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90 Miles Cuban Café
Categories: Restaurants Cuban Restaurants Sandwiches Cuban, Sandwiches [Edit]
3101 N Clybourn Ave(between Barry Ave & Oakley Ave)
Chicago, IL 60618
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village
(773) 248-2822
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 8 am - 8 pm
Fri-Sat 8 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
442 reviews for 90 Miles Cuban Café
Review Highlights
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"I think they have the best Ropa Vieja in the city." In 55 reviews -
"I had the media noche sandwich, which was awesome." In 31 reviews -
"Delicious Cubano sandwich, and excellent coffee." In 96 reviews
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441 reviews in English
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Review from Kyle K.
My sister-in-law brought me to this unassuming Cuban restaurant, and I'm sure glad she did!
The food was fresh, the hot sauce spicy, and the empanadas were out of this world. The ropa vieja was the standout -- saucy, a little sweet, and exploding with awesome flavors. The beef and the chorizo are certainly recommended.
For desert I had the cascos de guyaba. I guess I didn't believe the description of Guava shells with cream cheese and crackers... but that's what it was. Tasty guava pieces surrounding a fistfull of plain-ol' cream cheese, with saltines stuck into it. I can't say it was my favorite desert of all time, but there's something homey about it that I suppose would be compelling.
All-in-all though, a great experience. Friendly, helpful servers. BYOB (we brought two beers and weren't charged a corkage fee), outdoors-indoors atmosphere, and awesome food. -
Review from Cara T.
Chicago, IL
Holy crap. We love 90 Miles.
The first time I tried this place I did all the specials and had a fantastic experience. The appetizer special was a coconut shrimp with a dipping sauce. My husband and I randomly still talk about eating this dish. "Remember that coconut shrimp at 90 miles?" "Oh man, I could have just drank that sauce." We have this conversation on a regular basis.
I also had a pork shank for the first time. Where has that been all my life? It was tender and falling off the bone. Served with spinach and sweet potatoes. Very flavorful.
The calamari with marinara was tasty and I really want to try the Cubano sandwich.
I love the lounge place they have for you to wait. It's cozy and intimate. You can actually have a conversation and start your night as opposed to standing around and waiting outside. -
Review from Linda H.
Went here today for a late lunch, and glad we got there at an odd time since I had no idea how teeny-tiny the place was. There is a small parking lot that had plenty of spots available, so that was good.
Staff was super friendly and helpful as I ordered a Cuban sandwich, Ropa Vieja dinner, goat cheese empanada, mango and mamey (never heard of that, but counter girl suggested it) shakes.
We were lucky enough to get two of the 10(ish) stools in there. It would kinda suck to go there and order food and not be able to sit down and eat it.
Food came out quickly. Presentation was fine, and food was excellent. I've never had a Cuban sandwich and it was yum, but I think a few more plantain chips would've been good...there were like 8 small chips on the side. Ropa Vieja was really great, served with rice, black beans, and plantains. The empanada was smallish for the price and we got beef instead of goat cheese as ordered, so bummer, but we ate anyway it and it was tasty.
They aren't giving anything away here...$32 for lunch, so it was a bit pricey considering the small space. Nothing against a dive-y place, but they don't even have a bathroom. I suppose it would be nice to sit outside there, but again, there's the bathroom thing.
Since the food was so great I would love to go back, but I would try the other location which looks like it has more seating...like a regular restaurant. I'm sure I will be craving that Ropa Vieja sooner than later... -
Review from Christos K.
Harwood Heights, IL
i really want to like this place but after my 3rd visit i decided NOT to come back again.
This place looks really cool, small and cozy, you feel you are not in Chicago! Good food choices, BYOB is a plus, outdoor sitting.
1st time I came here, the food was excellent but then I had to run in the bathroom for No 2. I have eaten to many places over my 28 years and this never happened to me before. I wasn't going to come back but the 2nd time I came here was with a group of friends that wanted to try this place. Whatever. 2nd time around, the sandwich I had was just ok, the goat cheese empanadas are the best here and the exotic drinks, the calamari was the most HORRIBLE calamari I ever tried in my life! And to top it off I paid nearly 40$ for something I didn't enjoy. Yeap, the food here is expensive! Also, this place doesn't even have a washroom for their costumers. isn't this illegal?
