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Back to Cuba
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
38 reviews for Back to Cuba
Review Highlights
"Two words people "Lechon Asado."
(in 5 reviews)
"Arroz con pollo is my second favorite entree."
(in 3 reviews)
"...beans with the black beans and rice are cooked perfectly."
(in 3 reviews)
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38 reviews in English
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Review from Aaron D.
Updated - 1/3/2012
Just wonderful.
There's a lot of hustle and soul in the folks who work at this little cafe.
Props to Simon K. for recommending the chicken empanada. Fried fresh to order, it was an amazing treat and a real bargain at $1.50 each. I'll be getting at least a couple of these on my next visit.
Other highlights?
- The chimichurri sauce that came with the empanada and also was spread liberally on the churrasco steak.
- The sweet, succulent plantains that came with my arroz con pollo (rice with chicken)
- The large portion and tender chicken in aforementioned arroz con pollo (although the dish overall was a little mild for my tastes).
- The delectable black beans that came with the churrasco.
- The dense, enormous, not-too-sweet flan.
- Strong and sweet Cubano coffee
- Fresh and refreshing mango juice
Drawbacks?
- Seating is tight
- No substitution policy with any of the sides (a little unusual for Nashville, but presumably meant to minimize confusion with the sole short order cook working furiously to churn out meals for the lunch crowd)
- A little pricey by Nashville standards for a counter service restaurant -- lunch for two ran us ~$40 for two entrees (with sides), an empanada, a juice, a dessert and a coffee, including tax and tip.
BUT this was for a huge amount of food (we took home leftovers) and more importantly, wonderful HIGH QUALITY food.
Value-for-the-money is 5 STARS all the way.Listed in: Great Places in Nashville that…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/19/2011
I think that Jo F. pretty much nailed it in this review.
The food is good, it's filling and it's… Read more »
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Review from Greg S.
Spring Hill, TN
12/11/2011
Not being a cuban food authority this place is OK
Using their rice and beans as a measurement I've had much better
More like a lunch counter then a sit down.
Service is quick and prices are reasonable -
Review from Simon K.
Nashville, TN
9/22/2011
Wow, first of all. It's a solid 4 stars.
But I don't get the name, b/c how many tennesseans have been to Cuba to begin with?
Anyways, the food wasn't good enough for me to buy a plane ticket to go down south, but I would go back to "back to Cuba."
One of the more popular dishes in Cuban food are the pork sandwiches. However, I wouldn't suggest you get one here. The sandwich is made with deli sliced "Boar's Head" ham, which is really good quality stuff. But I'm used to my Cuban sandwiches made with cutlets of pork. So their Cuban sandwich doesn't taste very Cuban, but rather just like a hot ham panini sammich.
BUT THAT'S OKAY. Cuz they do great with their other stuff. The chicken empanadas were humbling. I felt so grateful for being allowed to eat them. The Lamb was delicious. It's slow cooked to give your teeth a rest.
I rank it high in revisitability (and yes, I just made up that word). I definitely had separation anxiety when I left. There were so many other things on the menu I wanted to try but didn't have the room for it.
The important point to make here is that this place made my stomach smile. I know that's a gross visualization b/c stomachs don't have teeth nor do they make for attractive faces even if they could smile, but nonetheless my "tummy" said the food was yummy. Worth making a trip -
Review from Zach G.
1/17/2012
Cuban sandwich. Steak entree that I cannot pronounce very well. Either way you will leave so damn happy. Plus the Blackberry Milkshake (not made with ice cream, it's a cuban thing) is the best thing EVERY OMFG EAT IT NOW!!!!
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Review from Sasha T.
I'll start this off like I have for other reviews I've written for Cuban restaurants. I was born and raised in Miami, so I have a pretty high bar for expectations when it comes to Cuban food. With that said, this place is pretty good!
You get to start of your meal with Cuban bread(real Cuban bread!!!) toasted with garlic butter. Hard to go wrong with that . For a main meal I've had the Lechon Asado(roast pork) and Pechuga a la Plancha(grilled chicken) in all of its garlicky mojo goodness. Both have been tender, flavorful and delicious.
