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Cafe Laguardia
Categories: Restaurants Cuban Restaurants Latin American Cuban, Latin American [Edit]
2111 W Armitage Ave(between Hoyne Ave & Leavitt St)
Chicago, IL 60647
Neighborhood: Bucktown
(773) 862-5996
- Nearest Transit:
-
Western-o'hare (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Sun 12 pm - 8 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
379 reviews for Cafe Laguardia
Review Highlights
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"Taste of Cuba - also very good and highly reccommended." In 44 reviews -
"Yummy food, friendly/welcoming atmosphere, live music." In 33 reviews -
"The whole place is dolled up in animal print." In 29 reviews
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379 reviews in English
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Review from Jean C.
4/12/2012
Our next door neighbors brought us here for dinner one night and we had a wonderful time. Of course a big part of that was our neighbors, who we love dearly, but the place was fun and the food was good. We were there for three-and-a-half hours, and it seemed like no time at all. Service remained attentive and friendly, and nobody bugged us about sitting for that length of time.
I see people complaining about the decor, and yeah it's kind of funky, but I liked it; I thought it was nicely pulled together, and worked for the space. (And as my taste is impeccable even when it's bad, you can take that to the bank.) Of course the real stars here are the food and drink. I tried a bit of everything off the sampler platter, some oxtail stew, black bean soup and sweet plantains, and everything was excellent. I like my black bean soup a little chunkier, but the flavor was good, which is the important thing.
The drinks were terrific, too. Mojitos are excellent, and the sangria is terrific. Sangria is hit or miss for me since many places serve stuff that tastes like watered down cheap red wine with some fruit thrown in as an afterthought. Not so at Laguardia where the sangria had big flavor as well as being delightfully potent. We polished off several pitchers of the stuff over the course of the evening.
The only real downside is parking. The neighborhood is pretty densely populated and finding a space is not easy. Still, it was worth the trouble, and I can't wait to go back. -
Review from Paul G.
Chicago, IL
4/6/2012
Not bad but a bit pricey for the good stuff. Ive been here twice. Once for a buffet style and once for the normal dinner menu. I do like their mojitos special night! and they people that work there are extremely kind and friendly.
I had the ox tail soup.. unique but wasn't great. the next day, it was actually better. i think if you let it marinate over night it tastes better. My girlfriend loves the taste of cuba, I would recommend that. -
Review from Charla W.
Chicago, IL
4/2/2012
I have been to this restaurant at least 3 or 4 times which says that I do keep going back. It has good food and pretty good drinks.
The last time I went to this restaurant, my husband and I ate at the bar as the restaurant was extremely busy. We went there to use a groupon, and the restaurant was either overwhelmed with groupon users or understaffed. However, even with the times I have gone to this restaurant with a reservation, we have still had to wait quite a while for a table.
The restaurant isn't very big which probably contributes to the long wait times for a table. However, the food is great. I think I always get the same thing when I go, which is steak with the typical sides of rice and beans. I believe they have live music on some nights which adds to the authentic atmosphere.
If you are in the mood for good latin food, have a whole evening free, and don't mind waiting for a table, I would recomment trying out this place. -
Review from Arlene G.
5/18/2012
my girl and i went here after a movie cuz we had a groupon to use. the peach mojito was delish! i tried the squid and rice meal & it was pretty good. the fried pork chops were FANTASTIC! we also ordered the nachos with the tostones and it was yummy too! there was live music and dancing goin on at the time we were there so it was quite loud, but we enjoyed the music!
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Review from Janeen W.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2012
Their Mai Tai's are freaking great. Have three and you will need a designated driver. . Sexy atmosphere for a date. Bring a jacket. Ordered the cheaper steak dinner and it was tough as payless shoe leather.
Ordered the more expensive steak dinner and it was delish! -
Review from Nick M.
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
My Momma told me that if I didn't have anything nice to say then don't say nothin' at all...
Well...
Um...