There is no reason for me to come back here again. -
Review from Janet E.
We were in the area and thought we'd stop by to pick up some food. The restaurant has its own private parking lot which helped us because the traffic during after work rush hour was crazy.
The restaurant itself is super cute from the outside. The artwork is clever and fun to look at. The inside was a lot smaller than I had expected. It is only counter window seating and can sit about 5-6 people max. The rest is standing room only.
I placed an order of the ropa vieja dinner to go. It came with white rice, beans, maduro (ripe plantains) and super tender and wonderfully flavored shredded beef in creole sauce. I highly recommend it! One of the best ropa vieja's I've tasted (next to the one's I've had in Florida where many Cubans are). I also got an order of the bread pudding. It came with a cream dressing on the side (which I was not a fan of) but the bread pudding was super good!
Service was great and really friendly. Prices were reasonable at about $12 for the dinner. They offer the ropa vieja on a sandwich as well for about $7. So glad we were in the neighborhood to try this place! -
Review from Jen O.
Chicago, IL
Very tasty! I had the Cuban sandwich and took half of it home for lunch the next day. The guy behind the counter was very helpful in making suggestions if you weren't familiar with Cuban food. I've tried to go back a few times with my boyfriend but it has been packed and we were too hungry to wait. For sure going back though!
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Review from Jessica A.
Chicago, IL
I thought that the food was awesome and the staff was great. Will go back!
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Review from Rita W.
My BF and I went here for a late lunch on Saturday. For 2pm in the afternoon there was still quite a pretty sizable crowd there but the line moved quickly and after we placed our order we were able to find a seat outside pretty easily. I ordered the pork sandwich and my BF ordered the beef sandwich and we decided to share a chorizo empanada.
Our sandwiches came with a drink for an extra dollar - def worth it! I had a con leche coffee - it was so yummy and a very nice surprise since I had just expected black coffee. I really liked my sandwich - the pork was very moist and tender and the plaintains were also a nice touch. I could have used a little more flavor in the sandwich but I put some of the homemade hot sauce that came with our empanda and it did the trick. The bread was nicely toasted.
I also really like our chorizo empanada - it was heavily deep fried and came out nice and hot and it was cheesy and chorizo packed.
Very affordable sandwich place and since its close to our apartment, I will be back for more! -
Review from Stacy K.
Chicago, IL
According to Yelp you don't need a reservation. Apparently you do....noted, I'm now waiting a hour and a half for a table and it's only 7:40 :( not cool.
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Review from august b.
Chicago, IL
Dare I say i found a gem, hidden on the dirty Cly...yes. Came to waste time as my cat was getting her blood work and ultrasound done...so I had an hour. The cat's kidneys were a tad small, adrenals need some help, spleen is large, she has anemia which they still aren't sure if why...But yeah the Cuban place. No complaints, i like the small size, kinda old school. This is the kinda place Ricky Ricardo would take Lucy to after swinging to his the sounds of his band all night, and lil Ricky...back to food. I drank two shakes which were great, cured my hangover...And had the lunch special. Prices were competitive...15 dollars for me...ten's about average after taxes etc. I would go back and back and back
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Review from Rebekah H.
Chicago, IL
Previously I would have given this place 4 stars but I feel there are some issues with consistency with them.
The empanadas are great, full of flavor but are kinda small and expensive and they kinda skimp on the chimichurri sauce now. They used to give you a huge tub or forget it altogether!
Don't waste your time on the Snickers one, you are better off waiting for summer and getting a deep fried snicker at Ribfest!
We tried the Grouper soup and it was a super fishy smelling and tasting mess, most of it went into the trash.
I like their steak with Chimichurri sauce but I think it is more for the sauce than the steak!
All in all, the food is good and the service is great you just will have some trial and error with some of the food. -
Review from Roxanne R.
