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Categories: Cuban, Bars, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
Neighborhood: Olde CityMon-Thu. 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Mon-Thu. 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fri. 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Fri. 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sat. 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sat. 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Sun. 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sun. 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
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I love this place! My husband is half Cuban and grew up on his mother and grandmother's Cuban cooking. The food at Cuba Libre definitely satisfies his need for a taste of "home".
The mojitos are really good and the food... oh my goodness! I'm really in love with the black bean hummus with plantain and yucca chips (I can't recall the actual name of this dish). The ropa vieja is fantastic!
We live over two hours away from Philadelphia, so I can't wait for the next special occasion than warrants a trip to Cuba Libre!
This 1950's Cuban inspired restaurant [slash] bar [slash] salsa spot provides a feast for all the senses. The innovative cuisine with sweet-hot undertones, spot-on mojitos, and latin rhythms transport you to a little Havana nestled in center city.
My friend and I had dinner here, and we sat in one of the airy "courtyards" built into the interior decor. Though predictable and a tad heavy-handed, the themed design details evoke an appropriate sense of place. Among the numerous and varied libations, the well selected rum choices, in white, dark, and spiced, correlate with selections on the menu. And impossible to omit in any mention of this oft-chosen destination is the exquisite perfection of their mojito - it is by far the best in the city, and I have tried enough to judge.
From the edibles, I partook of the sampler, which was both a healthy and satiating segue to some late eveningsalsa-groovin'. Here, unlike Brazil's nearby, lessons aren't offered, so if you're a novice, you might consider taking one before you show up. If you're well-practiced, Cuba's dance floor is as good a place as any here in town to showcase your moves. The stylish sounds are soulful-pop-latin and reggaetone. And if you're salsa-averse, there's always the balcony where you can sit back and spectate.
Mojitos were a little watered down - i'm not going to lie. The impromptu salsa/merigue/whatever the hell it was performance by the employees was amusing. Good spot for a drink- haven't tried their dinner though.
Much more lively and entertaining than some places in the neighborhood *cough (like continental across the street)
Came here for a friends birthday. Didn't stay for the dancing, but the food was delicious.
**3.5 stars**
Four for decor and service; 3 for the food.
With the worn yet tidy painted walls, detailed woodwork, indoor palm trees, leaf-like fans and super tall ceilings, this Philly restaurant depicts what I imagine pre-Communist old Havana would feel like. The restaurant decor with the open windows lends itself to a casual elegant feel for a brunch experience.
I would definitely start off with the Cafe Cuba Libre. They say it's expresso but it tasted watered down like American coffee. What makes this drink stand apart is the use of sweetened coconut milk, adding a tropical sweetness perfectly. My husband's cappuccino was also not as strong as authentic Cuban coffee, but it was still delicious otherwise. The flank steak and eggs with fried potatoes were a delicious combination, though they unfortunately didn't cook the steak properly since my medium was more well and it was chewy with the sinews still intact. My husband's side of maduros (sweet plantains) were plentiful and delicious. They offered Cuban sandwiches on their menu, but I'm used to cheap hole-in-the-walls in MIA that the $15 seemed wrong.
Great setting with a great concept, but with some of the food it almost gets it and falls short. I'd come back here for drinks and appetizers if not to try their ropa vieja.
Went here for the Salsa dancing on Saturday night. The atmosphere and mojitos made it fantastic. The pricey drinks and crowded-ness brought it down a star.
I heard the food was good but pricey. Mojitos were $11, I got the mango mojito and it convinced 3 of my friends to get one too. Beers were $6-$7 a bottle apparently.
The performances were entertaining, the music was fun, and I even had the pleasure of being taught how to salsa by someone who knew how to. My friends really liked the change from the usual lounge/club music to the vibrant sounds of Cuba Libre. Even for those who didn't dance, they enjoyed the atmosphere.
The one downside is that there is only one bathroom, meaning a very long line. Also the bar is super crowded so you have to fight your way in but the bartenders are pretty friendly and take care of you as quickly as possible.
Oh and $1 coat check. Plus you can drop your stuff at any table that's empty; we just went towards the back of the 1st floor and claimed a part of that little area to sit, drink, and dance when we wanted to.
Definitely coming here again to work on my dance moves!
Gosh... I think I needed to order a Mojito or two... Perhaps this is a better evening/drinking spot then a brunch place.
The double height ceilings, ceiling fans and decor was right out of what I would expect if I was transplanted in Cuba. Very cool indeed.