I got nothing nice to say, but I can't just not say anything. The decor is stupid, even the duct work was painted like a zebra and don't for the love of god have light fabric seats with black dots. These things were really dirty and I hoped those dots were part of the design. The service was beyond slow and to be honest they looked kind of lost or overwhelmed. But the worst part was the food. Seems like they just gave up, they put in front of me frozen, under seasoned, stale plates that I even though I was starving I couldn't eat. Kind of in fear that I would get sick later from it all. I really wanted to walk into the kitchen and ask them if they cared anymore.
You should be embarrassed serving that. -
Review from Amanda G.
1/22/2012
I have received several recommendations for this place and have been trying to make it here for months!!
Did I miss something?!? Did they change owners or management?? Did they decide to cut corners, in order to save money?!?
The guacamole reminded me of Wholly Guacamole, but a bit worse. The chips were stale. The fish tasted low grade, frozen, and over cooked. The rice in my dish reminded me of mashed potatoes. The black beans were bland. The chicken was chopped into itsy-bitsy pieces that were barely detectable. The servers were trying to work as a team, but were clueless (had to wait 15+ minutes for our check). The decor was overly cheesy, borderline tacky.
The upside?? Heavy pour on the red wine and strong mojito...don't know if we missed the awesome experience "ship"... -
Review from Mandy M.
Chicago, IL
3/9/2012
I've been here a few times to watch a cowoker sing on Tuesdays, who is awesome.. go Violetta! :)
I've only gotten sandwhiches but they were both yummy. I've gotten the Jibarito steak sandwich and the cuban both were good and affordable.
Only thing I have to complain about is the mojitos. Waaay too sweet and they dont use any fresh fruit which is a bummer:( -
Review from Aminda S.
1/30/2012
I've passed Cafe Laguardia on foot almost as many times as it has been suggested to me as a great dining spot - which is a lot. So when YouSwoop had a deal, how could I refuse?
I will agree that the decor is a bit outrageous bordering on obnoxious but for me it only added to the lively cuban vibe. I've heard through the grapevine they have live music some nights - that mixed with the decor and this place could really come to life!
I ordered the cuban pulled pork and to my delight I was served a heaping pile of pulled pork wading in a pool of spicy red cuban sauce. The meat was so tender and flavorful I was hesitant to share. The Taste of Cuba is a great choice for those looking to try a little of everything - sweet plantains, ropa vieja, fried pork, beans, tostones - you're covered. And what cuban meal is complete without an empanada or two? The beef empanada was delicious, but a bit on the small size - definitely order a few. We washed everything down with mojitos, caipirinhas and margaritas. Perfection.
I've already eyed my return visit feast - the oxtail stew. Oink* -
Review from Eric B.
Chicago, IL
1/30/2012
I was hesitant to go here, based on some of the bad reviews on Yelp. My curiosity prevailed and I gave Cafe Laguardia a shot.
Wow! I had a great time. Everything was spot on. Great atmosphere, friendly service, strong drinks, and good food.
We ordered the Taste of Cuba (a sampler of a lot of their different meats) and the spicy pulled pork to share. If you're not into meat, this might not be your kind of place. . I saw some comment about how their guacamole was not that great. Seriously, who orders guac at a Cuban restaurant?
Personally, I thought the silly zebra print stuff was kind of fun. Since when did people get so serious about decor?
Check out Cafe Laguardia. Don't listen to the haters. It's a great upscale Cuban dining experience. -
Review from Leanne A.
12/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love overly-decorated places, as I'm sure I've mentioned...and Laguardia is chock full of animal prints and hot colors and big pillows. It has everything to make you feel like partying.
I've only been for lunch, and thought the prices were really great. The food is good, but the item that is notable is the plantain "nachos." They were more satisfying and filling than corn tortilla nachos, and could make your whole meal. I loved the toppings, and it was like each nacho had its fair share of toppings perfectly stacked up. (Not like those nachos you get and 30% are not hit with the good stuff....you know what I mean.)
The service was nice, too, and it was quiet and laid back at lunch time. I would like to return for dinner!Listed in: Cozy cozy nooks
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Review from Ermelinda C.