All of the sides have also been very good. The beans with the black beans and rice are cooked perfectly. The yuca and sweet plantains are also worth ordering if they don't come with your meal, though it seems most of them come with some combination of these sides. I could probably eat a meal of the sides alone and be one very happy full person.
The place is very small, but I've never been there when there has been a big crowd. It may be a tiny bit pricey especially if you are there for lunch, but you do get a lot of food. Also, if you're craving this place on Sundays or Mondays they are closed.
If you have never had Cuban food you really need to go here and try it. It isn't 100% like home for me, but it is definitely good enough to satisfy my cravings and keep me coming back.Listed in: ROTD!
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Review from Joanna F.
Nashville, TN
7/15/2011
Now, I'm not an expert on Cuban food, but it makes my taste buds happy.
This place can be hard to miss. It's located in a strip mall behind a gas station. There is limited seating. It maybe has 10 chairs? It is located right by the I-65.
There is also a table reserved for playing games. Dominoes, I believe, and they have dominoes at the table
For appetizer they serve bread. And let me tell you, it is so yummy. Always reminds me of that Pablo Neruda poem "Oda al pan (Ode to the Bread)" Yes, yes, I know he isn't cubano.
I've had the Cuban sandwich (pretty good), tilapia with mango sauce (excellent), lechon asado (pretty good). The sides that I usually get are black beans, yucca, and plantains.
For me, the lechon asado needs more flavor so I have to add hot sauce. It's different than the Filipino version I'm used to eating.
Other things that are on their menu are smoothies and desserts. The mango smoothie is yummy. :] I've never tried their desserts. I know they have tres leches cake and flan. And maybe something else. It's a bit pricey. The tilapia tropical (mango chutney sauce on top) is about $13 -- one of the more expensive meals. The lechon asado is about $10? Something like that. When I go in, which is not too often, I look to pay about $12-15, which includes a tip.
It's yummy and it's filling. -
Review from Will C.
Nashville, TN
12/12/2011
I'm rarely a negative restaurant reviewer, but in all my time here in Nashville, this was the worst experience I've had. I created this Yelp account specifically to write about this restaurant. My fish was undercooked and completely covered in lemon butter, which also smothered my salad since it was served on the same plate. They even burnt the rice! It was rock hard. We could taste the frost bite on the bread they served. My date's meal was equally as disappointing. A terrible meal for 2 for $35 was all I got. I hope they change their ways.
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Review from Jacob B.
Hermitage, TN
12/11/2011
Really good, authentic cuban food. The staff is very kind, and they remember you and what you like to eat everytime you walk in. I wish there were more spice in the black beans and rice but I let that slide because I realize not everyone eats food as spicy as I do. Friday and saturday nights there is usually some sort of cuban music around in the restaurant.
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Review from Ali B.
6/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I took ENTIRELY too long to write this review after eating there... so... I can't flipping remember exactly what we ordered.
First off, Back to Cuba is BYOB, winning them major cool points.
The Food: Cuba is surrounded by water, so I assumed that seafood of any sort would be a win. BINGO! I had a fish dish served with a tropical pinapple sauce that was so good! As an appetizer, I tried their fried yucca with the delectable sauce that comes with. The prices are reasonable enough that you can get an app, and entree, and a dessert without breaking the bank while drinking the Dos Equis you bought at the convenient store next door. Not a bad deal in my book :D
The Service: It's a family run place and absolutely everyone was super friendly aannndddd patient while I took ages to decide what to order.
I can't wait to go back! Maybe, then, I'll update this review with actual detailed accounts of the awesome food. -
Review from Paul K.
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
There's not much for vegetarians... you can order off of the sides menu. And those sides are good. I had rice, beans, and fried plantains, and it was pretty good.
Seating is a bit limited, and I have the feeling things happen there at other times as there are game tables and some music instruments laying about, but nothing was happening while I was there.
I can't speak to authenticity as the only Cuban I've had before was in San Fran at a veggie Cuban place, but for Nashville it was some place I could eat at without feeling completely alien. -
Review from Rudi P.
