gina J.
Amazing space; well designed, delicious touches and textures; fabulous drinks and appetizers. Enjoyed it immensely on Sunday.
(4)J M.
I decided to try The Cuban last night for dinner. When you enter the restaurant you're greeted by a few friendly hostesses and are offered to check you coat if you like. In terms of atmosphere it was relaxed and pleasant with classy decor. I ordered cured meats and cheese appetizer, which was very good. For my main course I ordered Salmon. I thought the salmon was quite good and the presentation was well done also. In terms of portion sizes both the entree and appetizer were hearty portions, not overly large but just right. Overall, I was very pleased with the atmosphere and food. I would certainly go back. Update 9/26/2012 Since my earlier review I have dined at The Cuban three more times(Once for dinner, two times for brunch). Each time I enjoyed my meal. The one additional time I dined in for Dinner I had the steak dish. I eat a lot of steak so when I noticed the cut was hanger steak I was somewhat cautious to order it. That being said I was pleased I did. The steak was cooked to the proper temp and flavorful. The bread they bring out while waiting for you meal is also very interesting and delicious. Both times when I had brunch I was also very satisfied. Brunch is reasonably priced with good portion sizes. All in all I have really nothing but good things to say about this place and would certainly go back and recommend.
(4)Michael L.
Mmm what can I say if I could give this4.75 I would.. This place was amazing started off with the ceviche which was great they didn't cheap out on the seafood at all. But what really got me was the skirt steak....wowwww is all I can say that was easily one of the best steaks I have ever had. Even better than Morton's, was sooo tender fall apart in ur mouth and the flavor is just fantastic, the girl for salmon which was great for salmon but this is a $60 steak for $26 can not beat that, ambiance is nice a great date place!!
(4)Avantika K.
amazing food. ordered the chicken dish and was probably the most delicious thing i have ever eaten. the drinks were very good as well, strong but not overwhelming. the atmosphere was very fun, but not rowdy. reccomended this place to all my friends! cant wait to go back!
(5)Christine S.
I tried to make a Saturday reservation here for 14 people at 8pm 3 weeks in advance. They refused to take the reservation because then they would not be able to seat as many other people at that time. Have probably been here about 10 times in the past year, but the management did not care. Awful way to treat repeat customers and will not be returning.
(1)bryce k.
We had dinner here last night and enjoyed it. There was live music on Thursday which was nice, we started with the Blueberry Caipirinhas and the Jefe Mojito which were delicious. For appetizer's we had the guacamole with the fried plantains (very good) the Empinadas (average). For the entree we tried the Paella (good) and the Bistec Empanizado (BEST OF THE NIGHT), for desert we had the Churros (good) . Service was efficient, crowd was casual, overall a nice Cuban experience.
(4)J K.
In my opinion, the best cuban spot in Hoboken. I've been 4-5x now and each time I leave very satisfied. The menu offers diversity and the dishes are all well executed.
(4)L T.
OMG! So amazing. I can't stop thinking about it or talking about it. As a self proclaimed foodie, I feel like I am tough cookie. From start to finish a great experience. Service was outstanding. For a newer restaurant I feel that this is an area where some are lacking. The food was so good. I got the ceviche appetizer and the garlic shrimp appetizer. Also I had the skirt steak. They decor and atmosphere is up there with Hoboken's finest. Last but not least the energy and management was on point. Please go to the Cuban ASAP!!
(5)Sarita M.
When I go to a restaurant named The Cuban I expect to have Cuban food.... Except for the delicious Mojito I had nothing else had a Cuban flavor. We had ham croquetas, empanadas, and Ropa vieja. The food was good but NOT Cuban at all! With that being said the place had a really nice ambience and staff.
(3)Jocelyn B.
I was excited when I saw this place pop up on a deal on living social because the last new Cuban restaurant is sub-par in the delicious food department (Havana Cafe). We stopped by for happy hour yesterday and got a few apps and drink. The food was great, the service was wonderful and I like the decor. Definitely going back for more.
(4)Samantha '.
WOW!!! Food, ambiance and service were all great! All of the reviews here are dead on. There isn't anything I could say I did not like at the place, except for the terrible laminate floor between the front and back/upstairs of the restaurant - terrible slippery.
(5)richard p.
Great food with large portion entrees. Our server was very attentive and pleasant. The inside is cavernous with cool bar areas on 2 floors. A new fav in Hoboken for us
(4)Richard N.
This is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. I have been here on many occasions and each time I am impressed. I am yet to be disappointing by an entree, so my opinion would be to look at the menu and go with what you are in the mood for. That said, I can't come on here without raving about the guacamole appetizer dip - phenomenal. The waiters and waitresses are very helpful and engaged and make the experience pleasant. The decor and layout of the restaurants is fun and vibrant. Good for a group of friends and especially ideal for a date. I don't know if he is the owner or the manager, but whoever the gentleman is who is clearly in charge can often be seen throughout the night helping around. He's quite nice and adds a nice NYC type touch to the experience. The Cuban is top notch. Anyone who is displeased with this place I would have think either had an extremely rare unpleasant experience or lack taste buds.
(5)Ray J.
Nicely decor, fun, great atmosphere. It may be a great place for the weekender. Table on the front of the house are a little too small - tight, in front of the bar almost for squeeze in diners. Back rooms, divided on two mezzanine makes it great for private parties and larger parties. Service generally speaking is in need to be reviewed. The wait stuff is pleasant and cordial but in need for some serious menu training. No need to know if the special cocktail is $5 if I am told the specials after I place my order. Beets salad was good. However too much dressing with a tangy taste of citrus overwhelmed the delicate flavor of the oranges and goat cheese spread which taste like Greek yogurt. Pork was dry and almost taste it that came out of fryer after being precook. Wine menu a little limited but will explore cocktails and potential drinks next time. Could definitively use some room for improvement. It's not a bad restaurant, perhaps it shine through the Hoboken - flat - insipid - expensive - and pretentious places with low quality food and no sense of style charging NYC prices at a WHOPPING $28 main course.
(3)Carlos D.
great little place... sat by the bar, good guacamole with crab, good watercress salad, cold beer on tap , good service and live music on sunday's at brunch....all we were missing was an old 1956 chevy to have taken us there and a fine havana cigar to hold while sipping on the free mojito we got for just checking in ! will be back
(5)terry l.
We ,a group of five, recently went to The Cuban for Sunday brunch, The food, live music, atmosphere and service were terrific. To start we shared the Cuban guacamole. It came with plantain chips instead of tortilla chips. It was great. We all had something different as our entrees. There were no leftovers!!! We really enjoyed our brunch and plan to return very soon.
(5)Melinda R.
My girlfriends and I had dinner here last night and had a blast. Food was fantastic, music was fun but not too loud for dinner, Rudy our waiter was the man. Definitely going back!
(5)Kelly F.
This place is absolutely amazing!!!! I decided to go here because I had a voucher from livingsocial for $50 and it was worth every penny!!! My boyfriend went on Thursday evening around 6pm and the place was not packed. Did not have to wait for a table and it was an intimate and romantic setting. The waiter was absolutely the best and very attentive. Also, i believe it was the owner, had come around to check on us, which was very nice. They were having some specials on some drinks so we ordered the mojitos, which were perfect. The drinks were on special for $5 which was great. We then ordered the gaucamole with crab meat and plantain chips as an appetizer. This was absolutely delicious and enjoyed every bite. For the entree my boyfriend and I each ordered the skirt steak and substitued the yuca fries for rice and beans. The steak was so juicy and cooked to perfection. And the portions are huge. Had enough leftovers for lunch the next day. Although it even with the $50 voucher, we still ended up paying $60 extra(with tip) it was well worth every penny. All in all, it was not a bad price for an appetizer, two entrees, with a side of beans and 4 drinks. There are many cuban locations in the area, but this is by far my new favorite. It is authentic cuban food and absolutely delicious. Definitely will be going back. Want to go back when they have happy hour and also late on the weekends because I heard that they have music.
(5)Jayd P.
Delicious food and great atmosphere! Get the oxtail... it's amazing!
(5)Joseph T.
I was very dissatisfid with my encounter with this restaurant. after waiting 40 minutes for a table we finally sat down. we ordered appetizers and drinks....the papa rellena was cold on the inside and the mojito was the worst i ever had. The main course which was suppose to be masitas a traditional cuban dish was served in some cherry sauce and made the pork dish taste more like a dessert then a main dish...all in all horrible experience and wont be going back.
(1)David T.
pretty good food, a little small though
(3)Elizabeth R.
I came to the Cuban with my boyfriend and his mom, looking for a fun evening to enjoy drinks, good food and great company, and we were extremely happy with the outcome. We're food enthusiasts, appreciating quality service and well executed dishes. Coming to an ethnic place like this can always be hit or miss, and this is definitely a hit! The atmosphere was really neat, upfront was the bar area with high top tables for a more casual dinner or happy hour, we were led to the back of the restaurant, stepping down into a room lined with mirrors, and zebra print seating along the wall, super chic and funky. Our server was very personable and ready do take our drink orders after we were seated. She made some recommendations, along with her personal favorites, and seemed to be very knowledgable about the ingredients in all of the cocktails, this helped, considering there were SO many choices. Warm bread was promptly delivered to the table, along with soft garlic butter. The bread was not stellar, definitely under baked and doughy, but they had the right idea. On to the main course, I got the braised pork shank, served over black beans and rice, with a citrus slaw on top, DELICIOUS. Cooked to perfection it fell off the bone. My boyfriend ordered a twice cooked skirt steak with avocado, and rice and beans, it was also very good. The steak came pulled/shredded, which was not expected but pleasant. His mom got the paella valencia which looked alright, a good amount of seafood. I am biased with paella, after living in Spain, she enjoyed it though! Bussers came by frequently to refill waters and clear any empty dishes. Even though we were stuffed, dessert was definitely a must. Being in the baking industry whenever going to a cuban place I always have to try the tres leches cake. It was everything I hoped and more, AWESOME! Traditional house baked vanilla cake, fluffy and yet dense, thoroughly soaked with the 3 milks, topped with a gooey toasted meringue. Pretty close to the best tres leches cake I've ever had. Overall it was an awesome meal and I would love to come back and try out some different items on the menu. Very reasonably priced considering the portions are generous. Also heard they have a great happy hour during the week!
(4)Evan S.
Great addition to the neighborhood, although it seems like many similar cuisines like to open at the same time for whatever reason. However, the food is very good and atmosphere is great. Been about the three times now and the food is consistently good. The service this past Sat was a little off, but seemed like they were overwhelmed with a large party. Either way, there was no decrease in the quality of food. Bacalao app is always great, rock shrimp was good, ham croquettes always a go too. Pork shank entree is very good. The churassco seems to be the staple dish there but have yet to try it. They once had duck empanadas as a special that were awesome, but haven't seem them again. All in all, good food, good scene, good drinks, good value. Just what the neighborhood needs in a town of very tired old restaurants and mediocre food.
(4)Kay B.
Excellent food, service, drinks. Very satisfied.
(5)Jason F.
This is my first Yelp review and I was inspired to sign-up thanks to 2 fantastic experiences here. The staff is very friendly, helpful, and just make you feel welcomed. A nice change to the usual "the customer is a burden on me" 'tude that you get at some other places in Hoboken. The food is fantastic. So far, I've had the ham and cheese croquettes and the empanaditas for appetizers. I'm leaning towards the croquettes being the better of the two. For meals, I've had a scallop and shrimp dish that came with green rice...this green rice is amazing....seriously. of course, the shellfish was perfect too. My second time I had the vaca frito for my entree, which is crispy steak with caramalized onions...again...amazing. Oh, and they give you free yucca bread when you sit down at your table and it comes with some kind of garlic butter. Heavy on the garlic, it's perfect. Me and my fiance have really enjoyed whatever drinks we have had there. They hooked me up with a special tequila drink that had jalapenos and orange or grapefruit juice in it. Awesome. I'm giving this 5 stars not b/c it's a 5-star restaurant, but b/c in it's price range, it really can't be beat in this location. If you want great food and drinks and a great restaurant experience where you feel welcomed, please try this place out!
(5)Yamile C.
If you're in the mood for mouth watering food with a menu diverse enough to please meat and seafood eaters alike, with the kind of ambiance that is warm and inviting (the place is gorgeous with such great attention to detail, and the staff is pleasant, helpful and knowledgable - you have to love when you're given good reason to tip well!), you really need to make The Cuban your new favorite spot. They've truly raised the bar when it comes to places to drink and dine in Hoboken. So, whether you're looking to have a romantic dinner or a great bar to hang out with friends, you really need to check it out!!
(5)Iris R.
Food was amazing! a little treasure in Hoboken. I was plesantly surprised. Looking forward to returning. Services was great.
(4)Adam G.
best high end cuban food in town
(5)Iris X.
Went to this place with my colleagues. This place is so great, both for groups or dating. The food was delicious and fresh. First we were served with drinks ans appetizers in a private bar, the drink looks so great and taste so fresh even I who don't drink had a glass and got a little dizzy :). I don't remember the names of the appetizers, for there're too many, I almost thought we won't have dinners. But I remember the one likes a fried ball with beef and cheese, the beef can melt into your mouth. For the dinner, most of my colleagues chose Churassco (skirt steak), but I chose BACALAO (black cod) though I was told Churassco was the best. However, I love my choice. I love fish, and especially fish with tender meat texture. Black cod was slightly fried, but the fish didn't lose its tender texture. I also tasted my colleagues' Churassco, it was cooked perfectly. Oh, I nearly forgot one important thing in this restaurant. It has the best bread ever! Round like a small egg, the inside is chewy, like the gummy bear, but it's bread! Overall I gave it 5 stars for the food and the experience.
(5)Rosanna C.
My husband and I went to this restaurant last week with the Living Social deal they had. I have to say that this has now become our favorite Cuban restaurant and we've been to plenty. For appetizers, I had the Pulpo which is a octopus dish and it was amazing. My husband had the popcorn shrimp dish and he was impressed as well. I ordered the Churassco and my husband ordered the Paella. He stated that it was the best Paella he's ever had. My steak was very good, I do think the Havana in nyc's was better, but it was still tender and flavorful. The steak fries were amazing. We will definitely be going back to this restaurant and hopefully bringing our friends along.