Chicago, IL
3/22/2012
We went here a few months back. It was a pretty nice experience. Sort of a quiet place, considering that we went here on a summer weekend day, but the service was nice and the food was good. Nice-size portions for both, the drinks and the food. It was kind of cool to hear various languages being spoken in the restaurant by customers, which was reassuring about the food being the common attracting factor :-)
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Review from Richard C.
Chicago, IL
12/5/2011
Yelp says they close at 11 on Mondays. I call at 10:15. No answer. Ok, maybe it's a club-like atmosphere and it's hard to hear the phone.
I walk over. It's cold. The door is locked. It's 10:35. The hours say they close at 11 on Mondays.
I see a guy inside. I smile and wave. He gives me the finger.
Die. -
Review from A D.
New York, NY
4/29/2012
Went there on a weeknight. Great margarita, pass up on the empanadas and their exotic slow cooked pork. I like the ceviche and quezo fundido. Music that night was good- not great. But, it was fine. I have been here before and I think the quality of their food diminished. Service was average... For a weeknight, it was festive so, I would still go back.
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Review from Sireesha A.
Chicago, IL
3/28/2012
This 5-star rating is just for the Tropical Heatwave entree. I normally change it up when I go to a restaurant more than once and try different entrees. However, every time I go to this place (3 times now), I don't want to order anything else but the Tropical Heatwave b/c it hits the spot, I love the mix of spices in the dish, and it's so yummy! If only I could duplicate it at home...
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Review from Rosemary D.
Chicago, IL
2/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been going here for years. Lunch dates, date night, girls night - you name it. I've always had pretty good service and decent food. I went in for lunch today and was very disappointed w/my food but worst of all, the service. We ordered the Cuban nachos, once my favorite, and they were horrible. They were drenched in cheese wiz and sour cream and one tiny piece of steak per nacho. Fine, we overlooked that. My husband had the jibarito. I think I missed something because last I checked, it should be made with green plantain not a maduro (If i wanted that I'd go get a jibarita somewhere else). I had a steak sandwich which was good as usual. I finished the 1st half then opened up the second half. It was LITERALLY a glob of fat - no meat. I showed the waitress who asked me what I wanted. I said well, how about steak in my steak sandwich. At this point she was not rude or anything and took it back to the kitchen. I waited as my husband finished his food. We sat there for a while and I finally got my other half back, retoasted way too much but now with meat. When the bill came I kind of expected it to be comp'd or at the very least a discount. I handed her the bill w/our cc and said, "I really think that sandwich should've been comp'd". She got very defensive and condescending and said, "you ate it didn't you!? Maybe if you didn't eat it I would've but you ate it". To that I answered, clearly I ate it but i still had to wait and was inconvenienced because of your kitchen. She again said, well you ate it! WOW!!!
Honestly, it only takes one bad experience to ruin 20 good ones. Never again. So many good cuban places, no need to go here. -
Review from Alfredo G.
Evanston, IL
1/16/2012
Great place. Has mixture between Cuban, Mexican and some Puerto Rican. Loved the Cuban feast dish. Awesome black beans and picadillo. The tasajo meat was only OK thought.
Great service in a funky, quaint environment. -
Review from Jessica D.
IL
2/19/2012
When you are greeted by Carlos how can you not like this family owned restaurant. I met up with some friends and it was my first time. I tried the coconut shrimp and nibbled off of the plates of others. It was pretty good or it wasn't that bad but I would want to re-visit to give them another try. The caiprinha was a winner though! So go for a drink and app if nothing else...
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Review from Eliza P.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2012
I liked this place! I went with a Google offer ($20 for $40) on a Monday night, and it was pretty quiet. I can't compare with when it's busy, but probably because it was a slower night, our waiter came right away and we were well taken care of the whole night.
We started with drinks. My bf ordered the Caipirinha (which I later tasted--really good!), and I ordered the Strawberry Margarita. Then right after our waiter walked away, I realized--holy crap--I missed the very obvious "MANGO MARGARITA" section at the top! I ran up to the bar and asked if I could change it, and he kinda laughed at me and said of course. Such a good decision...I mean, I'm sure the strawberry would've been good, but the mango? DELICIOOOOUS!