The food was generally so so. The coffee water down/weak taste. If I was forced to pick, the food highlight would have to be Chino del Mar (shrimp and crab spring roll). The Cafe Cuba Libre was very tasty (Cuban coffee with steamed coconut milk).
The service was a little bit slow but perhaps if the coffee (and/or the food) tasted better we would not have noticed as much.
I guess I will have to try it one more time, but this time for drinks and dancing.
A friend of mine called me on the spur of the moment and we decided to go out to dinner. I chose Cuba Libre because it seemed intriguing.
We started with the Guava BBQ ribs. Now, my background is rooted in the Caribbean and I know Guava. The ribs were good, but did not have the unique taste of Guava. The Maduros (fried plaintain) was also good, moist & sweet. For the main dish my friend and I both had the short ribs. Again, it was a good meal, but not a CUBAN good meal. I felt that the flavors that one would identify with Cuban food was missing.
For cocktails we had a mojito and a caipirinha, which were good.
The things I really liked at Cuba Libre were the bread and mango butter, I could have eaten a whole loaf of bread as long as I had that butter. The building, when you enter the building it's as if you've been transported to Cuba (or at least the Cuba you see in the movies).
Overall, the food's good just not really Cuban. I will go back to try the Plato Gaucho for Two, which looks like a carnivore's delight. Let's see if that dish would make the cut.
Cuba Libre is like a Cuban Disney World. All the decor and music are completely over the top. Being that I have never actually been to Cuba I can not tell you if its all authentic, but my best guess is, as fun as the atmosphere is it is not. None the less the food is absoloutely delicious. Both brunch and dinner are great, with deep flavors and generous portions. When it comes to drinks they are known for their mojitos. This drink is one thing I am actually knowledgable about, and Cuba Libre dissapoints. Don't get me wrong they are a waay good but, its not hard to make a tasty drink when it is 5 parts mixer and sugar and one part alcohol. For $$$ it is a let down, I want more substance in my drink. None the less Cuba Libre is a sure shot great meal in a fun not so authentic Cuban Disney World.
My husband and I ate here recently. We were staying at a hotel in the area and just walked down the street looking for a place to eat. With so many options, it was amazing that we made it all the way to this place. I'm so glad we did!
The service was exceptional. And the food amazing. I will dream about the mango butter tonight. Reasonable prices too.
I had set the bar high with Cuba Libre. So many people had raved about their drinks and food that I thought Desi Arnaz was going to jump out behind a pillar, bust into a song and dance routine, and serve me some damn plaintains.
We went on Friday pre-Philly art crawl to commandeer the troops, enjoy some mojitos and apps, and then partake in some culture. My mojitos must have been laced with some watered down nonsense because I tasted no alcohol. I felt duped and disappointed!
The redeeming factor was the apps. I took the lead as I often do and ordered the black bean hummus, sweet corn cakes, yucca fries, fried plaintains, and wings. All were delicious. Ok let me bactrack...the mango butter and the bread almost got me pregnant behind my old high school. If you don't know Tracey Morgan schtick, you possibly might not get that joke.
However, my belly was a-roaring afterwards and I had a migraine out of nowhere. I felt like the guy in that Lily Allen video "Smile" except I wasn't beaten up, robbed, drugged, etc. I don't know if it was the food or not but it *almost* ruined my night.
Would I go back? Sure, I want to get some entrees, ask for more alcohol in my drinks, and get some mango butter http://in.my.belly.
Things I love about Cuba Libre:
*Mojitos (They don't use sugar... it's fresh sugar cane, which makes all the difference.)
*Mango Butter
*Salsa Dancing on Saturday nights
*Amazing brunch--Cuban coffee is delicious
*Really big portions
What contributed to the minus two stars:
-The wait is ridiculously long always. I went on a rainy Tuesday night at 9 pm and the wait was still over an hour.
-The food is good, but I never crave a meal from Cuba Libre. It might be just my palate, but it runs a little salty for me.
-The desserts are not memorable.
In summary: The mojitos are what keep bringing me back... mmmm...
This place has amaaazing food. I haven't been to Philly in over 5 years and I still dream about this place...
You just can't go wrong with Cuba Libre. I've been here 3 times and it just gets more and more ridiculously good. Ok, two words...Mango Butter. This should be sold in stores next to love and kittens. To describe this in words wouldn't do it justice.
This is authentic Cuban cuisine wrapped in a finer dining atmosphere (it's not really fine dining, but it's more upscale than most cuban places). Just get anything. It will be good. Even though I recommend plantains in any form.