(5)Mo H.
I'm reading some of the reviews, i'm not sure I even went to the same place. I must agree that the ambiance and the location is fantastic, but I guess the people writing these reviews don't care about the most important attribute, the FOOD!!! Even if the food was good, I'm not a bird, I need something to walk out of there satisfied. If i'm paying $27 for a paella, I want to feel full. I had to go for a slice after. but it wasn't even good. too watery. I'm desperate for a place to open in Hoboken with the food of Porta Spain and the ambiance of the Cuban. I guess this place is good for dates where you want to impress someone by the ambiance, but knowing your not going to eat that much anyway on a date, then this is cool. Other then that, don't bother. ohhh, before i'm done with this review, i hear some people comparing to La Isla in Hoboken?? La Isla is like a fast food cafeteria not trying to be an upscale restaurant, I mean that comparison is very unfair to both.
(2)Michael C.
Four of us had dinner there on a Friday evening. They were inflexible with menu choices, rushed us through dinner and even asked us to leave ten minutes after we were through because they needed the table.This after spending $200. Unbelievable. Food was not bad but would never come back with such assembly line service. They have a lot to learn about hospitality
(1)Lauren R.
Total disappointment! After reading the great reviews my friends and I came for dinner with high expectations. What a total let down. The ceviche appetizer consisted of small shrimp in salad dressing with tiny pieces of one other white fish. We had to order a side of plantain chips because no chips were served with it. The Ropa Vieja, tastey but certainly nothing to write home about, came lukewarm with cold rice and even colder blackbeans. As far as the staff goes, it seemed as though they went out of their way to be unfriendly. Our waiter barely spoke to us and never came to check in during dinner. It was totally impersonal. I wish we had been seated in the front bar area as it looked cozy, inviting, and had live music. Instead we sat in the cold back section which look like a hodgepodge of designs. What's with the Buddhas in the bathroom? Nothing made sense to me and if this is the best hotspot in Hoboken it doesn't say much for the rest of their restaurant scene.
(2)Emily K.
Overall, food is good, and I'll probably be back. However, I think they need to iron out their service a bit. I made a reservation a month ago for a table for two on a Saturday night. I started to worry after reading some of the reviews on here, but ultimately put it out of my mind because I had a confirmation email. Of course, when we got there, they had no record of the reservation. Really?? Online reservation systems are pretty standard, and I've never had a problem before. That being said, they were still able to quickly sit us at a table in the bar area, so I was happy. However, we were seated next to an extremely loud, absolutely wasted couple (mind you, this was at 7pm - unless the Cuban was their last stop on an epic day of drinking, I have no idea how they were that drunk so early). This couple had just finished off a pitcher of sangria as we sat down, and spent the next 15 minutes singing, yelling at each other, and making out. It was so disruptive that whenever they got loud, the entire bar area turned around to look at them. After a while, I got up and complained to the host about them, who reassured me that they were about to leave. He must have said something to them, because they got up and left right after that. That being said, someone should have intervened far earlier than that. I don't expect a packed restaurant to be quiet, but I expected to at least be able to carry on a conversation with my boyfriend without having to start over multiple times because we kept being disrupted.
(3)Brian S.
Been back several times for dinner since the first review.... each time better and better. Service always very attentive and food reliably very good - creative and interesting dishes. Always a great experience.
(5)A B.
Excellent food, great ambience, great service !!! The salmon was amazing , very flavorful.
(5)JJ P.
You really have to have a set of stones to open a Cuban Restaurant a couple blocks down from La Isla. I also believe the owners are NOT Cubans. However, all that being said this is a very successful execution. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is simultaneously cozy and elegant. I would recommend it for a night out with another couple. the room is loud and festive. not really for a quite romantic night. the food definitely holds its own and the drinks flow as freely as any place in Hoboken.
(4)Howard C.
sevice was top notch... it was a great way the celebrate our anniversary... we were sat in the "zebra room" which is a nice intimate location to be in this restaurant.... we shared the CUBAN CRAB GUACAMOLE which is definetly recommended!!!!!! entrees were ropa vieja which was decent and i had the churrasco skirt steak which i enjoyed (steak was cooked and seasoned to perfection.... didnt even need the chimichurri sauce).... Summary: Food is above average & service is top notch
(4)Courtney D.
I really don't have anything bad to say about this place. Came here a few weeks ago with a few friends, I think because it's one of the only places in Hoboken that actually takes reservations, and there was a group of us. The interior was sort of dark and trendy... but I say that in a good way. We grabbed a drink at the bar as we waited for our table, and the mojitos were DELICIOUS! I was buzzed after one, and I'm definitely not a lightweight. As we were waiting, my girlfriend and I watch a plate of meat walk by us. We started drooling. We asked the waiter what it was called, and he told us. I can't remember the name now, and I still couldn't at the time... I'm not Cuban. And maybe I'm deaf... or stupid... but we found it on the menu and ordered it. It was some kind of pulled meat with rice. And O.M.G. I was full after half but wanted to keep eating it because it was one of the best things I've put in my mouth in a LONG TIME. Okay, now this meaty post is starting to sound a little inappropriate. But in all honesty, check this place out. Besides my hunk of meat, another friend got a chicken dish which she thoroughly enjoyed, and the table shared a few apps, guac being one of them. Try the mojitos .... they'll give you a nice kick. This restaurant is right on Washington, so if you're driving, your best bet is a lot, or to park further back.
(5)Nicole H.
I have been to the Cuban on two different occasions, and both times it was perfect! The first time I went for my friends birthday with a group of 8. Both times we started with drinks at the bar which are made strong and get you in a good mood before you're even seated. The first time I went wewere seated in a corner upstairs. The second time I went with my boyfriend and we were seated downstairs. Both rooms are very tastefully decorated and have a warm feeling. My only issue with the downstairs room was it was very noisy, as there were two large parties seated near to us. The guac with crab meat served with plantain chops seems same considering their extensive list of interest apps, but it's amazing, and both times I ordered different types of skirt steak, also amazing. You could tell that the waiters are very busy moving between tables, but it wasn't a problem.
(5)Amanda G.
This was the BEST happy hour I had ever been to! $5 drinks- not just small stupid drinks....big, delicious, drinks with a GENEROUS amount of alcohol. I had a Mojito and Agave drink. The bartender was a nice girl. She was very attentive and calm, despite a lot of people in the place. The food was also $5...and it was DELICIOUS.... Between the cheap prices, delciious food, exotic drinks, good music and happy staff...I honestly felt like I was on vacation! I told my friends thats our new happy hour spot.
(5)Elyssa G.
Love love loved it here. Sat at the bar with a girlfriend for dinner on a Thursday night. Great atmosphere and postiive energy. All tables were seated. Guacamole with crab meat was divine. The ropa vieja tender, flavorful and simply exceptional. The only drawback was that the restrooms are two flights upstairs. Will come back for sure.
(5)Chris U.
Bottom line is that this place has everything going for it: Great food, lively atmosphere, great space and excellent service. I've had the opportunity to eat two "typical" dinner here with friends, followed by a quick round of beers, booze and bar food at the bar. I'm striving to think of a reason why this shouldn't get five stars and can't think of one. For those who argue that it's pricey for a Cuban joint, you're right - but this isn't a typical Cuban cafeteria and you're gong to get consistency, quality and something a bit more upscale than you get at La Isla down the street. The prices are fair and definitely justified. Not sure I can say much more about the food that hasn't been said here. Awesome: Croquetas de Jamon, all the Empanadas, and the Octopus is out of the world. For the mains, there's great Ropa Vieja, Churrasco and Pork Shank. Oh, and don't skip dessert. I also advise that you don't skip over the bar menu if you just want something a bit quicker or cheaper, if if you are just looking to snack as you down a few of their great cocktails with friends. We had ZERO expectations when we order some "simple" snacks, but were floored by the quality, size and flavor of what we got. The sliders and the Cuban are great. And don't forget their fries - yes, friend in duck fat. Finally, the service is good, but you can see why. Take a look at the manager (owner?) guy who is always there - he roams the floor with an exceptional eye to detail. He's friendly, but is definitely all business. If anything is out of place or if something isn't moving, he swoops in or gets someone to take care of it. The guy is on top of things and his attitude trickles down to the staff. Highly recommended.
(5)Justine W.
Amazing Amazing Amazing! I have not one complaint about this yummy place. I've tried quite a few Cuban restaurants in this area and this one takes the cake. I had the grilled chicken and it was perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned, yummy yummy yummy! I also tried someone's skirt steak and that was even better! Great service as well! A must try in my book!
(5)Caitlin L.
I live a few doors down from this awesome place. Owner and the wait staff are all so nice, knowledgable, helpful and on point. Food is consistently delicious and the happy hour is an awesome deal (Half off select drinks and apps)! The food is innovative and melds well in combination. Drinks are always well made. I would give it the 5 stars but my only issue are the hostess'. They aren't friendly in comparison to the other staff, you can barely get a smile out of one of the girls who is often there. I was with a group of friends waiting for our table to be set up and when it was ready she stood in front of us and without cracking a smile said, "I'm ready". Like huh??? Maybe I'm being nitpicky but it's just a shame their staff can't be as friendly all around.
(4)Alice F.
It was such a disappointment. The food including the appetizers arrived cold. Rice of our paella was half burned and dry. The pompano was tasteless. The best part of the evening was our exit.
(1)David C.
This place was great from start to finish. From the ambiance, to the layout, to the service. Noise level was at a regular level for a Hoboken restaurant, very easy to hold a conversation. OK for the most important part I had the skirt steak meal which was about $27 and well worth it. A generous portion which I had cooked medium rare, which just melted in my mouth, it had a chimichurri sauce on top which was also delish. The meal came with fried okra and small spring salad which the bitterness worked well with the dish, and I had to go with a Dos Equis XX draft. I highly recommend and would definitely go again. The onlt bad part is the bathroom is on the thrid, but for Hoboken you have to understand space is limited.
(4)Sherryann W.
Very classy restaurant. Nice to go here with a significant other, because of the sum lighting & center table candle. The food was just delicious. I ordered a chicken plate & the vegetables (as well as the chicken) was sublime. Definitely revisiting this modern styled restaurant again. Very tasteful.
(4)Tamara O.
I would live here if I could. I've been to The Cuban probably 6 times. It is my go to spot in Hoboken for excellent food, drinks, and atmosphere. Every dish has been delicious, the drinks are strong and not too pricey, the decor and lighting is super sexy. My main squeeze also loves this place. We've been here for date nights, just hungry after work, happy hour, and brunch. Staff at The Cuban does not disappoint. Everything we've tried has been wonderful: Mojitos, Coconut Cream, Sangria, Maduros, Skirt Steak, Salmon, Bananas Foster. A plus - brunch and happy hour with half price drinks!
(5)Marie D.
The food, drinks and service are all excellent and we will be back for sure on a weekday. On a Friday night the noise level was simply too loud to have a normal dinner conversation, I'm happy this wasn't a first date ;-)
(4)Dan B.
It's funny how I ended here one night. My girl, another couple and myself were on the way to another Cuban restaurant in Hoboken and they called to cancel the reservations. I won't forget that evening because it was on a Sunday in February, the day after Whitney Houston's passing. I decided to go on yelp and look up another cuban restaurant in the area and I found this place. I called and they said to come right in, they weren't busy and had some tables open. We found parking on the street in Hoboken on a Sunday night which is a rarety - you know this if you live in Hobo! So we came in and to my surprise it was tastefully decorated and the ambience was perfect.. not loud at all and very cozy. We asked to be seated near the bar on the high top tables. They checked our coats for us and sat us right away and offered us Sangria, mojitos and other daily special drinks. We ordered two pitchers of sangria and started with a few appetizers. We all ordered our own entree and I recommend the churrasco steak and the ropa vieja. I tried those two and it was delicious!!! We finished the evening with some dessert - tres leches and bananas foster. It was all delicious and I will never forget that evening at The Cuban Restaurant.
(5)Elizabeth S.
I have been to many cuban restaurants in NYC and none of them compare to The Cuban Restaurant and Bar. I made same day reservations, the earliest was 6pm for 7 people on Saturday. I arrived there a few minutes before 6:30pm due to traffic. I came from the Bronx and as you can imagine the GWB and Lincoln tunnel on weekends is a nightmare. Either way I let them know I would be there by 6:30pm and they were nice enough to hold our table until then. 1. Service - Excellent service from the moment you walk in. They offered us coat-check and proceeded to take us to the back room. A cozy area perfect for dinner and a semi-private conversation. The staff were very thoughtful and attentive, we enjoyed our dinner so much more because of that. A few things that stood out were when my sisters got up from the table to use the restroom, the gentleman came over, folded their napkins and placed them on the table. Also he made sure the three tables put together for our party were always aligned properly. 2. Food - We ordered a few appetizers and entrees but the most memorable were: App: Ceviche de camaron App: Camarone con tamal en cazuela Entree: Churrasco Entree: Paella Valenciana Dessert: Pastelito de chocolate One more glass of sangria and the staff would have received hugs from me, it was very tempting :)
(5)S C.
I've been here about 5 times. Their happy hour deals are pretty good! We got the white and red sangria - both were good, but I liked the red more. My favorite foods are the complimentary bread and garlic butter - warm, chewy and delicious, the Cuban sliders and the beets and goat cheese salad. The bartender was attentive and nice. Ambience is cute and laid back.
(5)Ralph A.
This former lounge is now home of a good Cuban Restaurant located in the heart of Hoboken. The service was excellent and the restaurant is fit for small and large groups. However, due to the fact that we were a party of six and around other large tables the only negative remark I would make is there was to much noise from another table. Unfortunately we had to sit next to an entire bachelorette like party that were overly loud, and considering there's no carpet or curtains it makes for a noisy atmosphere, but I can't blame The Cuban for that. The drinks and food they were all really good. Our table had guac, empanadas, and rock shrimp for appetizers. The shrimp had a slight fishy taste and was probably the least liked appetizer. However the guacamole and empanadas were all well received. For entrees I tried the Pork Shank which was tender but wasn't served hot enough, the flank steak was delicious with that cilantro and oil chimichurri sauce. The Ropa Vieja was tasty as well, so all and all it was an enjoyable dining experience. For the price and the portions I think its everything you'd want and I'd say it met our expectations. Make sure you make reservations well in advance as the place seems to be pretty busy and organized on seating people.