Then we ordered our food (we ordered everything vegetarian, fyi): for appetizers, we got the Cuban Nachos, which were simple and delicious. I love the tostones instead of chips. Without the salsa though, they might have been a little bland...but then again, I'm a hot sauce person. We also got the Queso Fundido, which I wasn't very impressed by. It was really just a bowl of melted cheese, with a dollop of sour cream in the middle. Now I know that's what it's supposed to be, but...come on, some color, perhaps?
For entrees, we both had the Cuban Veggie Combo, which included: black beans, white rice, fried plantains (YUM!!), fried cassava (yuca) with onions, a small salad, and sauteed green peppers. The peppers were supposed to be corn (as described on the menu), but our waiter informed us when setting down our plates that the corn mixture was out, and he hoped green peppers were OK. I actually don't like corn and love green peppers, so this was fine with me. However, he should have let us know before he put in our order that this was the case. That was my only misgiving about the service.
The veggie plates in general were very good, filling, and for the most part, healthy. Only thing was, I requested extra hot sauce...without it, again, I think the food might have been a little bland. But then again, I'm no expert on Cuban food and I know a lot of gringos assume all Latino food is supposed to be spicy like Mexican food, so it might just be my expectations tricking me. All in all, good restaurant. Great atmosphere, attentive staff, solid food and drinks. Even w/o the Google coupon, prices were very reasonable. I plan to return.
BTW, I read a bunch of Yelp reviews before I went, and I'm always baffled by what some people consider "negative" aspects of a business. For example, some people wrote that the chairs appeared dirty because they're leopard print. Those spots are clearly part of the print, and all restaurant chairs are probably more or less equally sanitary. Who cares? -
Review from Megan J.
Chicago, IL
3/21/2012
I love this place for the fact that it is super close to me, it's family-run and the drinks are fabulous!
Unfortunately, the food is never that great and the service is pretty dissapointing once you get past the hosts. -
Review from NARDO Q.
Chicago, IL
2/29/2012
Food was good, environment sucked, decorations were gaudy, server was horrible.
Food: Jibarito and "Spicy Chicken Stew" thing - Better jibaritos could be found at Borinquen.
Environment: Super dark, extra cold.
Decorations: They had leopard, cow and zebra prints - vents are zebra printed as well. Whaattt thee heeeeelllll?!
Server: Over-barring, contently at table asking if everything was alright - LET ME EAT, WILL YA!?
WILL NOT RECOMMEND FOR DINNING IN. MAYBE FOR TAKE OUT. -
Review from Josh L.
Chicago, IL
1/18/2012
Great decor/ambiance
Average food
HORRIBLE service
Went on a Sunday around 1pm. There was no one in line waiting for a table and we thought "YES, we will get right in!" We were so wrong. We stood at the hostess counter for, and I'm not lying, 15 minutes and not a single employee acknowledged us or even said hi. They even avoided making eye contact with us. Not a "We'll be with you in a minute" - NOTHING. After about 10 minutes a server came up to us and I thought we were going to at least be spoken to but no, he rumaged through some papers on the hostess table, and when I started to speak to him he held up one finger to us and walked away without saying ANYTHING. After 15 minutes went by we were finally seated with not a hint of apology or a word about how they ignored us for 15 minutes. It was extremely awkward and unprofressional front to the restaurant.
We sat down and waited at least another 10 minutes for our water glasses to be filled. Minimum standard service at a restaurant is to be seated and have water glasses filled promptly.
Another 20-30 minutes for our order to be taken.
We left as soon as we paid and I swear it was not before 3:30pm....2.5 hours later for LUNCH! HORRIBLE HORRIBLE service and we will not be back. There is so many better cuban/'mexican places in this city. -
Review from Kathleen C.
IL
12/10/2011
Good place for Cuban/Mexican food. The interior is kinda wacky but interesting. The best part is that they always seem to have specials. Ended up here on a $5 margarita night. They tasted great and I was definitely buzzed after 2.
I've heard it's packed on weekends but I've been able to walk in and get a table numerous times during the week. -
Review from Gergana G.