CANE RIDGE, TN
6/27/2011
After watching a Travel Channel special about Cubanos, I suddenly had a craving for one. After feverishly searching online for Cuban restaurants in Nashville, I found this restaurant cozily nestled in a strip mall.
The atmosphere is quaint. It is extremely small (maybe three or four tables), so don't bring a huge group of people. It also looked like it had a small stage for a band there. Although there was no band playing while I was there, they had authentic Cuban music playing in the background and that was certainly nice.
I was on a quest for a basic authentic Cubano, so that is what I ordered. It took probably about 30 minutes for my order, but it was well worth it.
YUM YUM YUM!!!! The bread tasted like it was freshly made, warm and delicious. It was deliciously toasty on the outside and jam-packed with hot delicious meats, cheese and pickle on the inside. I can't wait to go back to try some of the other menu items!
On a side note, don't bother ordering fries with the sandwich. I found my fries to be a stringy, overcooked and flavorless. Besides, the delicious Cubano is more than enough for one person by itself. Save the extra 1.50 to go towards another Cubano during your next visit. Enjoy! -
Review from Kim Y.
Make sure to try the yum yum yummer's coffee after your meal - they offer it to go if you want to savor the little sips of heaven.
(First line in case people are browsing)
I've been wanting to try Back to Cuba for awhile now, after my Cuban born Miami raised friend Inez told me it was good, it did not disappoint - but maybe since I'd been meaning to get there for SO long it didn't quite live up to all my glorious pork lovin' expectations.
Ambiance was cute, drums, checkers - big family tables. The ordering is at the counter and the menu is literally a reader board, but if you have bad eye sight (I was suffering an eye infection and wearing old glasses) the server is happy and friendly enough to guide you ;)
Empanada's were great! Literally quite perfect. I got a beef and a chicken, the chicken won hands down, juicy and flavorful meat and the yummy infused oil dip was sinful but divine. For dinner I stuck with a simple cubano sammie. Whenever I try a place for the first time I like to get the classics to see what they do with it. So, the sandwich was pretty humongous, after my appetizers I could barely eat half and it was good.
Oddly - the reason they get one star off from me; it was not the best cuban sandwich I've had in Nashville and this is the only strictly cuban place in town!! I think its pretty important to get that right, but hey, I'm a white girl from Oregon, so take it with a grain of salt.
My husbands beans and plantains were super and the rice was fluffy and decent. They also offer cuban softdrinks which were fun to try, although they didn't taste so different from regional soda's here in the states. (Pinneapple Kroger soda and Big Red, respectively)
For sure I'm going back here though, I wanna try some platters! -
Review from jamie w.
Nashville, TN
3/16/2011
Being fortunate to have an amazing culture doesn't necessarily grant you culinary power. In this case, the cooks should go back to Cuba. I ordered the "Minuto". I should have thought a little longer than the name implies. It's basically a chicken- fried piece of smelly fish. I was more enthralled by the flavor of the chunky green salsa verde which I used as a dipping sauce to cover the taste.
The ambiance is loud and echoey. The bathroom smells like rotten zapatos.
It's only saving grace was the coffee. It's served in little espresso cups - very traditional and effective. While the coffee seemed to settle on my palate, I remembered Havana. I heard Buena Vista Social Club in my mind. But when I came to- I realized there was no music playing in this "Cuban" Dive. While on every street corner in Cuba is over flowing with music, this little cuban eatery lacked the very nature of it's name!!!!!!
Ambiance - no stars
Food- two stars.
The coffee was redeemable. -
Review from janet s.
5/24/2011
Finally got around to trying this because we were in the mood for pork beans and rice. It was adequate and satisfied the craving. Delicious starchy rice, yucca and pulled pork, salty but tasty - washed down with Tangerine Juice. I think there were 6 tables and 1 reserved for games. One portion was more than adequate to split with my husband.
Friendly service, reasonably priced. Is it good? I don't know. My Colombian neighbor says it fills a gap. -
Review from Howard L.
Nashville, TN
6/15/2011
Inconsistent is too kind a word. I've had the lechon asado and yes, it is good: sometimes. Other times I've seen them reheat a chunk of pork on the flat top and serve it to me. Of course it was tough as hell and old tasting. Shameful.