(4)Nelly D.
Take your date here. It's dimly lit and has a romantic feel even thought it's a bit noisy. The food is excellent. Appetizers range from $7 to $14, entries are $25-30 +. Sangria is amazing and worth the price.. Tastes like sangria and not sugary crap with a teaspoon of wine like you would get at chain restaurants.
(5)Luis B.
Stopped by here because hey, it's cuban!, hit the sunday $5 happy hour special and lower priced appetizers. the drinks were decent and the food was alright. We ordered the shrimp ceviche and the cuban and for drink we had the mojito, thank you yelp for the free drink, a cuba libre, a white sangria ( awesome) and a pina colada. i would definitely go back for dinner as it looked pretty dam good on peoples tables.
(3)Nikki T.
Everything is abundantly portioned and delightfully fresh. My favorites on the menu are the paella and crab guacamole with plantain chips. Most dishes are easily gluten free, and they are very accommodating to dietary needs. Try the jalapeño mojito!
(5)Tamika T.
The food is scrumptious. Only 2 vegetarian options but the vegetable paella is to die for, the sauteed spinach is heaven and the tostones are excellent! 4 stars instead of 5 because the loud music makes conversation challenging. But overall a great place!
(4)Lorenzo T.
This is a favorite of mine for both Happy Hour and also for dinner. Keep reading to learn about the whole suckling pig you can order. Check out their menu's here thecubannj.com/#!menu - HAPPY HOUR - Tuesday - Friday 4-7pm (@ the bar) Their cocktails, wines, and sangria are all $5 by the glass. Select beers are $3 a bottle. So you get a cocktail that is regularly $8-$11 for half that. Super good deal! Drinks are strong and delicious. Like mixing it up and trying a few at that price. *My favorite is the Pacha Agave - Milagros Tequila, Citronge, passion fruit, lime juice, agave nectar. Refreshing without to much sweetness. Balanced like a nice glass of limeade. Also during happy hour the bar menu is $5. Tapas style plates of empanadas, cuban sandwiches, and mini cuban burgers to name a few. All are really good deals. *El Cubano is my favorite and is probably the best bang for your buck too. Always a good idea to munch on something while sipping on a strong drink or five. - DINNER - For my birthday I ordered a full 30lb suckling pig for the dinner party. (Note: You need to have a minimum of 10 people, and order 48 hours ahead so they can buy, prepare, and roast the hog.) OMG was it amazing! Everyone was so happy with the food. They presented the pig to us, apple in mouth, a true Kodak moment. Then back to the kitchen it went to be sliced and served. Heaping platters of mouthwatering pig came out for each section of the table, accompanied with moro rice, boiled yuca, and sweet plantains. This was all served family style. There is nothing like consuming a 30lb beast that brings people closer together. Only thing I wish they did was server the different cuts from the pig to us. As a foodie I get off on stuff like that. Ohh pig ear you say, don't mind if I do...a cut from the cheek - i heard that's the best part. LOL An awesome experience at a great restaurant. If you wanna know any more details shoot me a message. This place has a big back area, so it's great to book ahead of time for a party.
(5)Candace C.
Amazing amazing amazing, great atmosphere, even better food! Had sangria, guacamole with sweet plantain chips and crab meat, and the skirt steak and would recommend them all!
(5)Jos S.
Went through my yelp bookmarks and decided to call and they were able to sneak us in on Easter Sunday at 6pm. . It's very pretty inside. We ordered the papas rellena de Rabo that was amazing. We ordered the ham and cheese empanadas and that was also very tasty. There were 3 and they serve it with a little bed of guava jelly. Delish. I ordered half a carafe of sangria and that was yummy. My bf ordered the guava mojito he loved it. I ordered the vaca Frita but the waiter brought me the ropa vieja. I was too tired to wait for the correct order and just ate what they brought out. It was good but I would have preferred my vaca Frita. It was ok. The mistake is the only reason I removed one star. We got the brownie and 3 leches as dessert!! The browny was amazing!!!! The 3 leches was good but not better than the brownie. I was dying for a coffee but I was too full to order one I would go back in A heartbeat. Amazing and btw the staff there is really attentive. The ambiance is great as well. We loved it. It was me, my bf and our daughter and our bill was only $88. (We did share the main course ) I loved it. Will try it for brunch one day!!!
(4)Elham F.
Great atmosphere; dim lighting, great music. Went for a date night and found it perfect. We both chose the vaca Frita (Soooo good!) and for drinks a coconut mojito (which I found didn't go well with the meal but individually was great) , my date had the red sangria which was a bit strong but still very tasty. Overall we loved it !
(5)Steven C.
Been to the Cuban a bunch of times and the place is really on point... Drinks are great and the food is tremendous (meaning great, not size)... Must get the Ox tail as an app when you go... Only problem with this dish is that they don't immediately serve you another when you're done. I had to stop myself from licking the plate (although I can't promise I won't next time). I'll be back Fo Sho!
(4)Daniel B.
The BEST Cuban restaurant I've ever experienced. Everything was amazing; from the seafood paella to the flan. Plus the service and atmosphere was great. I'd definitely recommend this place if you appreciate stellar Cuban cuisine.
(5)Aben R.
Stopped in for dinner with some friends and ordered the Paella. The dish was tasty, but the rice was burnt and dry. Watered down Sangria was an absurdly costly $30 a pitcher. No complaints about the appetizers, but no raves either. Will not return.
(3)Joseph V.
I had been the The Cuban before for drinks and some snacks, but never for a full meal. Until last night. They had a passionfruit mojito on special, which was incredibly tasty and had just the right amount of alcohol. I ordered the Paella, which comes as a gigantic skilled filled with every kind of seafood you can imagine and an incredibly smooth and delicious whipped garlic butter dipping sauce. Perfect. The service was also some of the best I have ever had. Never once were we left searching for a waiter. The staff was extremely polite and made a constant effort to ensure we were doing well. They even watched the bowls we were given to dump our empty seafood shells in, and replaced them with fresh ones numerous times throughout the meal. The four of us were very happy with the experience, and I will be going The Cuban again.
(5)Ateeb K.
Went there for valentine day. Appetizers were tasty, good presentation. Main course was stripped bass also delicious but dessert was a disapointment (last item on menu... Strawberry something.). Keep on mind this place is expensive.
(4)Sophie A.
Fabulous food... Never disappoints. Everything is memorable and the meats are always tender and impeccably prepared. Drinks don't seem too strong but sneak up on you. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff. Reservations can be hard to get last minute so don't wait too long to book on weekends. Mint leaves in the mojitos can be a bit overboard, but other than that I wouldn't change a thing.
(5)Les V.
Perfect spot for happy hour! Great mojitos and mixed drinks. I have gone for dinner and for happy hour and have been happy both times. I would say go for happy hour as you get a better deal for your buck!
(4)V K.
Tried to eat at the restaurant last night with a Group. We ended up losing our reservation as everyone got stuck in traffic. The table is only held for 15 min and the entire party must be present prior to being seated. I understand this and this is a common policy at multiple restaurants. And I had no problem with this fact. However, the hostess at the restaurant was very rude when she informed me of this fact. And I wish that was the only bad part of trying to eat at this establishment. As people from our party arrived we waited at the bar and got drinks. We finally got a table when a majority of our party arrived. As some people cancelled as they were going to be severely delayed. One extra person showed up after we got seated and that was when the true problem started. The manager came over to the table to explain that this was not appropriate and that we couldn't add a chair. I do have to say she conducted herself professionally. Then the "hostess with the mostest" came to the table irate informing us that we couldn't just keep adding people to the table. We apologized. She continued to be rather inappropriate. I finally asked if she would like is to get up from the table we were seated at. She said yes. So my entire party got up paid for the drinks we had ordered from the waiter who had already taken our drink order and left. We ate at another establishment a short distance from The Cuban. To say my entire group were disgusted by the behavior of the hostess is an understatement and all of us shall not return, which is too bad because the food looked appetizing and the drinks were very good.
(1)J K.
The Cuban is one of our favorite restaurants in Hoboken... the service is warm, friendly and attentive.. the cocktails are well mixed (try the sangria!), good quality wine, the food is consistently good (the paella and chicken empanadas - yum!) the atmosphere is fun and relaxed... the place is usually lively and full but never feels over-crowded.. and the live music is fantastic!! My boyfriend brought us here for our first date and we've been regulars ever since. The place is much larger than I initially thought judging by the front room.. there is a large seating area in the back and another level upstairs!
(4)Taryn O.
Everything is delicious. The empanadas de jamon y queso and garlic shrimp are amazing appetizers and the churrisco is soooo good. For dessert try the creme brulee!
(5)Bob S.
A Second Chance - Lost After the review I wrote in July, I gave The Cuban a second chance. Unfortunately, I found the staff again very pushy about appetizers, drinks and more drinks. First visit, shame on them, second time, shame on me. Despite this being Hoboken the birthplace of baseball, there will be no third strike because I will not return!
(2)Anthony J.
Wow......one of the best restaurants in Hoboken. The food was incredible and I was thinking about it for days afterward. Ropa Vieja, Vaca Frita....WOW. Service was great. Drinks were fantastic. Mojitos? Yes please, thank you very much. Really cool atmosphere....very classy but not overdone. From the outside it looks like a small place, but we were surprised to see such a spacious dining room in the back, including a lounge area. You're not going to get a better meal for the price anywhere in town.
(5)Milton V.
This is not your average Cuban place. For drinks we started with a complementary mojito and a Cuba Libre which were both excellent. For an appetizer we had the ceviche de cangrejo which was exquisite. For entrees I had the short ribs and they were so tender I was able to eat them with only my fork. My wife had the classico pork and was very surprised at the sizeable portion and delicious flavor. The ambiance was trendy and hip but if you're looking for a quite meal this is not the place. Salsa is pumping all night and patrons can get loud as the drinks start flowing. We concluded with the tres leches, which may have been the best I've ever had. I can't wait to go back and eat here again!
(5)Maria A.
This place has great ambiance; the enchilado camaron and vierias was great. My friend said she has had better plantains (she's been to Miami a lot) but her food was good too. It took forever to get our food but they said it was because my friend ordered her steak medium well. I'd go back, it's still one of my fav Hoboken spots.
(3)Kimberly S.
I have been here twice before, once with a group and once with a friend. Service: The first time I was here was with a group and we had to wait quite a bit to be seated. The second time we were a party of two and still could not be seated right away even though I could tell it was not busy. The Waiter service each time was pretty good, they were on top of us and made sure we had full glasses. Food: Drinks: I love the Mojitos here, they are definitely not cheap with the alcohol. Entrees I have tried POLLO A LA PARRILLA Grilled chicken breast, roasted pumpkin mash, caramelized onion, mojo rojo This was really tasty, I ordered this because I was on a "health kick" but was extremely happy with my meal. Chicken was cooked perfectly (not dry). ROPA VIEJA Braised skirt steak, tomato pepper sauce, white rice, black beans This was okay, the rice was cool, that wasn't a killer for me but I expect warm food. The steak was great though. Minus the wait time and the cool rice I would definitely recommend this place to a friend.
(3)Carlos O.
Let me start off by saying that I'm Cuban and my parents make awesome food, so I know what I'm talking about. Came here for brunch today and was not disappointed. The Eggs Benedict with Ropa Vieja was delicious and the meat was very well seasoned, although the muffin could use some work as it tasted a bit like Pillsbury dough to me. The "El Baririo" dish was also delicious. Big plus for the free drink for checking in on Yelp. I noticed a picture of "Arroz Imperial" here on Yelp but I can't find it on the menu. I never see this anywhere outside of my parent's home, if you have the chance to try it do it! It's incredible!
(4)Andrea F.
I notice I post mostly 5 star reviews...lol...because I really, really love the places I go to...at my age, I'm not going to wast time in a place I only have a half assed liking for... I love The Cuban for its awesome atmosphere; chill vibe; totally fabulous happy hour (awesome reds at 5.00 served in gorgeous thin stemmed glasses...thank you); live Cuban music; mussels to die for (also 5.00 at happy hour at the bar); and the cleanest rest rooms I have ever seen ANYWHERE lol...(I read years ago that if you're new to a place, check out the restrooms before eating...if they're a mess, don't eat there cause the kitchen is even worse)... All in all, a hip, chill place for people who are serious about their playtime...oh, and they don't bitch if you arrive in work-out clothes!
(5)George B.
The Cuban is still one of the newer restaurants in Hoboken and I'm really glad I got to eat here. It offers some of the best Cuban food in town and I can say no other place in Hoboken is quite like it. We started with a meat and cheese platter, an excellent choice. I can't tell you the names of everything on it but they all paired rather well. I ordered the churrasco for my entree and let me tell that steak was cooked to perfection. My only disappointment was in the house wine. Not very good at all and very disappointing. But then again its house wine so whatever. Service was absolutely fantastic and the atmosphere is fantastic. I am very open to coming back even though it is a little expensive. You can order a pig roast if you have a large enough party; sounds like my next food adventure!
(5)Rosemary V.
Went there for an early dinner on a Sunday. The place was not crowded at all and we were promptly seated. Ambience: The place is very nice, fancy, chic and with lots of artwork. When you first walk in, you think the place is small and narrow. Little do you know there is a bigger room in the back and an additional smaller area upstairs (ideal for private parties). They played Spanish music the whole time but it wasn't loud to the point you couldn't have a conversation. Food: The bread the put on the table, is soo delicious, it has cheese baked into it, but you can't really tell until you bite it (And I had given up cheese for lent, so this was a minor fail lol). The butter has garlic and (if you love garlic as much as I do) it is to die for. I had the paella, which was delicious, and made the traditional way. Most paella is usually big portion, enough to share. The size of this paella was not enough to share with another person, but it was also a bit too much for one person. If you decide to share it, make sure you order another dish as well. My date had the churrasco, which came with yucca fries and salad. The steak was very good and the yucca fries delicious. Drinks: I forgot the actual name of the drink, but it has the word agave in it, and it pretty much had tequila, agave and passion fruit. It was strong and sweet; simply delicious! My date had the mojito which he liked. Service: Waiter was friendly, attentive but not overbearing. Prices: Not on the cheap side; each dish was about $20-26. Overall, I would love to go back !