Chicago, IL
3/21/2012
Me and my boyfriend came here on a week night for a casual nite out and we were very pleasantly surprised! Started with an yukka appetizer and a couple of beers and ordered the paella for dinner.The server warned us it will take about 45 minutes, because they make it up to order.we didn't mind.ooh gosh, it was so worth the wait! Delicious,amazingly cooked plantains and plenty of food to feed not only us buy at least one more person! After dinner we ordered an after dinner drink and moved tho the fireplace area and ordered Flan for dessert It was super cozy and noone bothered us.It was a truly great restaurant experience and we are going back again for sir.Friendly staff and delicious Cuban food!
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Review from mary b.
Bucktown, Chicago, IL
Updated - 4/19/2012
The food here has progressively gotten worse since I have eaten her the last 3 times. This used to be a neighborhood favorite? What happened? New chef? Lack of concern for quality food? The guacamole is straight from costco or prepackaged from jewel, obviously not homemade. The service is sloooow as heck. We had the shrimp empanadas and they came out with a frozen shrimp inside? Nice and freshly made eh!? The beef empanada was not frozen but the center was not hot. We pointed it out to the waitress and instead of apologizing or offering to comp or get us something else, she just took them away and came back with a new batch. Our entrees were worse, the breaded steak bisteca tasted weird and the quality of meat was so cheap you could taste it! My friend had two bites and couldn't eat anymore. I had the spicy chicken entree thinking I would get at least one chicken breast in sauce, instead it came out in a bowl of onions and sauce with 5 or 6 of the tiniest chunks of chicken I have ever seen served at a restaurant---even Lean Cuisine has more chicken in their frozen entrees! I was basically eating spicy sauce with tons of onions as an entree--yuck! There was like no chicken in there, it was a joke. The people next to us also sent their food back, they had ordered some sort of tamale and they complained it tasted funny. WHAT IS HAPPENING at Cafe LaGuardia??? They used to have solid Cuban food. They are going to lose a loyal, local neighborhood customer base serving this kind of awful food. Too bad since the owner is nice and the decor is cute and comfy. They do have killer sangria though, hence the one star!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/6/2009
I really like decor in this place. Cozy, comfy latin flair and a nice latin retreat from the cold… Read more »
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Review from Soyoung P.
Bartlett, IL
11/8/2011
Been here several times and they never disappoint.
The passion fruit mojito....mmmmmmmmmm~
The cuban nachos are great! That is our go to app.
The ox tail soup is out of this world.
The service can be a little slow at times but order a mojito and relax~~ -
Review from Annie D.
10/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A trip to Cafe Laguardia begins with the decor assaulting the eyes with animal print (even on the air ducts!). It's inescapable, but no one could ever accuse them of not committing to their schtick.
Next, the mojito (or the cuba libre or the pitcher of sangria... whatever floats your Havana-bound boat).
Then, my favorite part of Laguardia: the nachos nachos nachos! Made on pressed plantain chips with guac, sour cream, salsa, cheese, chicken (or your choice of meat). I've had these here twice and they are just so damned tasty that they don't last long on the table. I wish the portion was a little bigger because it's painful to share these eight delectable bites.
After the nachos, the Cuban sandwich wasn't very exciting. From my limited Cuban food experience, I'd say it was fairly authentic, but the lesson is that authentic cubanos are just not that exciting in general. My favorite Cuban sandwiches have always been slightly non-traditional versions, so I should've known betta. Next time, the jibarrito is MINE.Listed in: Chicagoing
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Review from Jay Z.
Des Plaines, IL
3/9/2012
I have been coming to this place for years! The Churrasco is my plate of choice. Great meat, marinated to perfection, and seasoned just right. I love the owner and his mother, they always make me feel like royalty.
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Review from Carrie M.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2011
I loved it!! Went there for the first time last week and I have to say I was very impressed. Upon first glance it looks like it's going to be one of those loud restaurants but it so wasn't. It was nice and you could have a conversation no problem!!
I find the animal print fun and it gives a little rock n roll flair.
I ordered a cubano and empandas that were both delicious. My friends food was great too.
The drinks were awesome and practical.
All and all I would DEFINITELY go again and again! -
Review from David N.