Chicago, IL
Nomma Nomma Nomma this place is delicious. If you're craving a sandwich, avoid those regular cold cut sandwich joints and come here instead.
I went here on Sunday and had a Cuban, El Bistec, beef embpanada, and tostones. The sandwiches are less than $7 but for a around a buck more you can get a pop on the side or cafe con lech.
The meat, veggie, bread ratio was all good. Not too much meat or bread, all deliciousness. Also, they come with fried plaintain chips very crispy and not v. oily. The tostones were a good size, like the size of a coaster and not too thick. I agree with another reviewer, I think they should add more garlic sauce. Also, I wish the steak in the bistec sandwich had a bit more flavor it was a little bland.
The place is small and only has about 10 stools. Not a real good dine in experience.
All in all a solid meal and I'll definitely come back. mmmm good -
Review from George A.
Chicago, IL
Had a great sandwich there, I will go back for sure!
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Review from CC R.
Chicago, IL
horrible, horrible, horrible service first time there will be my last, 90 miles needs to change their wait staff, it was shut down by the city for a while, you think during that time they would have trained their wait staff. for $7.00 you think they would have added more thatn 3 strips ofchiken to my salad.
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Review from Michelle C.
Chicago, IL
This is what happens when you find a solid ethnic restaurant. I haven't tried everything on the menu, but I have never EVER been dissatisfied with a meal from here. Delicious delicious delicious!
Hello? Maduros for breakfast!!!! -
Review from Michael R.
Chicago, IL
90 mile cafe ME LIKIE! They have some pretty tasty sandwiches there papa rellanes are pretty good. The soup was super salty but ok HMM I dont know I'm a big lover of Hispanic non Mexican good Puerto rican Cuban south american etc., and i have not reveiwed many of the GREAT puerto rican cuban places i have been to because i have just started yelping. So with that said this place is just ok. The quality is Excellent its a very small and clean place threre ropa vieja was really good there cuban sandwich was ok. My brother likes this place a lot so i have been there a couple times.Overall its good its clean and the prices are alright. A little over hyped but the food id good. HAPPY EATS PEEPS!
P.S. Cuban coffee THATS A HUGE WAKE UP COFFEE! EYES WIDE SHUT! -
Review from Jessica N.
Chicago, IL
People are going to hate me for this, and I kinda hate myself for this, too.....but 90 Miles Cuban Cafe doesn't live up to the hype for me. Granted I've only tried a few things so I'm definitely willing to come back and give it another try.
Media Noche and Cubano - the meat is soo skimpy and thin in these sandwiches! Also not particularly flavorful.....
Tostones were good but they needed more garlic sauce! I always have fond memories of some of my fav cuban places in NYC where they give you a full jar of sauce on the table - I needed more of that!
Will come back and try some of the other platters to see if it will change my feelings. -
Review from Virginia T.
Chicago, IL
I love Cuban food but had yet to try 90 miles. It isn't too far from my office so I stopped in last week for a late, dine-in lunch.
I had the bistec sandwich, my husband had the media noche and we split the croquettes and a pastillita (guava & cheese). Total was $22. The croquettes were good. They only had one version, which seemed to be ham. I had no complaints about the media noche, and the only thing that could have improved the Bistec would be more chimichurri but that is like liquid, green, crack to me. The pastillita was good, but I would have preferred a little more filling. Don't take me being nit-picky wrong....this place is great.
The staff was really awesome: patient, courteous and even offered up some recommendations.
I will most definitely be back (and will try the Lechon likely- pork and sweet plantains on a sandwich.....yes!)Listed in: Sammiches
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Review from Pascal M.
What happend? How did I get burned?
I had the highest expectations for 90 miles. All my fellow yelpers had given this place head over heals reviews.
The coffee was awesome. But the sandwich was nothing to rave about. I didnt think the flavor or assembly was mind blowing in any way. Their prices are generous, since they do deliver a nice looking and great smelling sandwich. Plus a lot of places try to take you for a ride over anything they can.
I need to give 90 miles another go, because everytime I pass the place I yell at them in my car. I know, i'm a child... -
Review from Dan S.