Their beans can be a revelation or a workout with your teeth. Yes, I've been served undercooked beans. Yucca is bland and boring. Their tostones could use some work. Jamaicaway does plantains better for sure.
Cubano sandwhich is pretty good and very consistent. They have them pre-made in the case (they only need to be toasted), so if they're not there, they're out.
Cuban coffee is magnificent. Order it when when you come in, even if you're getting your order to go. It only takes a second to drink.
If you're getting it to go, remember to ask for bread.It's pretty tasty. -
Review from Amy C.
Nashville, TN
5/30/2011 2 photos
Nashville has gone...Back to Cuba! Leave the southern meat and three behind and dig in to some of the best Cuban food north of Miami! I've tried several items from the Cuban sandwich (I get mine "lightly" toasted), to the Vaca Frita, but my FAVORITE dish (that has yet to be replicated ANYWHERE...and I must come here to get my fix) is the Churrasco. This is a simple, yet FLAVORFUL flat iron steak that is grilled and topped with the most amazing chimichurri sauce...YUM! This dish is served with a side of black beans, tostones (double fried plantains) and white rice (this rice is sooooo good, I could make of meal of it alone!)
If my pic had smell-a-vision, you would be running Back to Cuba, not reading this review! :)
Enjoy! -
Review from Peter C.
Updated - 8/26/2011
Okay, the place redeemed itself, and now I feel compelled to give it a 5-stars to balance out the previous bland review, for an average of 4-stars, which is how I feel. The pan con bistec sandwich was huge, crunchy, delicious in all the right ways, and rivals the ones you buy on Washington Avenue near South Beach in Miami. Lechon asado was perfectly flavored this time with amazing rice and beans. I suppose the last visit they had a stand-in chef? But this place is respectable, with good food, and I am happier than ever I came back. Hooray for second chances!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/24/2011
The food definitely scratched the surface of nostalgia (I lived in Miami for a year), but certainly… Read more »
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Review from Kristina D.
Nashville, TN
9/18/2010
I'm part Cuban. I lived in Miami for many years before I moved to Nashville. I was sooooo glad to find this place.
The food is very authentic and delicious!!! Two words people "Lechon Asado".
Sometimes the plantains are a little hard (I prefer them soft and sticky), but the black beans are as good as you're going to get North of Miami Lakes, FL, with the exception of my house and Ybor City, near Tampa, FL. WHY?.... Because you probably wont find any north of Tampa except my house and Back To Cuba.
Don't expect white table cloths... you wont find any in Miami or Cuba either.
The mojo (pronounced mo-ho) sauce on the yucca is better than the bottled stuff I've had to settle for since leaving Miami.
Arroz con pollo is my second favorite entree. The sandwiches are made with REAL cuban bread (which you cant find in any grocery store here in Nashville...Trust me, I've tried).
Order to go if you don't want to eat there.
BTW, Cuban food IS NOT the same as Mexican food... You've got to try this place.
Te quiero Apoye a Cuba! -
Review from Johnny N.
Nashville, TN
1/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
TIve been here a few times and I've never been too dissapointed by the food. I had the daily special today which was 'picadollo'. (Ground beef, potatoes, onions, and chillis). It came w fried bananers, black beans and rice. Rice was hard. But all was good. Their sandwiches are always good too. If I was in a major rush I'd call in your order - esp at lunch hour.
Food isn't spicy but they have red & green sauces to add.
Laid back atmosphere w/ mellow lighting. Cuban music playin.
Owner has a Soup Nazi vibe. -
Review from alexis g.
Sacramento, CA
5/15/2008
Of course this place is located in a random strip mall by the highway... conveniently located right next to a dry cleaner.. look out the window and enjoy the awesome gas-station views...
Who cares. The food here is fantastic. I almost always get the lechon, but (as others have noted) the Cuban sandwiches are also fantastic. The lechon (like the other entrees) comes with beans and rice and plantains and is seriously a LOT of food for the price. You can easily get two or three meals out of one plate. Also worth mentioning: the yuca with mojo. I had never had yuca with mojo before but now I'm on a quest to have it wherever I go in a vain attempt to replicate the experience. -
Review from Robin S.