Chicago, IL
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful atmosphere. Staff nice at first but then neglectful. Cuban chicken soup ha a chicken whole leg in it but was very good. The Cuban sandwich though was cold and late. It took a while to flag someone down to get some more pickles and mustard to kill the taste and ultimately I didn't finish it and have an overall odd feel from the place. Maybe I went cheap by getting a sandwich. Everyone else here seems to be eating their food a-ok. Worth a second try but if I ever do and if that fails definitely not worth a third try. Like the family story though and want to like it but... Hmm
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Review from Cathy B.
Chicago, IL
9/13/2011
AMAZING. I bought a groupon for Laguardia awhile back and finally got around to bringing my friend. We arrived at the restaurant and were immediately surrounded by the swankiest cuban lounge north of florida. After we sat down and ordered a pitcher of sangria an impromptu band began to play. They were a Cuban jazz band who came by to say Happy Birthday to the owner. What a great treat!
We first tasted the sangria and were less than impressed. Im a huge wine snob and immediately tasted wines that had gone off. Bummer.
I ordered the garlic halibut and was instantly blown away. The presentation was outstanding and the sofrito rice was the best Ive ever tasted. My girlfriend was equally impressed with her shrimp (which I couldn't partake in because of my allergy, but it looked incredible).
The service was great. The waitress was bubbly, attentive and interested in what we thought of our experience.
After switching from mediocre sangia to martinis, the place got even better! We stayed and danced until they closed then had a cocktail with the band later!
Excellent place! -
Review from Tertia H.
Chicago, IL
11/16/2011
Caiprihinas! Keep em coming! They were amazing! Fresh with a twist of lime.
I enjoyed my meal. I had the snapper. Huge portions. We ordered nachos but I wasn't a fan of the cold plaintain chips so I didn't like them that much. Guac was pretty good though.
Oh, I have to say, the decor is so not subtle! LOL -
Review from Nadeem P.
8/6/2011
My wife surprised me on my birthday with a dinner here. The first thing I noticed was the atmosphere. It was a festive, happening, but laid back lounge setting. The second thing I noticed was that their mojitos were on sale for $5 every Tuesday. Now I'm no professional, but I know my drinks. The mojitos here are AMAZING. My favorite was probably the coconut, it has jsut the right balance of sweetness along with the line and mint and rum.
As far as food, they were good, but they didn't stand out among some of the other places I've been. We had the empanadas, which were tasty, and the nachos, which were interesting. I probably wouldn't get the nachos again, but they had a huge selection of other things to try. For our meal we went with the red snapper, which was awesome.
In all the service here was one of the highlights, the staff are friendly and attentive and the drinks are awesome. The food is decent, but the other things make up for that... -
Review from Paul C.
Updated - 7/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Time to update my review for Cafe Laguardia, because you know what? This place is still awesome.
My Puerto Rican momma introduced me to Laguardia back around 2005 or so, and I've been hooked ever since. It's a great place to celebrate a birthday, go on a date, or enjoy a relaxed weekend lunch. I've been bringing friends here for years and have never had a bad experience.
Cafe Laguardia is a tropical oasis in the middle of Chicago. I particularly like coming here on a cold winter day, because once you step foot inside, it's like being transported to a tropical island. You'll forget about the miserable Chicago weather inside these four walls, and eat like you're on vacation.
Laguardia has the best Cuban food in Chicago. Go ahead and try to find better Cuban in Chicago, you won't. Simple things like rice and beans are fantastic, the pork is perfectly cooked, even more exotic dishes like garlic shrimp are expertly prepared. The Cuban nachos are a plantain-lover's delight. My favorite item on the menu isn't even Cuban, it's the Jibarito sandwich. Every sandwich should use plantains instead of bread. I could eat those for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Cafe Laguardia is a true Chicago gem. You owe it to yourself to have a meal here. You'll be glad you did.Listed in: Chicago's Finest
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/6/2008
I absolutely love this place. You can step into La Guardia in the middle of winter and it's as if… Read more »
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Review from S.Y. D.