Evanston, IL
We went there before a Bull's game so we were on a tight schedule. The server was great; efficient and speedy. He suggested good items and kept us on track. The food was very good and reasonably priced. It's a BYOB place so I am looking forward to going back with a bottle of libations and more time to spend.
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Review from Laura P.
One word: Tostones. If you don't know what they are then you won't even know when they are done right. Had daily special: Bistec with Tostones and a salad. The salad was blah but as expected. The steak was really good, the cut of meat was bad but however they cooked it made it better. Wish I would have had it in a sandwich instead of covered in grilled onions but now I know better....
Wanted an order of Tostones to go....yes, they are that good. -
Review from Kennen M.
Chicago, IL
We were on our way to get some Mediterranean food when this little place caught our eye. We quickly jerked into the parking lot to give it a try and we are so glad we did. This little Cuban shack serves up large portions of fabulousness. The flash fried pork and plantains were crazy great. Even better was a large basket of fried yucca - oh yeah!!!!
Don't expect table serve, let alone a table. This tiny joint is decorated cutely and has the nicest counter girl you could ever ask for. -
Review from Fe T.
Chicago, IL
cheap, tasty sandwiches. I can't comment on authenticity, since I am not qualified. But l live not far from here and this place is always crowded because the food is just simply so fresh and so well seasoned.
during summer, sitting at the tables outside and listening to cuban music will add to your typical meal this latina relaxing feel ... it makes you forget about the busy city you are living in ... -
Review from Courtney W.
Chicago, IL
I am in love with this place! After reading reviews on Yelp I couldn't help by drag my boyfriend along to try it out. I'm from South Florida, so I know good Cuban food when I taste it. I had my doubts about great Cuban food in Chicago but this place completely changed my mind. Of course I wanted to try everything so here is my take on this true neighborhood gem.
My boyfriend and I started with beef empanadas. Can you say amazing? It was the best empanada I've ever had. It also comes with this delectable green dipping sauce. I order the Bistec meal which comes with rice, beans, and fried plantains. The skirt steak was wonderful and the grilled onions only added to the flavor. The beans were magnificent and the rice was cooked just right. The fried plantains were out of this world! I love plantains and I thought for sure that no one could do them as well as my beautiful Miami. I have never been happier to be proved wrong. My boyfriend ordered the Pollo sandwich which came with plantains chips. He also order papas fritas which were out of this world as well. The chicken was juicy and full of flavor. I couldn't believe how amazing this little hole in the wall was! I will be back for sure, to try the Pan Cubano.
I cannot wait to return! -
Review from Mike B.
I'm 20 miles away from this place and will be coming back all the time. Hell, I'll drive 90 miles just to score some of this stuff. They make the BEST cuban food I've ever had. Can I hire you guys to cook at my place? That would make my life a whole lot easier...And I'd save on gas.. just sayin.. but ill be back, and been spreading the word of this cuban-awesomeness
cheers -
Review from J B.
Chicago, IL
Five stars for the Cafe con Leche. If you are just grabbing some coffee and a pastelito this place is amazing.
If you are looking to eat Cuban food do not go to 90 miles.
The food is mediocre and not authentic cuban. Chimichurri sauce on steak? are you serious? The mojo on the Yuca was bland.
The service was as bad as the food.
If you want good cuban food go to
La Unica http://www.yelp.com/bi...
or Cafecito http://www.yelp.com/bi... -
Review from Matt R.
This place is BYOB, so bring some spiced rum and go nuts. My first cuban restaurant in Chicago turned out to be a smashing idea (thanks, Interwebs!). The food is awesome, especially compared to what we get in Milwaukee! One word of warning: all the portions are crazy big. I was hungry, got a bistec, and could not finish more than half of it.
The bistec (flash fried, stuffed with ham and cheese) came with a side of bread with garlic butter. The food was delicious and the music made the night. Then we went to go see Beirut at the Congress, making it a very worthwhile trip to the Windy City. -
Review from James L.