Oh and the mojitos are predictably the best...ever...ever.
Good menu and good food, though I think a bit overpriced for what they offer. Great drinks, especially mojitos. The service could be better but if you point out whatever issue you might have, they do make sure to take care of it.
In my opinion a great place for lunch and/or drinks.
One of my favorites! This will definitely impress a first date or someone who hasn't been to Philly before. The interior looks and feels like you're outside and on Saturday night the first floor turns into a dance floor. Drinks are good, yet expensive, and the mango butter and bread are to die for. (As well as the Cuban coffee!!)
update - came here for dinner last Sunday...the restaurant was nearly empty (yeah, yeah, it's a sunday, but com'on philly) and the food was pretty disgusting. i ordered the ropa vieja. meh. i barely put a dent in it. I'm definitely no longer the fan I once was.
anytime i can have cuban food for breakfast, i'm a happy girl.
indeed, brunch here is fab.…
Read more »
Had easy-like-Sunday-morning drinks at the bar with the lovey love of my life and the coffee love of my life.
Yes, the "Cafe Cuba Libre" is still the one for me... I may never find a greater coffee love. Cuban coffee with steamed coconut milk... Frothy, sweet, tropical, caffeine laced goodness.
We continued with a spicy "Cuba Mary" (bloody mary) -- peppery, cocktail saucey -- and a champagne mojito -- sparkly, sweet, refreshing. Both were the yums.
And at the end, the two coffees and two cocktails came out to almost $30... Not exactly cheap, but a fun little splurge for transforming a rainy dreary Philadelphia morning into a breezy, summery Cuban one.
cuba libre gets 3 stars for ambiance alone. the 4th star is for its cuban coffee and delicious… Read more »
Stopped in for Sunday brunch. It seemed a little busy, and since we didn't have a reservation, we decided to sit/eat at the bar and chat with the bartender. She was cheery and friendly. After looking through the menu, and noticing they had incorporated Ropa Vieja into a brunch dish, I knew I needed to try it. I used to live around the corner from a Cuban restaurant, and that was my go-to meal (ropa vieja with white rice, black beans, and maduros).
I ordered the One-Eyed Ropa Vieja Hash and a Mamey agua fresca. The drink was light and refreshing, and not too sweet with a slight melony flavor. The meal was awesome. The hash consisted of potatoes, maduros, and corn. Stack some Ropa Vieja on top of that, and top it all off with a fried egg, and some grilled and seasoned toast points. Had we not been sitting at the bar, I would have pulled out my camera and taken a picture, it was that pretty. And not only was it pretty, it was mighty tasty.
We found this restaurant completely by chance, after wandering around Philadelphia all day -- and were very glad we did! First, the mojitos -- although not quite as good as the ones I make (if I DO say so myself...) -- were delicious, and the fresh-squeezed sugar cane juice made for a slightly more exciting flavor than usual. Second, the mango butter that was served with the bread was nothing short of an epiphany! My wife and I both ordered the Platos Cubanos, a sampler plate -- and were very happy we did. The sweet plantains and the skirt steak were both highlights. The portions were appropriately sized -- enough for dinner and then some, but not obscenely large. The service was attentive and helpful. Bringing the check in a Cuban cigar box was a gimmicky, but fun final touch.
The place is not cheap. My wife, eleven year-old son, and I spent $140 (including 3 mojitos) -- but the experience was well worth the price.
I have a love/hate relationship with this restaurant. It's filled with pretty people, pretty chairs, and pretty light. But I am often disappointed in the service and overall nonchalant attitude that fills the air. Since we only wanted drinks and appetizers, we had to sit at the bar, but the happy hour prices were so tempting we caved.
Specialty drinks were $4 and small bites $3. We ordered three small bites and two drinks each.
My husband ordered the Grilled Pineapple Mojito (Cuba Libre White Rum, grilled pineapple puree, hierba buena, guarapo, fresh lime juice, with a splash of lemon-lime soda). It was refreshing. It was a mojito. I ordered the Mango and Ginger Martini (Cuba Libre White Rum, mango puree and guarapo infused with mango and ginger with a candied ginger rim). I am a sucker for ginger anything but I couldn't taste any ginger in this-just mango. There wasn't even any candied ginger on the rim like they promised. But it was $4 so I drank it. When I was finished, I saw all of the ginger at the bottom of the glass.