(4)Jessica G.
Amazing amazing amazing - vaca frita Cuban fried rice is to die for! Bolleche this place takes home cooked Cuban food to the next level. Being Cuban and growing up on this helps me appreciate the thought of adding modern with old tradition. Expensive but I would say after going there there first time I went back 4 times in a row the following week.
(5)Jenn S.
The Cuban impressed us! The staff is very friendly and attentive, ambiance is fun, colorful and always hopping but never too packed and over-crowded. We came here twice in 1 week because it was THAT good. The first meal, I went for my classic go-to, churrasco steak, and this place did not disappoint. The steak was perfectly cooked, portion size was super friendly and very tasty! Some other favorites: App: Empanadas - only $6 for 3 (ropa vieja is extra delish!) Ceviche Mixto Entree: Churrasco Ropa Vieja Rabo Encendido - spicy braised oxtail Cocktail: LOVE their Rosada, delish Cava with elderflower and crushed fresh strawberries and sometimes guava too!
(4)Ruth H.
Best service, food, drinks by far! We are sold! We love this place! If you are allergic to shellfish, just ask for the cuban guacamole without the crab, my husband asked for the crab on the side so he could eat it! The guacamole was so flavorful and I order the chicken sandwich with bacon...AMAZING!!! My hubby order the steak sandwich, very juicy, flavorful and medium well...SO GOOD! This our new fav place! Oh and the sangria was delightful!
(5)pooja n.
Horrible experience tonight. We had to wait a full hour to even recieve the food and the bread was stone cold. When we asked why the food was so late, the manager told us that they had a larger party they were serving so we would just have to wait until they were done. The party they referred to was a 10 person table! Finally when we were about to walk out, the food came. No breaks on the price, no ' sorry about that guys, we will cover the appetizers'. Just horrible service and the food was mediocre at best. Would recommend going to better restaurants right in that area that are a LOT less expensive. thanks
(1)Prasath S.
Came here two nights in a row...Tried the Wings, Guac, Mussels and the steak empanadas...very flavorful and great presentation. The warm bread and the herb butter is also delicious...p.s - try the lemon/pineapple/grapefruit filled white wine sangria...amazing !!!! Can't wait to go here again and try some of the authentic cuban entrees.
(5)Ramona P.
Delicious brunch. We ordered the Cuban benedict (browse through for my picture) and the bistec a caballo (grilled skirt steak and the best damn Cuban fried rice I've tasted). The half pitcher of rosada was yummy and a refreshing change to sangria to complement our food. Live music and great service really made our meal even more enjoyable. We'd love to come back for dinner!
(5)Sha J.
You know I never have anything negative to say about the Cuban and the food and service is always wonderful, but I'm saddened to say they took my wife and I's favorite appetizer off the menu.. The potato croquet stuffed with stewed oxtail with a jalapeño garlic aioli ... So sad..please bring it back...
(4)Catherine D.
Plenty of gluten free choices including their introductory bread basket. I loved every minute from my perfectly assembled mojito to my juicy tender and tasty churasco steak and I drooled over the grand finale of a mind blowing flan and cafe con leche. As Arnold Schwarzennegger once uttered, "I'll be back".
(5)Christopher B.
This place was phenominal. Lots of times in Hoboken it's easy to find a decent but way overpriced restaurant. While this place is a bit pricy, the food and drinks are SO good. I will definitely be coming back.
(5)Rirry C.
Best bread basket ever! Mushroom croquettes were amazing. Mojitos were free with yelp check-in and honestly one of the best mojitos I've had. Ropa vieja was really good but at $19, the portion should've been double the size. Good thing we asked for bread like 3 times. Seriously that bread is money. And made in-house!
(5)Paul J.
Went with some friends for a celebration dinner and came back a second time just because. The portions are very generous and the food is excellent. Grilled octopus was done really well, as was the churrasco. I'll be back here and try to give a more indepth review in the future. I think the quality of the food and portions really fit well with the price.
(4)J P.
I love coming here for mojitos and Cubans. The staff is professional and the food and drinks are authentic.
(5)laura b.
Kudos to the bartenders at The Cuban! Traditional drinks like Mojitos and Caipirinhas are excellent (no mixes here)...and there is always an interesting special at the bar as well. The food is outstanding. We have been three times. The service was excellent twice during the week, but very rough one weekend night. We are now limiting visits to weekdays, but we will be regulars!
(5)Frank C.
Best restaurant in Hoboken. All the food is delicious from the plantain chips and guac, to the shredded beef, pallea and even the deserts, which include MINI DONUTS! Also the Sangria and Mojitos are top notch. And in the summer it is a great spot with outdoor seating right in the best part of town.
(5)CandB J.
Came for brunch. The menu was limited but almost everything on the menu sounded very good. We ended up ordering their special, red sangria. The sangria was very good. For entrees we got a roasted chicken half and hanger steak. Both were flavorful and came with a handful of sides that were very fresh and yummy. Well worth the visit, looking forward to trying dinner!
(4)Shannon M.
I had dinner on Saturday night. We called about an hour ahead and made a reservation for 8:30pm. We were seated right away. The restaurant has a fantastic layout with multi level dining. They also have outside seating and inside there is central air. We were seated in a cool lounge like area inside downstairs with zebra booths. We started with a mojito and sparkling wine, both were tasty. The special appetizer was a corn polenta with shrimp, it was AMAZING. We also tried the guacamole with lump crab- delicious. We ordered the moderately priced Zaco rioja ($26 for a bottle) with dinner. It was a perfect choice. We both ordered more traditional dishes for the main meal, the Ropa and the Vaca. It was a great dinner and we will definitely be returning.
(5)Michael V.
Go to the cuban happy hour. For $5 each you get to sample their top flight drinks and a bunch of their delicious food is also discounted. They use all top shelf booze in their drinks. The empanada's are great as are the fries. I have also been there for dinner numerous times and each time the food is exceptional. The churrasco is great as in the ropa veijo and the paella.
(5)City G.
First thing first. Best service ever!! If service is important to you, this is the right place! From taking your jacket to giving you the check, the service never failed. We ordered the seafood paella which was moist and filled with seafood. Must try. Table for 2 is a bit small but cant complain given the food and service. The portions are generous and we ended up with a doggy bag. Must try!!
(5)Diver O.
Really good. I sat at the bar. The crab guac with plantain chips was awesome. You must try the guava mojito! I had the twice cooked skirt steak. It was a little dry but still quite flavorful. The bar service was excellent. They make the sangria to order with fruit/wine rater than steeping the fruit in the wine for a few days. This likely explains other reviewers comments about little fruit flavor. Overall hip place with good food and drinks.
(4)Leah G.
multi-tiered restaurant in downtown Hoboken with an intimitate vibe and an unmistakeable Latin flair. Standard Cuban fare, but of the highest quality. Get the guacamole and crab app -- you will die! Delicious mojitos. As a Miami girl, I know my Cuban food, and this place gets my recommendation!
(4)Shondi M.
Everything was excellent. Drinks were great. I had three mojitos and they were perfection. Food was deelish! I started with the lump crab ceviche which was excellent. For entree I had the vaca frita which was also great. Definitely worth a return trip. I went on a Thursday night and was able to get a reservation no prob.
(5)Brian E.
This place is really a 4.5 but I'll keep it at a 4 right now and re-evaluate on my next go. Its kind of got a lounge feel and has a nice decor. This is definitely a good date spot. It has a front room, a back room, and a top level. It looked like the back room was the place to be but on a Friday night that can mean waiting 45-60 minutes, reservation or not, so I went with the front area which is a bit noisier and busy. That being said, waiting about 20-25 minutes to sit was okay given the mojitos were delicious. Run-Down: - Drinks: Lots of tasty mixed drinks, mojitos are on point, Sangria is very good. - Apps: Only went empanadas but they were delicious. Highly recommend - Entrees: Paella is good. I'd recommend splitting and grabbing apps maybe otherwise you're on food coma status. - Service: Attentive and helpful...sort of It started down pouring as we were getting the check so i asked where I might be able to buy an umbrella nearby. He told me to check the deli. Not sure what deli he was talking about but I was pretty much ready to chalk that up for a complete failure. As we're leaving, the guy gives an umbrella he found in the restaurant. Shady as hell but I can't argue with the results.
(4)Dee T.
Free mojito with your first check in!
(4)Loren S.
I could eat here all day long everyday. One dish is better than the next. The drinks, sangria are incredible. You cannot go wrong here the food is perfection and the staff are always friendly.
(5)Kendra H.
Hands down the best meal I've had in Hoboken in a very long time! Everything was great from the service, to the drinks, the atmosphere and the quality of food. Do yourself a favor and try any of the specialty cocktails, very yummy! I had 2 different types of mojitos, will be back for some more of those! I split several things off the menu with a friend, the empanadas, octopus, mussels and the ropa vieja. The mussels were absolutely amazing! The sauce (an aioli sauce) served over the mussels with frites and chorizo were delicious, I will be sure to head back there for those alone! The octopus was also very delicious. The ropa vieja was a highlight of an outstanding meal can't wait to come back!!
(5)Jen U.
The brunch menu here is pretty amazing, so many great choices. The tres leches french toast was amazing. Just a little high priced for what you get.
(4)Gabriel M.
Good food & the service was great. The wait staff is really friendly. Price was good especially for the large portions you get.
(4)Sara N.
food was great! cool atmosphere - however very loud. don't come here if looking for cute quiet spot.
(4)Joe P.
We have been going here for a while and love it every single time! But lately we noticed portion is getting smaller, a lot smaller. Maybe it was just one time, we will go back and see. But all the food tastes delicious. All the waiters are friendly and prompt. Make sure you make a reservation Friday nights!
(5)Kelly R.
It's like taking a little trip Cuba. I love this place super strong sangria great dishes and sometimes they have live cuban music for brunch. Also their happy hour when sitting at the bar is fantastic, everything is $5! A must go to in Hoboken.
(5)Elena S.
This may sound like many other reviews for The Cuban, but there just isn't much to complain about, so I'll keep it short. Happy hour, pre-fixe menu before 7pm, great sangria, lovely decor, service, food and oh the wonderful guitarist!! This was really just a great dinner. Tried the empanadas, salmon and flan. Everything was prepared well, and really yummy. Can't wait to go back!!
(4)Amy P.
This place was wonderful. Great service, very polite. No wait for sunday lunch and amazing food!
(5)John R.
Not one bad thing to say about this place. Just wish it was bigger. The empanada starters were spot on. The (white) Sangria was very good. El Classico (pork shoulder) was so tender, no knife needed. Vaca Frita was tender and seasoned to perfection. We sat outside (they brought an extra table for us), on a beautiful night. Only drawback is the constant flow of pedestrians, but it's part of Hobokens charm.
(4)May L.
ADHD Summary: Classy! Cuban food in a gorgeous atmosphere with a lot of attention to small detail. Great drinks. Group friendly. Perfect for a date or the start of a fun night. Clearly I am a Manhattanite and we rarely venture off the island. It's really only the special people that can drag me away from my land of dirty trains that never run correctly and the constant sound of engine outside my door. But among other reasons, the girl leaving my office was having a shindig; and I wanted to be a part of wishing her well. So off I went with 15 other people to explore the Ken of the Hobo. I struggled between 4 and 5 stars; settling on 5. Whether it keeps those stars depends on its ability to continue to operate at such high levels. Currently, this newly opened place is not as crowd that I would expect it to eventually be. So you get there now before it gets too jammed. The Atmosphere: This really is a 5. It's worthwhile to pay attention to the small details. I spoke with the owner (see service down below). Apparently all of the pictures are from Cuba done by a friend of the family. This includes a gigantic wall mural ad with all of the beautiful photography strewn tastefully throughout the restaurant. As you enter, you'll see the adorable rock walls and the colorful tiles that are so popular in Latin America. The multi-colored glass lighting and primitive-style Latin art make a difference to what is otherwise a very modern restaurant. Of course the random zebra couch suggests a certain ability to turn this place into a salsa dinner club at some point. There are three floors; the second of which is a bar that could probably hold 20 comfortably (more if you're all Asians). The bathrooms are up a long steep walk to the third floor. I'm not going to lie; being sober makes that climb up and down easier. The bathrooms are nice; done in flat metallic finished tiles, with crisp white framing around the windows. The trick as they get larger is to make sure they stay nice and full of T.P. despite the trek up and down. Overall, the lighting is perfect for the evening. If it were for me, I might play with better lighting around the artwork and dimming the recessed lighting around the back seating area. The food: Muy deliciouso. This is upscale Cuban; so it's not just cheap salsa and nachos splashed about everywhere. I was with a large party for which they had a great menu - $20/person for tapas appetizers and $28/person for entrées and dessert. Tax and tips came to around $60 after our drinks. We ate a lot. Here are the highlights: - Drinks in a pitcher. I'm such a fan! You can get sangria, mojitos (not on the menu) and this elderberry and cava; sangria-cousin type drink, which I loved. These are $24. - The bread. These are the shape of donut holes. It is so fresh! Even the German guy in the group was willing to renounce his heritage if only he could get this bread daily. He was also a bit of a bread hog. So I think I only got to scarf down a fraction of that which came down to the table. Seriously, yum. - The cereviche mixto and the Chicken empanaditas were my favorite apps. So cute to see a mini empanada. - For main dishes, get the Churassco (skirt steak) with extra chimchurri sauce, make your friends get the Paella, and if you have another friend suggest the Bacalao (white fish). I'd also order rice and beans, because...come on...what is cuban food without rice and beans! - For dessert, I had Tres Leches, and others had Flan. Cuban flan is a bit thicker than Spanish Flan, which I prefer, hailing from Florida. The Tres Leches has a lovely flavor if you love the texture of soaked cake (it's soaked in goodness!). Service: The owner appears to recognize the importance of being attentive to customers and is clearly there making sure things are running properly. They had a lot of bus boys, but fewer wait staff. Everything was delivered quickly despite the bottomless pit of bread consumption at our table. The bus boys may have some English difficulty; but they do appear to try to be as helpful as possible. Final Notes: The backroom is really well set up for large parties. This is a place to consider if you're doing a birthday party or planning one of your ungrateful friend's bridal or wedding shower (just kidding... I love you guys). All in all, worth the trip. If you're wondering how to get back, check out my review on AA Limo.