Chicago, IL
The only Cuban café I eat at because it's that good! I usually get the Cuban sandwich or the Bistec but I highly recommend the Cuban sandwich. The fries are also scrumptious! The smoothies are all good but give the mamey a try. It's a fruit that taste like a sweet potato and pumpkin (if you like those things). The price is very reasonable.
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Review from Cynthia E.
Sussex, WI
Stumbled across this place on a rainy Sunday. Was on my way to Irazu Costa Rican restaurant, but realized it was closed Sundays. Big BOO! Anyways, en route to Irazu 90 Miles Cuban Cafe caught my attention because of the amazingly arranged/large outdoor seating patio. As soon as I found out Irazu was closed I turned the car around and headed to "that Cuban place with the cute outdoor seating".
Overall: A-OK. Food was delicious. Meal prices were a little too high for my liking...especially since the original plan was to head to the more affordable Irazu but the food was good enough to satisfy my taste for a Latin steak sandwich and rice and beans. An appetizer and a meal made me full --- and I had enough leftover from my meal to take home. Also tried a Guanabana Tropical shake that was milky and tasty bursts of fruits.
The atmosphere was even better than the food! Loved how it was decorated inside and out -- which was my main attraction to it in the first place. I felt like I was taking a mini-vacay away from Chicago to a more tropical locale.
I'd come back here again when I'm looking to splurge more than my usual $10 for dinner on a Sunday night and with a bigger group than 2. Btw, it's BYOB -- if you want. -
Review from David R.
"Ooh, calamari for only five dollars? Score!"
No. No no no. A thousand times no. Clearly I should have known better.
What was described on the menu board as "big pieces of calamari with a zesty tomato sauce" was in fact a handful of tiny, limp, rubbery grey rings the size of my pinky finger, hidden inside a giant cup of tomato sauce. Now, it didn't actually taste terrible, but this was nowhere near a quality calamari dish (trust me, I'm a connoisseur). It was like a game of Bobbing for Squid Rings or the deep-sea trawling industry in miniature--dip in the fork, feel around for anything more solid than a tomato chunk, pull up the fork, and hope to come up with something like a calamari ring. I think that I got around ten or twelve of them in thirty or forty dives.
So stick with the sandwiches, which are still great, and for heaven's sake eschew the calamari and the empanadas.
I am inclined to drop them to three stars for the awful veggie empanada and the calamari misadventure, AND because they were out of ice (yes, ice!) and could not make any shakes. But those two sandwiches (lechon and veggie) were damn good, and the service is still top-notch. So I'm officially registering this one as 3.5 stars.Listed in: Calamari
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/25/2009
I had been wanting to try this joint and finally got my chance on Memorial Day, when our first… Read more »
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7/25/2009
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Review from Alex P.
Chicago, IL
I love the steak sandwich and iced cafe con leche!! Great neighborhood place that you can always count on.
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Review from Patricia K.
Chicago, IL
After taking in a matinee show, we headed to 90 Miles Cuban Cafe to sit in the sun (well, the shade but outside nonetheless) and order some good Cuban sandwiches.
I ordered the veggie sandwich and a guava/cheese empanada. I thought both were excellent. The sandwich was busting full of yummy veggies. I could only eat one half and even that was a struggle. I highly recommend that those with smaller tummies, try to find someone to split an order. I also splurged with the guava/cheese empanada, which was equally as awesome. Each bite had the right combination of flavor and texture. I was glad to have something with a different flavor profile to accompany the veggie sandwich.
The service was great. I went to grab a water bottle from the cooler but was quickly informed by the staff that they had tap water readily available outside. Unfortunately they were out of ice and in the hot sun, the water turned quickly warm.
The outdoor seating isn't anything spectacular but was sort of perfect at the same time. One of the best parts about it was that it was off to the side, not really near the entrance. This eliminated patrons from walking through to place their orders and left those of us seated peacefully off to the side. It's the little things, ya know. -
Review from Erin T.
Chicago, IL
My family loves to visit this cute, Cuban café. The actual restaurant is very small, so we always get the food to go. The service is always efficient and accurate. I always get the Cuban, and my family usually splits empanadas. Everything is consistently good with a ton of flavor.
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Review from Santiago A.