We enjoyed the Havana Ceviche Misto (chilled cocktail of shrimp, Baja bay scallops and fresh tomato cocktail salsita). The shrimp and mussels were perfectly tender but the tomato cocktail salsita tasted like it came premixed from a can.
I loved the Papas Rellena (Roasted garlic potato croquette filled with beef picadillo. Sweet and spicy guajillo pepper sauce, crispy onions and Manchego crema). The creamy potato and flavorful beef was moist with just the right amount of Manchego. Oh how I love you, Manchego. Again, though, the sauce was a let down and I wasn't convinced that it was made from scratch.
The Chicharrones de la Pollo (crisp marinated chicken, fresh jalapeno pepper, spicy mojo picante, crispy plantain) was our favorite and we both saved a bite of this for last. It reminded me of karaage because of the crispy but not doughy fried batter, juicy meat, and slightly sweet taste.
Our second drink was pretty disgusting and I had a hard time drinking it: Caballito, the Cuban Manhattan (Cuba Libre Dark Rum, Sweet Vermouth, guarapo, fresh lime juice and a cherry). The alcohol burned, the bartender got ice cubes in both of our glasses, and there was no cherry. I am cringing now just thinking about it.
Verdict on Cuba Libre: I'd go to the happy hour again because of the tasty food and reasonable prices, but I'd probably just order a beer next time.
We went for Sunday Brunch. I noticed online there was a 3 course 14.95 Cuban Brunch Get-away which you should ask the waiter for the menu because I don't they reveal it otherwise. Boy was this a deal! First course I had the churros and guava jam...which the churros were FRESHLY made and had just enough cinnamon and sugar. The guava jam was unique which I also spread on the bread. Yes the mango butter was good. If you're in a salty mood the black bean soup was good too, you can taste the ham stock. At my table, my husband had the chorizo omelette which came with a side of salad and he picked the plantains which he enjoyed very much. My friend had the crab omelette with a side of home fries and yuca hashbrown. I had the ropa vieja. The portions were supple and more than enough I had to take mine home. I am definitely coming back for brunch to try the other omelettes. We each had the cuban cafe with coconut milk. VERY VERY YUMMY.
Oh my goodness, what a disappointment!! After experiencing such wonderful food at Mixto, I've developed this high expectation of Cuban and Latin American food (especially after my trip to some nice Puerto Rican places). Two stars for effort and timely delivery from http://diningin.com on Valentine's Day. Thanks, Cuba Libre, for giving me good service at a busy time :)
So I ordered the Mariquitas Latin America. The sauces were pretty good and I thought we were off to a good start. Then we went to our main course: sharing pescado de oriente and tamales vegetarianos. Ay carramba! The fish was so bland and being an Indian-born American, I'm all about flavor and spice and what not (this is why you see so many Indian people in places like Taco Bell, we really like Latin American spices). So disappointing. And go me for then switching plates and having the tamales. I think one had beans and the other, I forgot. So not flavorful. Ugh!
Besides our timely delivery and appetizer, the dessert was pretty good. I ordered that bread pudding or whatever and it was really good. Very nice way to finish off a meal. I'm just sad that it was the ending to a really bad meal.
Overrated.
We went here spontaneously for Friday dinner with some out of town guests. Cuba Libre is a great place to take people who are in town for a visit. The decor and atmosphere exude fun.
The Mojitos were really good, especially the "Primo Mojito." The food was good, but not great. We had the "Plato Gaucho for Two," which had a variety of meats served sizzling hot. I definitely recommend sticking around for desert too. The Tres Leches de Banana was fantastic.
The service was solid, but not out of this world. Overall, Cuba Libre is definitely worth visiting.
3.5. I had lunch here on Tuesday afternoon with the brother. We both have never had it before but decided to try it on account of hearing really good things about this place.
The food and drink were awesome. The ambiance was really nice. The service was quite friendly.
He got the steak sandwich with plantains, and I got the Coca de Lomo, which was this flatbread pizza-like dish that had some smoked pork on top. Both plates were 13 dollars on the lunch menu and worth every penny.
Along with our meals, we ordered a half jug of white Sangria which was 15 bucks and pretty tasty. We got about 2 and a half glasses each from that. Unfortunately, when our waiter was pouring us our first glasses, the wine kept spilling along the side of the jug. Had that not happened, we probably would have gotten 3 glasses each, but what we had was nice enough.
Improvements:
- It being 40 degrees outside and somewhat empty inside, I didn't really see the need for the fans overhead. We were both really cold when we were eating and they had all the fans on.