Nashville, TN
4/25/2008 1 photo
As a young Navy brat, I spent 3 years of my life in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and quickly grew to love everything about Cuban food. Back to Cuba is the real deal, folks.
They are known for their pork, and I suggest you give it a try! The Cubano sandwich is just delicious--melty and fabulous. Today I had the arroz con pollo, which is equally tasty. Shredded chicken, yellow rice, peppers and onions, and topped with sweet plantains. Absolutely hit the spot! You can also get plantain chips, which are crunchy and wonderful.
They also have a variety of sweet "shakes", and authentic Cuban soft drinks. Prices are moderate--my meal today ran me about $10, and that included a drink. You'll pay around $7 for sandwiches, $12 and up for entrees. The place isn't big and can get crowded right around lunchtime, but you can definitely get it to go!
If you have never had Cuban food, give this a try--I guarantee you'll love it! Best I've had in years by a long shot! -
Review from John G.
Virginia Beach, VA
5/16/2008 1 photo
Another great example of Yelp exposing me to good food that I otherwise would not have tried. I went here for lunch today with a co-worker.
I tried the arroz con pollo, which came with a side salad, and fried plantains. It was wonderful. The plantains were just slightly crispy on the edges which gave them some nice texture. The chicken and rice had a subtle flavor that I really enjoyed.
My co-worker got the Cubano sandwich at the suggestion of another patron. He said it was a great sandwich and brought half of it back with him.
The man behind the counter was rather gruff, but we all have bad days, so no worries there. I'd recommend this place to others, and encourage them not to be put off by the location or surroundings. -
Review from Emily D.
Nashville, TN
5/14/2008
Back to Cuba Cafe is located beside a gas station in a strip small of sorts on Trousdale right off the 65S Harding Place exit. Given that intro., you might not think this is where you would likely find one of the best, most flavorful and affordable meals in Nashville - but it is.
Back to Cuba serves amazing Cubano sandwiches, plantains, empanadas and poultry dishes. They feature daily specials and sell super yummy and super caffeine charged cuban coffee as well. Make the trip here. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Tom G.
Nashville, TN
7/9/2008
Cuban food, done right. I feel like I'm in a different world when I go here. The papaya juice is out of this world! Fried plantains and black beans are heaven. One of my favorite places to eat in Nashville.
They only take credit cards for orders over $10. -
Review from Pamela N.
Goodlettsville, TN
Stopped here really quick to pick up a Cubano after arriving back in Nashville from vacation. It was 3pm on a Saturday and they had three tables eating and then my ToGo order. The staff was pleasant and got right on my order. The sandwich was tasty and warm. I can count the number of Cubanos that I have eaten on one hand, so it's authenticity can not be guaranteed from my review. It was tasty, hand made, and they are a small locally owned establishment. I would eat here again.
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Review from Brad M.
Franklin, TN
7/29/2010
I finally got to try this place yesterday and was beyond pleased. This seems to be as authentic as it gets. You know the food is gonna be good when it's a small place with a small menu. I got one of the daily specials, the Pezcado en salsa Tropical. It was a grilled whiting filet of fish in a mango salsa. It was amazing. Sweet but with a kick. The fish was a large piece too. It was served with yellow rice and one of all time favorite sides...sweet plantains. I can't wait to go back.
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Review from Craig J.
Mount Juliet, TN
6/28/2010
My wife is Cuban, raised in lil Havana, and we recently moved here from Miami so we know Cuban food. Back to Cuba delivers from the iron beer (oh so cuban) to vaca frita all the way to the dominos table. It's like being at the Sergios in Miami without the high prices!!!
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Review from Peter M.
Nashville, TN
7/15/2010
I wanted to like this. I need to accept the fact that Nashville is not a foodie town. Good ethnic food here is hard to come by (although not impossible: see e.g. Nolensville Rd). A lot of people on Yelp would find peace and loose a lot of bad attitude if they accepted this as well.
I appreciated the yerba mate soda. But the plantains were not cooked right and the meat was really overcooked. The empanadas were ok. I have made better empanadas and I am not much of a cook. Le sigh. -
Review from Stephen M.