Chicago, IL
11/21/2011
I've been coming here for quite some time and I can't give enough accolades on the service and quality of foods and drinks. I've tried alot of the dishes over the past few years and I've haven't been disappointed. I'm not a picky eater so I'm open to all the different meat and seafood dishes they offer.
The atmosphere is pretty lively which is a good compliment to the restaurant decor. In a big city with many food options, it's hard to stand out and Cafe Laguardia definitely delivers. Whether it's small or large group, I've always been satisfied and entertained. -
Review from Michelle S.
Chicago, IL
9/7/2011
I've been here several times since I live around the corner and it's wavering between a 3 and 4 star rating.
The place itself is quite eclectic and charming and the service has always been pleasant.
The drinks are better than average and the food is usually quite tasty. However, it's not for everyone and you have to know what to get before you order. My choices are always the snapper (Rachel Ray herself likes it) and the carne asada. The Cuban nachos are delish too as a starter...but make sure you ask them to cook fresh, mine are often served cold. -
Review from Kris R.
6/23/2011
OMG.
i'm welcoming myself back to the yelp scene.
"welcome back, kris. we missed you."
"why, thank you! it's good to be back, and i missed you, too."
my friend and i just went there for lunch today. i've been dying to try this place for months. i was blown away!
it blew me good. i asked the waiter which was better - the brisket or the their brazilian pork sandwich (only $5) and he said the first. but, i was craving pig, so i chose the latter. i was a little worried it wouldn't be good, but it was spectacular. so if that's just "good", then the brisket must be the sh!t!
we shared the empanada (love those things). sylvia had their cuban sandwich w/ lechon/pork (she was able to special order) and that was also AH-MAY-zing. we're definitely going back.
it's my new favorite place.Listed in: hola, tacos!
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Review from Jason J.
Chicago, IL
2/1/2012
Went here for the first time on Saturday with a group of friends, and we loved it! We decided to just do drinks and appetizers, but everything we tried was great. Pitchers of sangria that you could knock you off your seat followed by a taste of everything on the menu. The roasted pulled pork on fried plantains was phenomenal! The empanadas and the chicken croquets were also excellent. We will definitely go back and next time time some of the entrees and other tasty looking things on their menu.
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Review from Jacob J.
7/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The place which always lacks something, as said by my Yelp gal pal, Allison V.
A statement which has proven true now on a couple occasions. Two things about them I like are boozy cocktails which happen to be poured with a heavy hand. Specifically liking the pina colada and their caipirinhas. If the special is still available for the summer, find caipirinhas on special here on Thursday nights for $5. The second thing would be an entrée named "Tropical heatwave", the sauce for the gravy is tasty and it's spicy. Like, hot sauce spicy, makes my tongue salivate thinking about the grief it gives my forehead. The café makes their own hot sauces, except when they are out of its ingredients. Then the following happens.
Me: You're out of hot sauce! (They make their own here.) No cholula or Louisiana ? Not even Tobasco? WTF! This meal is doomed, we three thought. The tamale was so bland, even some jalapenos would've made it better. But, our waitress wasn't understanding our thought train. Their servers just do the minimum, not try to go above and beyond for their customer. Most people would think.. hmm, if my customer wants spicy and we don't have any hot sauce, why not offer them some chilies or something. Lucky me, I ordered their spiciest dish and my meal was saved.
About the decor; poor albino cheetahs lost their lives to create for Cafe L their restaurant chairs. Looks as though a few cows had also been used for good measure.
Cafe Laguardia, best for that "one off" drink that one weekday night, it's "happening". I like the people watching, lots of lovely gals on date night and much to discuss with fun company. Stop in for a weekday lunch as they have a tasty and inexpensive lunch menu which would win you over. -
Review from Melissa B.
Bartlett, IL
1/10/2012
This was my first Cuban restaurant experience and it was a winner! (Minus the cheesy, silly outdated decor). I thoroughly enjoyed my Peach Mojito, black bean soup, and plantain nachos which I had for my lunch instead of as an appetizer. Plaintains always make me happy! Very friendly and attentive lunchtime service! (maybe because there was only 1 other table being served?) But nevertheless, a welcoming, yummy, and GREAT lunch experience for this gringa!