(5)Tom S.
You must come here. I repeat: you. must. come. here. On the lookout for a restaurant suitable for dinner with the parentals, I came across The Cuban. Knowing that it had recently opened, I was surprised by the glowing reviews it was getting. It certainly lived up to the hype, and then some. We ordered the veggie empanadas, the beef empanadas, and the ham croquettes to start. We only ordered that much because we thought there would only be one empanada per order; instead, you get three beautiful empanadas for just $6. Just after splitting open the veggie empanada, I was immediately drawn in by its incredible fragrance. It tasted just as good. The beef and the croquettes were fantastic, too, but the veggie empanadas were truly out of this world. The main course was outstanding. The boneless half chicken ... right from the start, you're hit over the head with great flavor. Not sure if I've had more flavorful chicken than the one here. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't finish my sides, perfectly prepared plantains and a huge portion of delectable tomato manchego rice, because of the blissful food coma I was slipping into. I just thought that seating was restricted to the front of the restaurant, but hiding behind the corner is an enormous, multi-level back room, complete with a second bar that opens on the weekends. At the end of the night, I was so wonderfully full and my parents were extremely impressed with the choice. I guarantee you'll be impressed, too.
(5)Spiros P.
Tried late lunch with baby. Don't try it. Hostess was rude and inefficient. She had us leave and come back, generally coming up with all sorts of reasons to refuse a table, while we're jumping around with a baby and stroller. Please just say "no", nothing wrong with that!
(1)John F.
One of the best restaurants in Hoboken. Decor is really fun and service is well above average. The food was really tasty, and as a fan of Cuban/Latin/South American Food, I did not leave disappointed. Can't wait to go back. Only downside was the drinks. They tasted good, but were very weak.
(4)Maria Z.
Love this spot. Especially on Thursday nights where I can hear live music. It feel like a little get away every time I go. Love their mojitos, crab guacamole, and the churrasco. I recommend this place to all my friends.
(5)Mr. J.
Great Cuban food done in a very creative manner! Service is very good as well - Can't go wrong here for anything.
(4)Jen M.
I ate here on a Sunday night with my roommate because she had a groupon/living social deal. There was no wait when we got there and the place has nice decor and ambiance. The food is pricey, but well worth it. I got the churrasco with arugula salad and yuca fries. The portion sizes are large (I ended up having enough leftover to eat for lunch the following day). The churrasco was topped with a chimichurri sauce and was absolutely delicious. The yuca fries were slightly sweet but crispy. My only complaint was the arugula salad, it tasted as if only olive oil was drizzled over it. It needed a bit more acid to help cut the oiliness of the meal. My roommate loved her ox tail stew. Overall, I think the food was delicious and would come here again.
(4)Andrew L.
Love the cuban - I've been there twice. I got the churrasco, I was very pleased with it. Good date spot.
(5)Jennifer F.
I am very impressed with this restaurant. I came in on a Sunday at 3pm, sat at the bar with a friend & tried some of the appetizers & cocktails. Everything was delicious from the garlic shrimp to the empanadas to the mojitos and coconut pineapple cocktail, although I was not a fan of the truffle fries. Pretty interior, the live music was great and the noise level was perfect. Our bartender, Evo, was friendly & very attentive. One of the managers came over & was also very courteous. The happy hour prices are also very reasonable. Two thumbs up!
(4)Homer S.
I'm pleased to see this place has so many favorable reviews already. This place is truly a gem. I've only been to the "happy hour" and it made be happy indeed. The mini burgers were probably the best mini burgers I've had. (The duck fries were a bit soggy, but still tasty). Coupled with a few nice drinks at $5 each and a friendly bartender, this place will be in my usual hangouts rotations for some time.
(4)Alexi C.
I visited NJ for a weekend and my friends and I decided to check out The Cuban for my cousin's birthday dinner. Being Cuban, I was not too excited about this choice because I'm so sick of typical Cuban fare at this point. I did not want to upset the birthday girl however so I went along. Wow, was I pleasantly surprised. All of the dishes were nice upscale twists on classic Cuban favorites. The fact that for their Rabo Encendido they take the oxtail meat out of the bone and saute it in a delicious red sauce not typically seen in this dish shows the level of excellence in their execution. I am known to add salt and pepper to everything but am happy to report that I did not reach for those shakers once. Great food, great drinks, great ambiance (3-D paintings complete with viewing glasses...what??), reasonable prices. Recommendations: Truffle fries cooked in duck fat; Rabo Encendido (yes, I know oxtail sounds strange but it really is the most tender meat you'll ever try); Pollo Imperial (cheesy chicken casserole); and the Bread Pudding dessert (anything with candied bacon gets 5 stars in my book).
(5)Mike M.
Awesome food. good service on my one and only visit. Paid about what I would expect. Not other worldly expensive but not cheap at all. Would definitely go again
(5)Xiomara P.
Came here on birthday for dinner with my boyfriend. ... heard great reviews and they def. lived up to them. Very pricey in my opinion .... considering I can get the same quality of cuban food at Rumba in North Bergen for cheaper,maybe not the same creativity thought, but we went to check it out and wwerent disappointed. We had empanadas (mixed them up to be able to try all of them, ropa vieja was my favorite), I had vaca frita, my boyfriend had rabo .... loved the vaca frita ... rabo was good, i like rabo encendido which i think is why i wasnt amazed. Checked in on yelp and got a free mjoito ... drinks were good .... waiter was nice .... will def. return and try to get their happy hour selections!
(4)Lisa W.
I was pleasantly surprised by my Valentine's Day dinner here. I had already looked at the pre-fixe menu and thought the 3 courses sounded promising but sometimes when upscale restaurants try to make it in Hoboken or NJ in general, they up being overly pretentious or falling on their face. The Cuban definitely bucked that trend. Finally, a restaurant in Hoboken that offers amuse bouches! I love my tiny bites of goodness. When we came in, we were greeted with some unusual decor. Each room seemed to have its own theme and design. There was a bar with lots of fiery reds and oranges, a zebra room, a main dining area with chandeliers and 3D paintings (I know, interesting, right?). We started out with a glass of cava and some delicious rolls. I forget the name of them but they are tiny rolls with chewy airy centers and they are simply scrumptious. They remind me of these Portuguese cheese rolls which the name escapes me on those as well. They brought out only 2 rolls for me and my Valentine and we are carb addicts so we asked for more. We ended up eating 3 each; so good! For an amuse bouche, they brought out chickpea friters which were a tasty bite. For our first course, we both got the duck two ways. There was duck empanada over a frisee salad which was decent and then a really delicious and rich duck confit over an arepa. I was already starting to feel full and regretted my decision to go with a meat heavy, rich second course, the braised short ribs with maitake mushrooms. The short ribs were good but just so heavy after the duck. They were a wee bit salty but I was feeling goodwill because generally everything was delicious and had very nice presentation. My boyfriend had the scallops with saffron coconut broth with yuca and that was nice and lighter and the scallops were cooked perfectly. Prior to dessert, they brought out another amuse bouche. It was V-day themed: Mars and Venus (although to be honest, that seemed a little too hetero focused; men are from Mars, women are from Venus). Mars was an aloe vera gelee and Venus was cookie crumble thing/not sure. For dessert, i had some poached or roasted pears with sweet goat cheese cream and my boyfriend had the chocolate sponge cake. Overall, this was a great experience. The service was attentive, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was fun. When I want Cuban in a nicer environment (than La Isla), I'm definitely going to hit up The Cuban Restaurant!
(4)Aditi S.
I am not sure why more people don't eat here. It is in my opinion one of the best restaurants on Washington St. The decor is beautiful and the drinks are fantastic. The food is fantastic as well. I've been here a few times for dinner and always left happy. The brunch though is my favorite. People of Hoboken! Please give this restaurant your patronage !!! I'd hate for it to close.
(5)Ethan D.
This place is pretty good. The fried yucca is off the meter. Fish dishes have been good - Salmon was the best.
(3)Bill B.
This was hands down deserving of 5 stars. The service was impeccable. The place had a very laid back and classic atmosphere. The Empanadas were very tasty and loaded with slow roasted pulled pork although they were a bit small. The Salmon Cerviche was equally tasty and great. I had the Ropa which was awesome and very traditional. This is a most go to place if you're in Hoboken and love Cuban food. This place will not disappoint.
(5)Joanne D.
When planning my first time ever trip to Hoboken, I read great reviews of this place on Yelp, looked it up, and made a reservation on their website. The top of their on-line page confirmed my reservation for 3 on Saturday night Nov. 2 at 7 pm. When we arrived at the appointed time they had no record of our reservation; said this online system was new & they were still getting used to it. Apparently a number of parties had the same problem that night. At that point it would have been nice if they had comped us a drink while we waited for a table in the crowded restaurant to become available, but they did not. After about 30 minutes they found a table for us. The food was not that exciting. We each had some kind of steak; the presentation was not very appealing and the taste was blah. I did not finish my plate. Overall this is not a place I would return to and I don't get what the excitement is about. And then, on November 5 I received email confirmation of my reservation for November 2!
(2)M A.
Wow!! Excellent mojito (free drink w/ app !!) , sangria & wonderful fish, churrasco!! Seriously delicious! Excellent service! Thanks to the Manager (that handsome fella) who sat our party of six, on a friday night, when we didn't have reservations! Thousand thank you's!
(5)Chris B.
Extremely flavorful dishes. The churasco style skirt steak with yucca fries is to die for. Nothing on the menu is less than great.
(5)Molly J.
This is my favorite little spot in Hoboken. I love it for the full cocktail menu, the delicious Sangria, the handsome and wonderful service, and the unique, always amazing food. So far, I've only sat at the bar and ordered from their happy hour menu ($5 fancy cocktails and lots of small plates under $10), but I've at least made the effort to always try something new. I'm always blown away and amazed at the level of customer service. I love the spicy margarita, the mojitos, the red sangria, the Cuban sandwich, the mini burgers, and the ceviche. It's also very cozy and romantic inside.
(5)Tully O.
Ate here with a friend and it was really good. We both enjoyed our dish. I got a pork dish with beans and rice and enjoyed it. The sangria was delicious too.
(4)Yency C.
Very nice place. Good food and drinks. Definitely coming back.
(4)D P.
We decided to give this place a try based on the positive reviews of others. Wow! So glad we did! I had a version of the skirt steak (don't remember the name but was the one towards the bottom of the brunch menu). It was amazing. Seriously one of the most satisfying lunches ever. The bread was great and my fiancé was happy with her sandwich. Additionally, the service was outstanding. Can't wait to get back for more!
(5)J C.
Love the food here. Love the service here. And love, love, love the mojitos here! I dare to say the best mojito you'll find in hoboken. The place itself also have a great vibe, good for dates with nicely dim light and live music.
(4)Tracy S.
Really enjoyed my dinner here. We went on a Friday night without a reservation - they said it would be about 20 minutes so we waited at the small front bar which was wasn't crowded. Since we grabbed seats there, we decided to order an appetizer at the bar while we waited for the table. And my only complaint about the entire night was that no one ever came to tell us our table was ready. After our appetizer, we were very comfortable still at the bar so decided to eat our entree there as well -- its certainly possible that the staff told the hostess we didn't need a table anymore - but no one ever came to tell us a table was ready. The food was delicious -- we ended up just ordering a bunch more appetizers and splitting them. In particular the empanitas (tried the chicken and the veggie) and cerviche were both great. Can't wait to go back to try the entrees and some of the delicious looking cocktails. The staff behind the bar were super friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu. And the ambiance of the restaurant is also very warm -- these two combined to make you feel incredibly welcomed. Brunch will evidently start up in a few weeks as well. Looking forward to a return visit soon.
(4)Jaclyn I.
Excellent. In my opinion, better than La Isla's dinner. Drinks, apps and entrees were all wonderful. Space is really cool. Came with a groupon, and almost felt BAD using it since the experience was so great! Generally you think if the place ran one of these, its bound to have issues, but the Cuban is (currently, anyways) a gem. Will be back for dinner, and late night!
(5)Justin S.
Where do I begin? Lets start with Decor... When you enter The Cuban you are immediately greeted by a helpful and pleasant staff and beautiful cuban artwork and framed photos from cuba neatly hung throughout the restaurant. The place simply has soul! The service was spectacular and the food even better. You must try the Chicharones de Camarones! We had an amazing experience at The Cuban and will be back quite often. They will be doing Brunch on the weekends starting sometime in the spring and also have outdoor tables. Inside they have 2 bar areas upstairs and down. They also have the Zebra Room which is an intimate dining room -let me be straightforward- the room is DownRight Sexy! This place should be on everyones list!!! Again I have to say the food is to die for AND the service rivaled that of the Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower.(Yes! That is how amazing the service was) P.S. And let me not forget delicious drinks. Try the pineapple Caipirinha! It is a MUST!
(5)M M.
I love this place! The food is delicious and the backroom is nice and cozy.
(5)Emily G.
Had dinner with my family Sunday night. The Mojitos were delicious, the food, each and every entre had a very unique and distinct taste. Highly recommend when visiting Hoboken and want true Cuban food.
(5)Joanna G.
I loved the food especially the empanadas! Great ambiance and service.
(4)Robbie C.
Guacamole with crab! Most dinner entrees are good portions.
(4)Erin S.
This place is amazing. Great addition to the Hoboken Restaurant scene. A friend and I came here for restaurant week and was really impressed.
(5)Chris B.
Excellent...from the cocktails to the apps, dinner and dessert..they did a nice job...just enough food, not too little or too much...service was good.
(4)Michael C.
I'm no expert on Cuban food, but this is very good. The Sunday Happy Hour (1 to 6p I think?), offered $5 cocktails and some small plates. We showed up at 3:30p and the bar was packed, but the server was nice enough to let us sit at a table and order from the Bar Only Happy Hour menu (dinner menu starts at 4p on Sundays). That was a nice gesture. The mojitos were made well, and were pretty strong. We ordered entrees later and they were really good. Will definitely be back again.
(3)Kristen R.