- The menu was very limited, and I wished there were more options. Also, it was a bit more pricey than I was expecting for lunch. They were closer to dinner prices.
- It would have been nice to be given more Sangria to compensate for the amount that spilled.
Overall, it was an enjoyable dining experience and I would recommend this place to others. It's the first meal in Philly that I was really impressed with and look forward to much more.
Had a prix-fixe birthday dinner here. If you want to eat a lot of flavorful meat, this is the place to go. It ended up being a little too much for me though. But I heard the portions from a regular menu might not be worth it though.
My favorite things about this place:
MOJITOS...and Salsa Dancing!
Thoughts from a Cuban:
My BF dragged me to Cuba Libre saying I had to give it another chance after last year's disastrous visit. I'm happy to say that the restaurant has apparently got much better, apparently a change of management has occurred and there seems to be a new outlook from the employees as well as the quality of the food.
I would have given it four stars except for the horrible bread basked they pass as Cuban breads. Two curros (acceptable), two whole wheat bread pieces, and some Wonder-bread look-alike. PLEEEEZZZZZ!!! This is a far as Cuban bread as it can be! If any, real Cuban Bread is kneaded with lard and has a great crusty exterior. Even the Metropolitan Bakery baguettes are more Cuban than what they serve.
Still, there were extensive improvements. We were told at 1200 that there was a 20-minute wait and we could come back in 20 minutes. We did, and were seated within seconds. I had a superb flank steak and my BF had a Cuban-infusion French Toast, both quite savory.
The espresso machine was working this time and it was indeed quite good.
As far as the mojitos... They claim it was real "guarapo". My take it was sugar water.
I was living in Philadelphia's riverfront when Cuba Libre first opened up and it was a blessing to… Read more »
Came here for lunch and had the $15 Bento box, which was pretty good. The service was great, and the atmosphere and decor were also really nice. I had the mojito too, which was good but kinda pricey.
Can't wait to come back and try this place for dinner though.
I came here with 3 friends because one had heard that Cuba Libre has some of the best mojitos in town. We rolled by at 11:30pm, tried to get in the door, and the bouncer didn't like my Camper shoes and my friends shoes, despite the fact that we just came nicely dressed from a great dinner at Modo Mio (5 stars). So after retrieving my girlfriend who already got waved inside we left.
This is Philadelphia, not the strip in LA. A shoe code? F*** your mojitos. I don't want them.
Fantastic! We've eaten here a number of times and have always been impressed.
The atmosphere is extraordinary. It feels like you are in a tropical outdoor setting. Lots of tropical plants, rattan furniture and artistry makes one feel like they are right in Cuba. There is a nice hustle/bustle about the dining room and bar that gives it a lively feel. Add a nice flight of aged rum and shazam.
The Taste of Cuba is great. This is basically a tasting menu of many Cuban dishes and a great way to try everything. Until then, I never realized how much I liked Cevice'. Chicken, Pork, Steak, Desserts, Coffee's, you name it and it is good. I would highly recommend anyone eating here. Bring at least $100 for two if you intend on having any alcohol, up to and including lunch.
Valet and Parking in the lot across the street is about $20. Finding a spot streetside isn't easy but sometimes there is meter service on the bridge off 676. Just make sure you bring change to pay for it, else you'll end up with a $35 parking ticket. Enjoy.
I want it very clear for the record. I am not a fan of Mojitos, UNTIL I came to Cuba Libre. The drinks themselves look like works of art. Everyone was drinking them, and it is one of their specialties so I said why not and ordered one since believe it or not, you aren't supposed to ask a stranger if you can taste their Mojito. Crazy.
I am so glad I ordered a Mojito. It was insane! Liquid ecstasy. One quickly turned into two, before I went to my next spot. They are super tangy and not overly minty, which is why I tend not to like them. I still will not order them, but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE MOJITOS even to those who don't like them. If you love limey or tart drinks this is on point. I'm still blown away. I wish I could have stayed here longer and drink myself sloppy on them.
In terms of ambiance, the bar is cute and dark. It got packed very quickly. I loved the honesty of the bartender who criticized customers who ordered flavored Mojitos. He doesn't recommend them at all. My kind of man! And I got to see true Philadelphia mafia men with their big bulky body guards and "interesting" looking women. Good times.
It was my first time eating Cuban food, and my bf and I really enjoyed the experience.