Chicago, IL
You want to know the real reason Ricky Ricardo was always agitated and grumpy on I Love Lucy? No, it wasn't the crazy schemes his wife was always getting into and having them backfire. It was the lack of good quality Cuban food. I know, I've lived in New York. They have everything under the sun except good Mexican and Cuban food (at least that I was able to find). Had Ricky lived near this gem, he would have taken Lucy's harebrained ideas in stride.
The ropa vieja sandwich was really, really delicious and came with some plantain chips on the side. You can order and eat at the counter that lines the back walls, or have a seat outside. This spot is both intimate and laid back. So, I think it does well to represent the style of many of our neighbors to the south.
We are over 900 miles away from Miami, where the best Cuban food in the U.S. is found, but 90 Miles does a great job of holding up this cuisine in this part of the country. I will definitely be back! -
Review from Diana G.
Came here for lunch with the bestie. I'll probably give them 3.5 stars. It was a bit chilly that day so we opted to sit inside. Place is small, but cute and clean.
For me I got the Bistec and a coke - The steak was cooked very nicely. Sandwich was a good size. Only thing was it had a pretty overpowering onion taste to it. Fried plantains were good.
My friend opted for the Frita Cubana and Malta - She tried the Malta and didn't like it. She said it tasted like a very strong Sugar Cane drink. She was going to go up and buy a coke, but the guy offered her a pineapple soda in replacement. How cool. She said the sauce on her burger reminded her of a sloppy joe.
I would like to come back to try some other items. The guy was nice and he even came by to ask my friend if the drink was ok.
I did ask if they had a restroom and he said no. He said I could wash my hand in this little sink they had in the corner behind the register. -
Review from Alison P.
Chicago, IL
The food is excellent, the best Cuban food I have had in Chicago.
The Roscoe Village location doesn't have a restroom for customers. I find that strange, so just be warned. -
Review from Elizabeth B.
Chicago, IL
Hands down, the best Cuban food you will find in Chicago.
I'm a vegetarian, and most people think of the ham and cheese Cuban sandwich when they think of Cuban food--You have to know there's so much more! While, I've been assured (from my carnivore friends) that the meat options are tasty, there are plenty of veggie things to be had. All of the food is made to order. I love the fried plantains and the Timba sandwich is my staple. If you're a smoothie fan, the guanabana is amazing! (As is the singing that ensues after your order.)
The only drawback is that this location is very small. If you have a large group, go to the one on Armitage--much more seating there. Clybourn has an outdoor patio in the summer but you're left with much less options in the winter. I love the old Cuban news papers that are pasted on the walls, as well as the Cuban music that often makes me wiggle a little dance in my seat as I eat.
This place truly makes my tummy happy! :) -
Review from Chris L.
Chicago, IL
I really want to like this place, I do... It's nice and purty and colorful and you can dine outside (well I guess you kinda have to since there's pretty much no seating inside), and it's Cuban... So I have that added pressure of trying to force myself to love the place.
But even with all the optimism of the clientele, the servers, the ambience, I would have to say the food was kinda mediocre, bland, and greasy.
I'll try the place again, and hopefully it'll be better next time around. -
Review from Matt M.
Not bad. The prices are competetive. The food is tasty. The service is fast.
They have plantains which are deep fried to perfection. The portions are formidable and force you to dig deep into your fat american waistband.
I almost gave it five stars immediately when I pulled up and noticed they embrace the cuban notion of extreme poverty and their country's deep love of harboring dangerous stray dogs. -
Review from Mike F.
Chicago, IL
Pretty good -- but not "dios mio!" -- Cubano sandwiches. Haven't found one in Chicago yet that tops the ones I could get in NJ.
But combine a decent Cubano with good prices and great, friendly service, and that's why I dig making the occasional visit to 90 Miles. The inside seating is counter/stools only, and they have a nice outside patio with many tables.
Can't speak to the other menu items other than the empanadas, which were really good (don't think I've ever had a bad empanada, but that's besides the point...). But the empanadas and the Cubanos were both good enough that I'll be making more visits and exploring more of the menu. I'd recommend the place.