Went here the other night and I'm happy to say it will surely be a part of my Hoboken resto-bar rotation going forward. We were seated in the front of the restaurant, and I really liked the decor / bar set-up. Didn't get a chance to peek into the back but I here there's a lot more seating. Also outdoor seating. The food - very tasty. It's not a huge dining menu but they seem to have the Cuban staples covered. Also just saw that they have a bar menu which is sweet. Went with the meat / cheese plate app (too much blue cheese, but the manchego and other meats were on point) to share and the pollo a la parrilla for dinner. My booshakes had the bistec empazinado and couldn't finish it but asked to wrap that shiz up without batting an eye. Drinks - tried the special gin mojitos. They were dankity dank but loaded with ice, and should have been bigger for a $9 bev. But alas, they were so delicious that I still crushed 3 and had no regrets. Yes the food/bar is on the pricey side, but this place stands out among the cookie cutter spots on Washington. I will be back to try more of the menu. Also looks like a good spot for a private party...
(4)AK A.
In truth I joined yelp specifically blog about this restaurant because i truly hope management would be able to read this. First off beautiful place with an excellent ambiance . And the back dining room area of the restaurant is unlike anything in Hoboken. Small but charming and cozy. Staff was excellent and looking to please. However my issue with this place is THE FOOD! When you drop $130 for dinner of 3 I'd expect to leave the place with a satisfied appetite. Instead It was a trip across street to Bennies for a slice of pizza to satisfy the appetite. Now Im not a pig asking for enormous portions. Im just a person expecting to be served a reasonable portion for a $25 dinner. And the sangria you might wonder. Well thats a whole other story. Watered down and sent backed . Now the waiter was great service. But we left the pitcher half full and our glasses to the rim.
(2)Ellen K.
Delicious food, great atmosphere, friendly staff, beautiful and creative cocktails, what more could you want? My husband and I sat at the bar and had their famous house mojitos and a few apps, simply divine! Each dish we ordered was filled with aromatic spices and tastiness..each more delicious than the last. It wasn't until I went to find the ladies room that I was astonished to see a much larger and spectacularly designed seating area in the back; funky and fun for a group of four or more. We cant wait to go back and we live about an hour away!!! The Cuban is well worth the drive; simply awesome!
(5)Brian K.
I tried this place after being told this it is the best restaurant in Hoboken ... This restaurant is way bigger than you'd have thought by looking at the store front. The ambiance is cool, the bar area is lively and has live music. Their drink list is creative, and people love their mojitos (though I didnt try one). The service was slow and inattentive, despite the restaurant having plenty of open seats. The food was mediocre, and every single entree at my table of 5 came out cold. The ceviche was perhaps the least impressive item we ordered, It was little more than shrimp and pieces of bland white fish in a white sauce. For the price of the food (let alone the reputation), I would have expected better. This isn't the best cuban food in Hoboken (La Isla easily has it beat), let alone best overall restaurant.
(3)G T.
an absolute home-run. great unique food in a fun setting. it's pretty obvious why this place is packed every night. cant wait to go back
(5)Brittany P.
THIS IS MY FAVORITE RESTURANT IN HOBOKEN!!!!!!!!!! i work at the W hotel and this is the place i send everyone!! it is fabulous. my favorite dish is the skirt steak! it is mouth watering! and the drinks are the BEST, REAL REASL MOJITOS HERE!! hidden gem in hoboken for sure
(5)Marie O.
The food was great. The Clasico was amazing, the meat fell off the bone. All of the food was cooked perfectly. My friend got the filet, it was the best filet I ever had. The service was great. Only downside, the hostess wasn't very good at communicating.
(4)Josie D.
I liked this place a lot... The food was delicious, the staff is friendly and the overall I enjoyed my dinner here. A nice "addition" to Hoboken!
(4)Sheryl C.
We went here last month for my birthday and the food was great! We went on a Wednesday night so it wasn't too crowded; the space is long and narrow so I don't know if it's the best spot for a really large group (more than 10), but there was a table of 5-6 seated comfortably adjacent to us. The staff was extremely attentive and friendly. I have no complaints and will be back! Mojitos were awesome!!!
(4)ashley m.
Great drinks and elegant (non sports bar) vibe !!! Lovely music and good food too.
(3)Buzz L.
Well I returned. Over and over and over again. The food, service, drinks, portions, etc all remain 5 stars. They added Vaca Frita to their menu which makes my bf very happy. I cant seem to venture away from the Currasco, especially the yuca fries that come with it. Can't wait until our next visit :-)
(5)MJ H.
Great atmosphere and even better food. Very authentic . Try the Rock Shrimp appetizer. We will be back!
(4)Darcy I.
Sat outside for dinner with my boyfriend. I had a guava mojito and honestly it was delicious, sweet and strong! Guacamole was good and the main dishes were also good, but not great. I wouldn't mind coming again, but it was a bit pricey.
(3)Abby R.
Got take out from the bar the other night. Don't remember the entree's name, but it was right under ropa vieja on the menu - a crispy steak with avocado. I'm definitely going back for a meal in house - the atmosphere is great and the place is surprisingly big, but still has an intimate feel. All the staff was nice too. At $20something an entree, it's not cheap, but the portions are large (my husband and I split the entree and were satisfied). Based on that one dish I'm expecting another delicious meal!
(5)Steve M.
Fantastic Cuban! Love the brunch here. The paella is by far the best. They make sure to brown the bottom of the small cast iron pan it's served in. Really tops all the way through the menu. Drinks are great as well.
(5)A S.
Delicious Cuban food. Good service and ambiance. Guacamole w/crab meat appetizer and fried plantains was a treat!!! Recommend.
(5)Erik N.
I read all the reviews about this place and wanted to switch it up and try Cuban with a twist. I surprised my girlfriend with this place and since she never tried Cuban food before I needed something nice and presentable and the Cuban fit the bill. Knowing that she likes seafood i kept the dishes nice and lite by ordering seafood dishes. We paired it all with a good Spanish Cava they had and it was perfect. The service and experience with music in the background was fantastic and my girlfriend loved it all. Thank you for a perfect night!
(5)Chris C.
Without question The Cuban is the best restaurant I've been to in Hoboken. My girlfriend and I have gone twice in the past few months and the experience has been perfect both times. The service is of the quality that you should expect at any restaurant, but so rarely get. Our server remembered us from months earlier, down to what we ordered the previous time. Great atmosphere as well. As great as the atmosphere and service are, the food is the best part. Highly recommend the Ceviche Mixto as an app. Anything steak related for an entree is a wise choice, but the Mar Y Tierra gives you the best of both worlds Bottom line: go to this place if you haven't already. And if you have, I'm sure you'll go again
(5)Ethan M.
The Real Deal Cuban Restaraunt in Hoboken! The Cuban boasts an eclectic menu of Abuela's traditional dishes meets modern Cuban cuisine. At first glance the layout and size is deceiving but I was pleasantly surprised once you pass the first room to find an intimate dinning room, spacious lounge and upstairs bar area. The restaurant is decorated with local art work which adds a sincere Cuban authenticity but also has a modern lounge feel. My favorite items on the menu are the tapas! I loved the masitas en tamale en cazuela (ask the waiter for a translation) and the Ropa Vieja ( don't ask for the translation) trust me it's delicious! The staff, management and kitchen is prepared to make your visit a great experience! If you have a seasoned pallet for Cuban food or have never tried it, I would recommend visiting the Cuban!
(5)Naomi B.
This is by far my favorite restaurant period! The food is outstanding, excellent service and wow... did I mention the food was amazing? ;o) Give it a go... you will not regret it.
(5)Rob S.
I have not had the food here. I went a few weeks after opening. The bartender was training a new bartender and forgot to put our food order in. She offered to put it in but we were ready to head out. Great happy hour mojito specials but wish we in the US could get some Havana Club 3 year old as nothing else should go in a mojito. Bar area is a little tight, and the bathrooms are a hike up the stairs. Will be back to do another review this summer after they have had a little more time open.
(3)A M.
well I just may have found my new fave place in hoboken. Even better that I live a block away! This place is great- happy hour mojitos are amazing. Not too sweet, and arrived with a stick of sugar cane. Ceviche was perfectly balanced and flavorful, I could have eaten 5 of those. Try the 'el classico'- its a huge dish of braised pork, rice, potatoes, and some kind of plantain. Friendly service and great food. What more can you ask for?
(5)Khaled D.
Great new place in Hoboken. I came here for dinner with my girlfriend and we both enjoyed it. My only wish is we sat outside. Will definitely go back. Recommendations from our meal: The octopus and ceviche appetizers. Ropa Veija (sp): double cooked skirt steak for entree The Sangria was perfect.
(4)Jose B.
Completely disappointed. Went here after hearing good comments from a few people but it did not live up to expectations. Food was mediocre at best - we ordered 3 appetizers: 1)empanadas- it seemed the dough had gone sour and/or the chicken, could not finish eating them- the table next to us had a similar reaction when they got theirs. 2)Ceviche de camarones - it was tasty but the lime/lemon used was fermented and ruined the plate and the presentation was not the best. 3)Crab Guacamole - was tasty but it too was damaged with the fermented lime/lemon. The appetizers took seconds to come out, which only means they were not freshly prepared. We also ordered a Shrimp entree dish, which is served over green rice - the shrimps were Ok but the rice was completely overcooked. On the positive side - the drinks were great! The pisco sours and mojitos were well prepared and served! 4-5 stars on drinks.
(3)Christina G.
My husband ate a late night dinner here at the bar and we were pleasantly surprised. We shared the pork shank and "yum!" The place is huge inside and has a nice ambiance for group dinners...a little too "clubby" to be a romantic dinner for two though. Can't wait to go back and try it again.
(4)Patti G.
My Husband and I drove from PA to Hoboken, just to try this restaurant---UNBELIEVABLE!!! Food, Service,Presentation of the food---the food was soooo delicious---I would be ashamed to compare my food to theirs.. P.S. They sent out little random samples of heaven, but my favorite surprise was a morsel of pork , dipped in chocolate, topped with guacamole----that tasted lighter than a Nestle Crunch bar... but better. We're going back for Valentine's Day, with family and friends :)
(5)Lisa B.
Nice, upscale-feeling establishment. The food was good, it is slightly expensive, but if you are looking for a night out with girlfriends or a significant other, this place does the job. Staff was attentive, without being overbearing, which is always appreciated.
(3)Amy G.
The braised pork shank was redonculous! I actually asked the owner how he makes them. About 90 seconds in to his explanation and some where between a mirepoix and a 48 hour slow roast he lost me. They are 100% worth going there for. Also to note the avocado and tomato salad, fresh flavorful and actually healthy. To balance out the shank of course. I was so full by the time we finished we walked home and right past Ben and Jerry's... It can happen.
(4)Dot S.
Great atmosphere and lighting. Food is amazing (but this place is not really for vegetarians). My salad was dry (and it took them forever to bring a lemon to quench the lettuce). This place is NOT for Handicapped people either. Bathroom is up TWO flight of stairs. No signs pointing out where it is either.. just sayin'. Service is polite and efficient (they do chat a bit with each other too much though, so you may have to whip a beer mat at them to get their attention. This is the perfect place to take a fish/meat loving partner. Their french fries are DELISH!! Handicapped Vegetarians must avoid this place at all costs.
(4)Adam K.
Good food but somewhat overpriced. You're paying for the ambiance here, which is pretty nice. I'd recommend Havana Cafe over this if you're in the mood for upscale Cuban, and La Isla if you just wanna grab some eats.
(3)Roberto F.
the food, the staff amazing
(5)Etherline C.
I really like the atmosphere.. Best place to go for a drink and small dishes!
(4)Jimmy J.
Server decided to commit fraud and add tip to my bill.
(1)Janelle D.
This place has got a very unique and yummy tasting cuban sandwich. It comes with some sort of mustard seed spread on very yummy bread. Love the plantain chips on the side. That yucca bread that they give you is so amazing and addicting. I once asked for so many refills that they told me they would have to start charging me if I wanted more. Embarassing! Try the oxtail dish and fish tacos - delish!
(4)Avisha K.
I tried this place for the first time and The Cuban has become one of my favorite restaurants in Hoboken The waitstaff was extremely friendly and I felt the service was excellent. The food also exceeded my expectations. Give this place a try!
(5)Amy M.
Let me start out by saying I am not a Cuban food fan. I do not like La Isla or Zafra even though I have to end up going with my boyfriend or friends all the time because they love it. I was a bit hesistant of the Cuban given my lack of Cuban food liking. I have to say I have been a convert. Their white and red sangra is the best ever and I get it without sugar because it doesn't need it. I love the empanadas and mussels appetizer. My boyfriend loves the shrimp appetizer. It is my new go to for a drink before dinner or after work.
(4)Ana E.
I tried the food here twice when they first opened. The food was delicious but the service was awful. I excused the restaurant since they where new and I assumed they would get it together. We decided to stop by with a large group on Saturday evening. Unfortunately, the service was even more awful than i recalled. The waiter messed up an order (mistakes happen) however, the way it was handled was not acceptable. Came up to my boyfriend and made it seem as he had the correct order. Last time i checked a person knows what they ordered and the room for error is from the person writing it. Just saying. I cannot tolerate bad service so I went in search for the "manager". I wasnt given a yes or no if she was the manager but she asked what i needed. Not once did she say she was sorry. but went off to say we are BUSY! of course the food will be delayed. Let me ask the waiter what happened. Then when the waiter explained she still didnt apologize but said "you have to hear both sides of a story" I cannot believe i had to deal with such bad service. Oh yes can i also tell you that each person in the table is used to fine dining and spending money. Well since our waiter never came back to see if we where ok. or needed anything? dessert anyone? more drinks? Despite the food being great there is no way i will give this establishment my money unless one of those tacky signs "under new management" was in front of the place. Management needs to be changed asap!
(1)Kevin T.
Get the Ropa Vieja and the grilled octopus... amazing. Seriously probably the best Cuban food I've had anywhere in the NYC area.
(5)Nicole P.