Spring Hill, TN
8/27/2009
I spent most of my life as a Florida native so I have had my share of great Cuban food. Back to Cuba is OK but not great as many have mentioned. The Cuban sandwiches lack enough pork, enough fat on the pork, and the authentic hint of sour orange. The bread could be better as well. The other menu items are OK but again lack soul and authenticity. That being said the food is not bad just not great. This is the only Cuban place I know of in town and it is nice to go and be reminded of home. I think they have some room for improvement but overall it is a good place to get lunch.
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Review from Jason G.
Senatobia, MS
7/15/2010
If you seek the hole in the wall authentic restaurant, this is your place. Great Cuban dishes served to a lot of
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Review from Mariela C.
San Francisco, CA
10/11/2008
The Back to Cuba Café is nothing fancy as a dining establishment but it's a great place to get Cuban take-out. Located in a non descript strip mall, I was more than excited the first time I visited. I'm not Cuban so I don't know how authentic it is, but I can tell you that as far as Cuban restaurants in the states go, it's a pretty great. If you have never tried Cuban food I suggest you go for the Lechón (pulled pork slowly cooked in delicious spices), and some good old black beans and rice. My #1 Latin Food obsession are fried plantains and in my many trips to the Back to Cuba Café I have had varied experienced - sometimes they are delicious, sometimes they are just ok. The previously mentioned Lechón, however, has always been absolutely fantastic. If food in Cuba is this good or better, it makes me want to steal a Coast Guard boat and break the embargo.
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Review from Lauren S.
Denver, CO
2/26/2009
I've been twice, and it was pretty good both times. I like the plantains. I found a hair in my food last time, so that was a downer.
If you haven't been before, just know that you order at the counter, then sit down and they bring you your food. You pay at the front counter at the end. -
Review from Art Q.
2/22/2010
Maybe a little more expensive than I would like, but the food holds up for the price. The Cubano is great. I totally missed out on getting a milkshake, though. Next time, Gadget ... next time.
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Review from Robert K.
West Palm Beach, FL
10/11/2008
I definitely like Back To Cuba. Being from Florida, I usually eat at Cuban restaurants all the time, however I have yet to find a good Cuban place in Nashville, until now. The food is pretty authentic, but lacks some of the authenticity that restaurants at home have. However, I think the food is really good and if you have never had Cuban food, you should give it a try. I don't know the correct spelling but I think the dish is called ropas veaijas, which translates to "old cloths" its basically steak, rice and beans all mixed together...so good!
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Review from Michael W.
San Diego, CA
11/14/2009
This place is awesome! Great cuban sandwiches, milkshakes infused with topical fruit, braised and grilled meat of every variety, and the prices are really reasonable. What's not to like?
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Review from Lenny F.
Mount Juliet, TN
10/21/2009
These sandwiches are amazing - and so freaking hearty! Go. Eat. Enjoy.
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Review from matt c.
Nashville, TN
5/23/2008
When I got there, all the tables were taken. I was going to wait, but the guy behind the counter seemed pushy about getting me to order take-out. I told him I'd rather just wait for a table. He said that there was no empty table. I said that I knew that. He said that I couldn't wait inside the restaurant. I thanked him and said that I would be back. When I came back in five minutes, there was an empty table. And then, I had a feast. By accident. This "accident" was I grant you aided by the very real influence of a 20 oz. Heineken I BYO'd from a store in the same strip-mall (also had to help my date finish hers, of course). The palomilla was so good I had to eat it all, of course. And of course I had to eat all the plantains I ordered as a side dish. And, of course, dessert had to be followed by a caf cubano, a little dark coffee with sugar and hot milk. Well, the bill was bigger than I prophesied, but I felt so good I didn't care, at the time.
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Review from Tart L.
Nashville, TN
9/8/2007
Refugees from Castro's communist oppression eat here, and their American friends. I always look in their case on top of the counter which holds little meat pies and other tapa-like yummies. The nice senora jefa is no amiga of Fidel or his brother Raul. Conveniently located in south Nashville. Best Cuban food in Tennessee.