We had beers and Guava BBQ Ribs as appetizers,Camarones con Cana (jumbo shrimps with stuffed pepper) and Lechon Asado (marinated pork) as the main dishes. For the ribs: the meat on the ribs fell right off the bone and was delicious.For Camarones con cana, it was nice to see so many huge shrimps but the sauce on top tasted like regular ketchup for me. Stuffed pepper was Spicy! but overall, it worked nicely with the sauce and guacamole on the outside. For Lechon Asado, the meat was very tender and sauce was delicious.
Liked the overall atmosphere and the quality of service. However, it was too dark and had to wait or ask multiple times to get what we needed.
Outstanding Food, Mojitos, and Service!
I first went there like 2 years ago for dinner and was very impressed with it.
It's one of my favorite and beautiful places to go. The price is okay, not too expensive, but great quality food. Everytime I go there, I feel Iike I'am in another world. They really spent a lot time making the place look top notch.
I've been coming here for a couple years now.
The bartender who makes the mojitos does a fantastic job. I see him there all the time, lunch, dinner, and even at night when the place turns into a salsa night club that bridges to another lounge with hiphop/ r&b.
Lunch and Dinner is great. My gf and I love BBQ rib sandwichs. The tres sopas is pretty good too. Also the mango butter and bread is so tasty. I have to stop eating it before I full from just that. Just work you way down their menu and try everything.
They also have an excellent 3 course lunch menu for a great deal.
I had a stomach ache from something else last time and couldn't enjoy it. Iam hoping to go to philly again to get that three course meal.
****The mojitos are xcellent. I love all those flavors. Its a tad pricey, but its one well made drink. Happy hour is where its at. I can actually afford more than 3 :-)
I have actually dreamed about Cuba Libre's guava pulled pork sandwich. Even writing about it makes me want one. I haven't had any complaints about the food yet and any time I'm there I feel like I'm transported on to a movie set. The service has always been good and the late night dancing is a trip. I definitely suggest making a reservation.
The mojitos here are really the best. You could spring for the premium one, but even the regular is pretty good. They use cane juice rather than sugar to sweeten, and adds a good flavor. It used to have a happy hour on Thursdays for a pitcher of mojitos, but not sure anymore.
The bacon wrapped dates were definitely good. It gets crowded and pretty hard to get a table later at night since they have salsa dancing certain nights of the week. So just make sure you check what's going on.
First these two things would make me a favorite to a restaurant.
1) atmosphere
2) food
Cuba Libre has both. The menu is small but what ever I ordered I had no complaints. The appetizer bread and butter is excellent and the Mojitos are great.
Make sure to make reservations on the weekend as it can get really busy.
I liked it. I didn't love it as much as I enjoyed Branzino the previous evening but I liked it. The Sangria was very nice. I am sorry I didn't try the mojitos but the Sangria drank like Kool-Aid, I could have enjoyed an entire pitcher by myself.
The bread is heavenly.
Between the two entrees I'd have to say that the Sea Bass was excllent but the other dish was not as good.
I love the way they've decorated the place.
I didn't care for the restaurant staff on their headsets walking around communicating that table 51 is free, table 62 is on dessert, table 44 has taken the third bite of their appetizer. I already know that Philadelphia is less formal than New York City (and I'm okay with that) but you have to draw the line somewhere.
To repeat, the Sangria is a thumbs up, the bread was great, the Sea Bass was a winner and I love what they've done with the space...
Weekend after hours: love coming here to dance. No cover, but drinks can be pricey.
Cuba Libre has a truly impressive drink selection. The mojitos and caipirinhas are amazing. While the drinks are a bit expensive ($9-11), the food is reasonably priced and the portions are generous. The Chef's Tasting Menu is a particularly good deal - 15 courses for $34.
Also, the bread and mango butter and incredible. They are an appetizer in and of themselves.
Went here on a Friday around 7 with three of my friends. The atmosphere was relaxing and it wasn't too crowded. Had three different menus presented to us--the regular menu, drinks menu and the Cuban Cookout menu (a summer special). Ordered the Sweet Tea Mojito which was a great blend of alcohol and sweet tea--I've been to a lot of places where it was either too sweet or too strong. Tried my friend's Mango Mojito which was pretty good as well! While we were waiting for our entrees, the server brought in bread with mango butter--so delicious, although the bread was a little greasy. For the entree, I ordered the Cuban sandwich which was tasty and filling. Next time I'd probably try to go here during happy hour to try more of their tasty mojitos!
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Latin American
Neighborhood: Olde City
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Olde City
Category: Tapas Bars
Philadelphia, PA
Category: Nightlife
Neighborhood: Olde City
Category: Restaurants
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