GNO was perfect here! We had a wonderful table towards the back of the front area which gave us excellent access to their dj...the music was on point, current and all the best songs but his mixing abilities were quite amazing. The atmosphere in general is so nice at The Cuban. The owners are upbeat, attractive and friendly. If this doesn't make for a fun night out then what does? But what we really need to discuss is their food! We all shared appetizers and I'm so glad we did because I was able to try quite a few...Rock shrimp is spicy and flavorful with perfectly cooked shrimp in a tangy sauce...Empanaditas, you have a choice of 3 different ingredients, I chose the ropa vieja which was succulent and delicious, not at all greasy...camarones ajillo were so delicious...another girl enjoyed the seafood paella...you really can't go wrong. It was all authentic cuban recipes with a bit of a twist. The entire restaurant is quite large and is perfect for large groups. They even have a second bar as you walk up to their 2nd floor. What a great venue! I look forward to going back for a full meal and trying more!
(5)Lisako V.
My new favorite spot in Hoboken. The interior design is awesome. A great, high energy place. We sat outside as a table of 4 girls with our dog and sampled a variety of dishes. The crispy rock shrimp and shrimp and scallop entree were definitely the favorites at the table. The food was good, but the service really stood out. Our server was awesome and accommodating in every possible way. Can 4 girls get annoying after 4 round of drinks? Hell yeah. Did our server have a good attitude regardless? Yes! (At least to our faces). The best part? We were the last table at the outdoor cafe and by Hoboken regulation, everybody has to be up and out by 11 p.m. Our server offered to stand outside watching our dog while we continued drinking inside! I mean, we passed, because that's weird, but it was so nice to offer! I am definitely looking forward to coming back.
(4)A N.
Me & my hubby went here on a Saturday night due to the rave reviews this place got on yelp. We had never been to Hoboken & just wanted to grab a bite to eat. We ended up here and had a few mojitos which were ok. They weren't bad, but not as authentic tasting as we expected. However the food (which was most important) was fantastic. I ordered the duck fat French fries & Rock shrimp appetizer and I've never had anything like it. He ordered the glazed wings & they tasted amazing as well. We are foodies and hard to please so feel confident in dining here b/c we'll definitely be back.
(4)Anna Marie S.
This place has yet to disappoint. I have been here twice the food is outstanding. The atmosphere makes you feel like you have stepped out of Hoboken. The wait staff is knowledgeable, provides great recommendations, and is super friendly. The Red Sangria is delicious, order it by the pitcher. The only negative is that the acoustics are not good and it can get very loud and overwhelming with other tables next to you.
(4)Jennifer R.
Ummm...yeah. With no dinner plans on a Friday night, we decided to check this place out because we love Cuban food and it's also super close to our apartment. I always liked the layout and space of Nine, so I was curious as to how this would work with a new restaurant and I was very impressed! It was crowded for a Friday night, and the owner brought us to the upstairs bar while we waited about 10 minutes for a table. We were then seated in the front area, and I was so happy to see that the tables weren't as cramped together as some other Hoboken spots (one of my biggest pet peeves about dining out). The service was phenomenal, and the waiter was so good about being thorough and answering our questions. The drinks were great, too. I opted to get a half pitcher of white sangria for myself, since that was $14 and a glass was $7. Well, I definitely left with a nice buzz. It was a classy and economical way to get a little wasted. And the food! Oh, the food. Loved the small rolls and butter, and we got two apps - the fish taco special and masitas con tamal en cazuela, and both were amazing. My boyfriend got the paella for his dish and was so happy with it, that he said this would be his go-to dish anytime we come back. I was back and forth on what to get, but I finally settled on the el classico (braised pork shank) and as soon as it came out, I literally said "Yup, I totally made the right decision". It was a tasty and generous portion, and I also got the yuca fries on the side and LOVED them! Some of the best I've had. They weren't as dry as they are at some other places I've tried them at. We'll definitely be back. In fact, we made a reservation on the way out to come back for my boyfriend's birthday to do the suckling pig special. With 4 days notice and at least 10 people, you get a whole pig at market price! Can't wait. So I'm thinking the breakdown of Cuban food in Hoboken goes something like this: this place blows Havana Cafe out of the water with food, and if you're looking for a down and dirty, quick good Cuban dinner, go to La Isla. This place is the real deal for a fun night and upscale ambiance with amazing food. Can't wait to come back!
(5)Idania D.
I had heard of The Cuban and we randomly ended up there on a Friday night. We got there around 7pm and were seated in the zebra romm in the back. I like this room for it's decor and intimate setting, as there are three rooms plus the loft bar upstairs. Our server was pleasant and the service was good. We decided on doing a tasting of appetizers which worked out well. For drinks, my husband wound up having 3 mojitos, obviously they were authentic and excellent. Appetizers: Calabaza -Roasted kabocha, crispy goat cheese, toasted almond,arugula, pumpkin sherry vinaigrette - unique combination and very good. Empaniditas -Chicken fricasse, chard tomatillo, onion vinaigrette. Great stuffing, not greasy. Masitas con tamal en cazuela- this was definitely taken up a notch with a very crispy, thin onion topping and "short rib like" pork chunks. Bacalao a La Vizcaina -Salted cod fish, onion tomato stew, sweet corn cake, sunny egg. This dish was absolutely delicious and well presented. Of course, as a true Cuban, I had to try the black beans / white rice and maduros. All good. After being so stuffed, my husband deicides to try the Frituras-Lightly fried dough filled with guava and cheese, salted caramel, citrus chocolate sauces. They were excellent. At that point, I was overstuffed and beyond. Read about the suckling pig from other Yelp contributors, that sounds interesting and worth a try (minimum of 10 people). The Cuban offers ambiance and upscale Cuban Cuisine. Reminds me of Patria and Calle Ocho in NYC. Worth a visit.
(4)Mark L.
Ah, the Yelper's dilemma, why no 4.5 stars? This is a four-point-five restaurant with a five-point-oh happy hour. First of all, I'm not Cuban and know nothing of the food so this is a restaurant review not a Cuban restaurant review. That being said, I really loved almost all the food. There was a braised pork shank on the menu and I love lamb and veal shank so I gave it a try. I thought it was amazing. Full of flavor and richness and absolutely tender and moist. I'm a salt lover and there was no salt on the table which I thought was weird but though the dish was in no way salty, it had such a richness of flavoring that even for me, no added salt was needed. My co-diner had a skirt steak that was also fantastic. It was called twice cooked, and we were a little leery since we both like our steak barely cooked and were expecting, well we didn't know what to expect but lets give it a try. This dish too was excellent. It came out rare as requested, tender and again, seasoned so well. It was great! Again, not salty but richly seasoned. We also tried a ceviche special and that was just okay, The sauce it was in over-powered the delicate flavor of the shrimp and scallops. This was the only hiccup of the night. Service was nice and attentive, great young lady at the bar and a very nice manager who we spent a little time talking to. This place is not cheap but not expensive either. Well worth the price and portioning was not glutenous but more than adequate. We sat in the back so it was quiet and fairly empty but upon leaving we saw that the front was full and had a nice vibe. Outdoor dining was also full though it was a little nippy outside. As to the happy hour, if that's your thing then give this place a try. Five dollar drink menu and five dollar apps and tapas type things. We tried the empanadas, very good. and the Cuban sandwich which was delicious and a steal at five dollars. The two combined would have been a great meal for ten bucks. And a really nice bar tender. .....let's see, if I get on the PATH now, I can be in Hoboken by........
(5)Claudia G.
The ambiance is great and the appetizers we selected really hit the mark (tamale, wings, empanaditas, bocadillos). They have a very nice full bar and we were all happy with our drinks. The dinner entrees were decent but let a lot to be desired (ropa vieja, vaca frita, pollo criollo). I enjoyed my visit but probably would not venture here again for dinner.
(3)Lola G.
This used to be Nine and the setup inside is the same (no complaints, the set up was always nice). The food here is really good. And the bartender makes great drinks. I fell upon this place after work and would be a regular if I lived there.
(4)Lisa V.
Awesome atmosphere. Serrano ham salad, garlic shrimp, fish special. All DELICIOUS! Great service :)
(4)Michael B.
Some of the best food I ever had in Hoboken. Was really shocked at how big the establishment is, with so much room in the back that you just could not see from the street. The atmosphere is a little trendy/loud, really good for groups who want to eat and then continue their night out in Hoboken. As for the most important part of our experience, the food, it was incredible. Would absolutely come here again and recommend to people.
(5)Ashley M.
not bad food but wasn't impressed- over rated and over priced if you want cuban food go to La Isla (amazing!!) or Cucharamma (cant spell it correctly haha)
(2)Aly Y.
Went there for dinner tonight (a Monday). Open-air front with a few tables outside. Since they wouldn't seat us until our entire party arrived, we sat at the bar and had $5 mojitos and several yummy appetizers like fried plantain chips, guacamole, crab salad and grilled octopus. When our entire party was complete, we were given a table in one of the back rooms. There appears to be 3 separate dining areas in the back - one on the same level as the front of the restaurant, another a few steps down and another upstairs which is where the restrooms are located. In the room where we were seated, there were 2 other larger parties which made for a noisy dinner. The room did not seem to have any noise dampening material - we could barely hear the server describe some of the dishes, let alone hearing our own conversations. Service was fine - our water glasses were promptly replenished. Food continued to impress. The charrascos (skirt steak) were tasty, nicely charred and a nice portion. The dish came with yuca fries, a nice change from potato fries, and a nice salad. The paella valencia was not as big as the paella we had the other night at El Quijote in New York City but it satisfied. The pork shank was fine. Desserts were pretty good as well. We had the torta de chocolata, creme brulee and tres leche (small portion; could have eaten twice the amount served!) All in all, we enjoyed the service and food and the quiet when the other parties finally left.
(4)H N.
Had dinner here today... great service, and the food is good, with a twist on classic cuban. Empanaditas made of shredded and not ground beef; Ceviche in a green cilantro sauce instead of the usual tomato, outstanding! Strongly recommend the Bacaloa (black cod with yuca puree and seafood escabeche) as well. I had a taste of the Ropa Vieja, which was good too, but the black cod was better. For dessert I resisted my chocoholic tendencies and had the Frituras (an unlikely sounding but amazing) combination of guava and cheese fitters with two dipping sauces (chocolate and salty caramel). Yum! Will be going back. Oh, and the half-pitcher of red sangria is three glasses and not sweet. Lovely.
(5)Matthew B.
This place gets it right all around. The drinks are fantastic. The paella is amazing. My wife got the NY Strip with crap meat and it was cooked perfectly. The crab guac is a great way to start the meal. This is my favorite restaurant in Hoboken. Better than any Cuban food I've had in Manhattan.
(5)John M.
My girl and I met Dr Dre here for a few cocktails and appetizers on Saturday afternoon. The spot is cool as hell. Great decor. Great Cuban music. We got some seriously good grub for real cheap. Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, sliders. They were all great. The Cuban has a very cool lounge area in the back, and another sweet bar upstairs. I'm definitely going to return here for a full sit down dinner at some point. I wonder if the place gets rowdy late night with salsa dancing?????
(4)J C.
One of my two favorite restaurants in Hoboken (the other is Anthony David's). This is a newcomer and I'm so glad they opened up! First, the drinks are amazing. I had a blueberry mojito special that was so good I always hope they'll have it again when I go. My boyfriend loves El Macho (not just because of the name haha)...it has a really nice spicy flavor. If you're looking for something light and refreshing, the sangria is solid and the rosada is AMAZING- a sparkling bev with strawberries and guava, umm yes please! Next, I HAVE to comment on the bread. Soooo good. I think it's called yuca bread and it has cheese baked into the dough. I saw a couple reviews that commented the bread was "weird" or not baked through- well that's because it's not typical bread! It's so much better than typical bread... I've been for dinner a bunch of times. The empanadas appetizer is very good (3 different kinds) and the pulpo is amazing. For entrees, the pollo criollo is a MUST and a highlight of the menu. The rope vieja and vaca frita are both amazing as well. I've tried a couple of the fish entrees as well and they were all good. (Yes, I've been here quite a few times). Went for brunch once recently with the fam and the overall consensus was that mostly everything was great as usual...but I actually ordered the only dish I've ever been disappointed in at the Cuban. I ordered El Barrio and I don't know if this is how it's supposed to be made but it was basically like black bean soup with a sunny egg and the other ingredients floating in it. A huge bowl of beans and not much else to go along with it? Not my thing. Although their beans are quite good. I like the ambiance and how there is a bar room in the front and more of a dining room in the back. A man who I assume to be the owner is omnipresent--you can tell he runs a tight ship but hey, can't argue with the delicious results. I will definitely be back again and again, but most likely for dinner rather than brunch. For brunch I'll hit up Anthony David's!
(4)Rachelle G.
Absolutely loved this place the food was great, service was excellent. Great date place...We will definetly be back.
(5)Mar P.
Again, not impressed with the food. I think their presenation is much better than the effort that goes into the cooking of these dishes. Their very-fruity-white sangria is very good BUT its half simple syrup and half whatever nonsense they put in there to keep you drinking it....nice trick. I will come back here, maybe not for dinner...but straight to the bar. :)
(3)Ricky A.
high end Cuban cuisine & great decor...not to be missed...do yourself a favor and try the Oxtail (its accually beef)...to be honest there is nothing on the menu that isn't a home run...try it you won't be sorry...say hello to Luis (owner) he'll make you feel right at home...yeehaa!!
(5)Maylyn S.
Met the boyfriend after our shifts for happy hour. We chose the bar, checked in- redeemed a free mojito! The joys being a Yelper! Several delicious tapas to chose from.. Mussels, empanadas, papa rellenas, mini cuban burgers, chicken ! The bartender was such a sweetheart who let us try their new promo for Cruzan rum. We told her exactly what kind of drinks we liked and made our happy hour more enjoyable! They have Passionfruit! Happy hour was fun! Can't wait to come back for dinner
(4)Adam G.
The Cuban is a comfortable place for a drink or dinner. The wait staff are pleasant, and the dining room and bar are both quite clean. The atmosphere is less Caribbean and more local pub, though the dark red walls do give it a touch of a French bordello feel. The cocktails are well made, balanced and consistent. The bar staff is a bit of a mixed bag. On my visit, one bartender was very attentive and efficient, while the other seemed more concerned with chatting up the kitchen staff, being on the phone, or watching the television over the bar. The bar menu is quite nice; a good mix of lighter and heartier fair. The pulpetas (Cuban meatloaf served here as meatballs) is rich and earthy with wild mushrooms piled on top. The mix of mushrooms, pickled shallot and truffle oil combined with The Cuban's particular blend of cumin, smoked paprika and oregano seasoning in the meatballs themselves is definitely a curious combination. My date was less kind in her assessment, likening the flavour to that of a certain part of the male anatomy. Oh well. The chorizo is nicely spiced, not overly laden with oil, and paired well with onions and peppers. The shrimp ceviche, served in a tall glass, is well prepared, though definitely a bit fussy. The flavours quickly became muddled and not even the unseasoned plantain chips that accompanied it could help settle the palate. Perhaps the star of the menu is the watercress salad. It is a delightful mix of (obviously) watercress with other fresh veggies, avocado, some fresh mint and cilantro and dices of mango. The presentation is attractive, with the entire salad constrained in a sash of thinly sliced cucumber, and lightly topped with a vinaigrette that is not at all overpowering. While perhaps not the golden fleece of Latin cuisine in Hoboken, The Cuban is an excellent choice for a relaxed, cozy - even intimate - experience.
(3)Lili K.
This place is a LOT bigger than it looks! I kinda like restaurants like that, haha. I got the 3 course pre-fixe for $25 sunset special (when you come Mon-Thurs from 4-7pm). I had: -the avocado salad: good amount of avocados, yum! -grilled skirt steak: tasted a bit off...could only eat 1/3 of it -tres leches: i liked the chocolate whipped cream Btw, free mojito with a yelp check in! Now THAT was delicious.
(3)Crisan M.
the food was absolutely amazing ! i had the steak with fried okra and water crest salad . DELISHHHH ! the drinks are out of this world. Its nice and quiet with a very exclusive feel to it. my entire experience was amazing. i will definitely be going back and attempting to try every thing on the menu. I wouldn't say it is an inexpensive restaurant, but you do get your money worth from service to food , drinks and everything your looking for in a full service restaurant.
(5)Tiffany H.
The seating and service was prompt, the waiter was helpful and the food & drinks were yummy! Recommendation: Try the Cuban Guacamole & the Red Wine Sangria.
(4)Melissa V.
I absolutely love this place.... It's amazing foods Gd drinks are awesome it's a great date night place...
(5)Mike M.
Wow great restaurant. The atmosphere is classy and festive and the food is fantastic. Coming back here definitely
(5)Bloss C.
Free check-in drink was STRONG and very tasty! Loved the sugar cane stick in it. Service was ok. Not rude or anything, but a little pushy. I enjoyed my food more than my companion who did not like the seafood ceviche mixto appetizer and thought the Ropa Vieja entree was only ok. I loved my shrimp entree.... the shrimp was juicy, garlicky, and well cooked and the green (cilantro) rice was off-the-hook good. I would definitely come back here for drinks and shrimp, but everything else I'm not sure about. Price wise drinks are moderately priced and food is expensive. Also the bathrooms were weird and did not smell proper.
(4)Dan C.
One of the best restaurants in Hoboken-- consistently, since it opened. Just love this place. The owner/manager is there from opening to close, 7 days a week, it seems. And it truly shows. Service is timely, attentive, friendly, overall- excellent. Restaurant has great decor, ambiance, etc. Food is fantastic. Weve been here quite a bit, and I've never had less than a fantastic experience. Love The Cuban!!
(5)Melanie B.
Two visits in the last 2 weeks - brunch and a dinner date. The food is excellent always - brunch I had eggs Benedict with the skirt steak on English muffin. For dinner we had a special salmon tar tar app, mahi special, and a regular menu steak dish. It is such a gem in Hoboken. Besides the food being special, the service gets them that 5th star. The servers I had were so nice, and not that fake nice like in other places. You can tell they enjoy the restaurant and want it to succeed and ensure happy guests. The drinks, app, entree were timed perfectly. Recommend for a weekend brunch or dinner date and hope to go back again soon!
(5)Jolene P.
Nice restaurant, good for groups and weekend outings. A little too dark for my taste, but nicely complements the mood of the place. Service was very good, engaging, and prompt. Ordered sangria and mojitos, both good, but preferred the mojito. The sangria tasted too similar to wine, and kinda lacked the fruity taste. The food was great, portions were huge. My husband ordered the churrasco, and loved it! It was juicy and a great cut of meat. I ordered the criollo chicken. It was also very good and came with a side of a fusion rice that had sweet plantain chunks among other things. My only complaint with the chicken is that it had the skin on it, which personally I hate, especially because of the slimy texture. Bottom line: good food, service, and ambiance.
(4)Jonathan M.
I really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere here. I'll definitely be going back. The space was deceptively large. When you first walk into the place, you think there's just a bar area with 15 two person tables. However, just walking further back there's a whole other room that has multiple levels with plenty of additional tables. We ordered the Churrasco and the Vaca Frita and a pitcher of the house sangria. I was thoroughly impressed with both the taste, and the presentation of both meals. The wait staff was very attentive, continually coming around to top off the water and the sangria glasses. The hardest part was deciding which meals to try. Looks like I'll be back again to try something new!
(5)Stefanie L.
Their brunch options are great. I had the skirt steak which was good but my faves were the lump crab guacamole w/ plantain chips & the sparkling sangria. Looking forward to coming back for dinner!
(4)Adam C.
I've come here twice with my wife, and both times the service is impeccable. We have a 2 year old so we don't get to dine out very often anymore, especially just the two of us. I took my wife here on saturday for her birthday, and they hit the mark yet again. The food was delicious, but the service was outstanding. I never felt smothered but I also never lacked anything. My wife is gluten and dairy free, and this restaurant really isn't an issue. I love it, and I'm sure you will too. Caveat to some folks like me. I've seen a couple reviews on here about how its loud and so on. The restaurant is in downtown Hoboken, and is very popular, it's going to be loud. That being said, I asked to sit in the back and planned my reservation on the earlier side to make sure that happened, and we didn't have a problem.
(5)Janine W.
Three times is a charm at The Cuban - I wanted to revisit this lovely establishment before writing just to be triple sure! Boy they did not disappoint. My favorite drink in the world, the Washington Avenue is the best way to start any meal. A slight kick from the pepper infused tequila, slightly tart from the juice but smooth going down. I have to say my favorite meal thus far is the CHURRASCO which consists of the most fabulously succulent grilled skirt steak, Cuban yuca fries, watercress salad, chimichurri. AMAZING. There is also a great wine selection. I like the vibe of this place, happening, cool but not too loud. Since it is warmer they have seating outside or inside with the doors open.
(5)Lew W.
Not as impressed as others about this place. They rush you through, and we actually had to repeatedly stop them from taking our plates while we were still eating. We had 2 rounds of drinks, appetizers, main, and dessert, and we were out of the restaurant less than an hour after we walked in! Service and food, beyond that, were decent, but I won't go back to a restaurant that clears the plates from our table as soon as I've taken my last bite of each course. We wanted to dine, not just eat.
(2)David S.
This place was awesome in every way. Convient location on Washington and a short walk from the path and train stations. Walking in the restaurant looks tiny and I was a little concerned that we were going to be squished and eating on top of each other but the front area is just the bar seating and the restaurant opens up toward the back. Very cool feeling, different levels, different chairs and tables, and nicely decorated. Really felt like someone put some thought into the design of this spot and worked with the space. I checked in as I always do and received a FREE mojito. If you didn't have me at hello, you sure do now. Service was on point. Polite, attentive, accomodating, and knowledgeable of the menu and all its offereings. Food was GREAT. The roasted chicken was tender and juicy and the lump crab guac was a great way to start. Definately coming back here. They also offer a happy hour and a late night menu.
(5)T W.
In a town over run by bars and grills, it's nice to have a restaurant offering menu options other than wings and burgers. Good for both couples and groups, the ambiance is trendy enough without appearing to try too hard. The food is good, in that it is consistently well cooked and flavorful. However, do not come here if you are looking for inspirational dishes. The Cuban does well because it knows itself, and knows that sticking to standard cuban fare and cooking it well is the best MO. Because I love tapas I tend to order a bunch of appetizers in place of an entree (and in doing so usually end up spending more and having too much food, lol). I recommend the crab guacamole, the mussels, duck fries, the dates... really anything on the appetizer menu! Friends had the rope vieja, surf and turf and pork flank. For reviews all around.
(4)Melissa M.
I have been wanting to go to this place since it opened! Finally got the chance to do brunch here. My friend got the Ropa Vieja which came with rice and beans and I ordered the vaca frita which came with rice and beans. The waiter actually switched our orders - we didnt realize it until the end when we talked about our dishes and then asked the waiter - but im glad he did because the ropa vieja was delicious and the vaca frita was dry. I thought it would be in skirt steak form but it was in the same form as the ropa vieja except without the sauce. Rice and beans were delicious. I made a reservation for brunch at 2:30pm same day (I called around noon). We got seated right away, the restaurant is very nice. Staff is great! We had 2 pitchers of the red sangria (the special with watermelon) it was delicious and strong. and they did not rush us at all after we finished eating and ordered another pitcher. Great place!
(4)Hea S.
Definately great food! We loved it here. Friendly staff great service. First time in Hoboken and this place gave us a great first impression!!! We shall be back!
(4)Dennie C.
The Cuban is one of the best restaurants in Hoboken and that is saying a lot considering the quality of food options in the area. As the name suggests, the restaurant offers Cuban cuisine but it's really more Latin/fusion than just traditional Cuban which you can find nearby at La Isla (another great restaurant on Washington St.). The restaurant is beautiful inside and is warm and elegant and the service is impeccable. The food is delicious and it was delightful to order familiar Cuban dishes but to get more modern, refined versions of the classics such as Ropa Viejo and Vaca Frita. As I mentioned earlier, the Cuban is Latin fusion so you'll also find great versions of Latin classics such as ceviche, empanadas, etc...
(5)Eliana G.
As we're getting seated we get told we can't eat there because of the attire that my boyfriend was wearing (a cut off shirt) so why did the guy in the front attend us and take us in in the first place?!
(1)Giselle R.
Cuba esta 'Bacan' para 'Afincar' con tus ' Aseres'. I'm loving this place. Happy hour is pretty awesome. Pisco Sours, mojitos, sangria and a few others with some top shelf alcohol at $5 doesn't make me feel cheap but frugal for finding a place that isnt scamming me but providing me with a bargain, a true happy hour. I wound up having a half pitcher of sangria after a Pisco Sour, because I can drink like that and it was even more economical. It was very tasty, nice kick, yummy fruits. I wound up not even finishing the whole thing because crawling out of the restaurant was not on my agenda. The bar menu includes empanadas,I had the veggie, which were tasty and mussels that were rich and a decent size, especially great at $5. The staff is fantastic.Warm, attentive and very friendly. I stayed for dinner and had the paella. This was not my favorite dish as I found it to be very watery, more like an asopado and had an unusual flavor that I couldn't pinpoint. Not bad just not what I am used to or like. I'm used to arroz bomba that makes a socarrat and a heaping portion.It really was very very small for the price point. But you know, I like what I like. The manager heard me yapping up the bartender as one is want to do when alone at a bar and sent over a desert and after dinner digestive on the house because it was my BDAY, which was a really nice touch. Gracias. Clearly this place is on my go to Happy Hour list, nay, dare I say vying for the top of my list? Yes, yes I dare say it. I will definitely return, time and again to try different things on the dinner menu as well and I have a feeling once I do I'm going to be bumping them up to five stars, for sure or should I say "Claro que si!"
(4)Nancy R.
Excellent special sangria and the guacamole with crabmeat and plantains is great. Loved the ambiance and service.
(4)Vineet S.
I am a big lover of authentic Cuban food and this spot did not disappont us. I have been here a couple of times for drinks and finally tried food during my last visit. The place is quite big with ample seating across the bar in the first section and they have a section in the back with two levels and it looks very fancy. On sundays it is half off all appetizers, for $5 bucks one gets delicious appetizers which can one share with friends. We had the El Cubano and Empanadas. El Cubano was so delicious and empanadas were also tasty. The staff behind the bar was friendly and courteous. Definitely coming back herr for dinner soon and to enjoy live salsa music on thursday nights. FYI - Yelp check in get you that delish Mojito.
(4)Sasha G.
Live salsa? Check! $5 mojito specials? Check! Small palm trees to set the ambiance? Check! Pretty Latina waitress? Check! Intense conversation with my date? Check! The Cuban is intimate and not at the same time; very difficult to pull off. The service is a bit overwhelming but I did appreciate my water glass always being full. The place is huge, the bar is sleek, and the two-man salsa band was a nice touch. We did come here under the impression that there would be salsa dancing (Salsa dancing? Hell yes. Sign me up!) but no dancing occurred. Boo hoo. The band was there for the lovers at the front who wished to listen to music as they ate and swayed in their seat. I always feel strange listening to music and just sitting but I guess it helped me seduce my date who fell for my every move. Hypnotism at its finest. *cue creepy hypnotist voice* Youuuuu will nowwwww telllll me the truthhhhh; do you have any kids? Anyway, my salmon dish was good. My date's strange obsession with sandwiches was fulfilled with their very awesome Cuban sandwich. Kind of sandwich that would incite an obsession in any one. I will certainly come back here! but I think they should definitely implement some salsa dancing night of some sort-- a bailar!
(4)Phil M.
This was my 1st time having Cuban food. We made reservations and showed up an hour late and they still went out of their way to seat us quickly. They have a great selection of drinks like various mojitos, cuba libre, sangrias and very large wine list. Mojitos are $8 to $10 each but very good and strong. You get your money's worth in liqour content. Had octopus appetizer which was amazing, best tasting octopus I've had in Jersey. For diner my date ordered the oxtail which was also amazing. My Vaca Fritas steak dish was very tasty maybe a little overcooked but that is sort of the style of the dish. All the employees were nice and attentive with their service even though it was pretty busy. The atmosphere is cool and romantic. Definitely a place worth visiting when your in Hoboken.
(5)Michael D.
The place is nice, though why advertise live music if only the diners in the front part of the restaurant can enjoy it? Food is bland and overpriced, as are the drinks. I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that New Jersey, with it's vast multi-cultural population, and with it's proximity to the ocean and vast farmland, is serious lacking in quality restaurants.
(2)