Cubana Social
“From the beautiful hostess, live jazz band (on Saturdays), and prompt service; this place has it all.”
“The Celia Cruz (not part of happy hour) is also an excellent cocktail (cucumber, dry london gin, mint, cocci americano aperitif, lemon).”
“The yucca fries are beyond addicting, and their vegetarian take on a cuban sandwich (w/ plantains, avocado and beans) is to die for.”
Cubana Social
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Coat Check: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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I love this place. First off, their empanadas are so good, I'm still drooling as I'm writing this review. I also ordered the pork and eggs, what a great dish. The eggs came sunny side up, with two plantains, arroz, and pork. Everything was flavorful and not too heavy, I finished my plate completely because it was that good.
The empanadas were bigger than expected, I had the chicken empanada. It was flavorful, crispy, accompanied with the sauce, a match made in heaven.
Our table also ordered the iced coffee drink with the condensed milk and it was the best decision we've made as well. The 2 4 1 mimosas were pretty good too, it was presented cutely with a slice of pineapple on the rim of the glass.
Overall, I'm glad we found this place to eat at, because it proved to be such a gem.
There's a stage area with instruments on the side, I'm guessing they have live bands come in to play on nights, which seems pretty cool as well.
Their coffee is also sourced by Blue Bottle Co.
I can't speak for actual meal ordering since we had a prix fixe thing going on. In reality I wouldn't be a fan of Cuban food because I don't pick pork dishes. I'm just kind of anti pig to the point where I don't eat bacon even though the smell is always on point.
Then I had to eat a family style meal here. They sat us comfortably in the back which allowed for witty banter with our group and casual conversations as well as enjoyment of the three piece band that was playing the ole time music. Actually I forgot what exactly they were playing but it helped create a nice relaxed Cuban nights kind of atmosphere despite it being a chilly fall Friday.
We shared a bunch of things including yucca fries? which were characteristically dry, empanadas which were fine but not amazing. I'm not a huge fan of empanadas anyway so I'm not the best judge. The vegan version with tofu was better than the beef. Cuban sandwiches which were decent enough but like I said, not a fan of pork. The green sauce which accompanied everything was delicious but not spicy enough for me.
Then Cubana threw me for a loop when they placed some pulled pork, black, beans, and rice in front of me. I didn't think I would care so much but that pork was slightly sweet, succulent, and tender. Probably the only pork I enjoyed outside of pulled pork which is just really bbq sauce with a side of pork. On top of that they tempted me with sides of sweet plantains with this buttery cinnamon sauce. I was actually mad that I wasted belly room on the crap served before this course.
The last course was a bunch of flan which was meh and an amazing key lime pie slice that I could eat a whole of except I was saved by the 12 people I shared it with.
Overall based on the entrée course, the key lime pie, and the live music this place is worth the stars…
This looks like a place you would find in LA. Very cute probably good for a date.
The prices are steep for Cuban food, but we have to take in account that it's Cuban food for Williamsburg hipsters.
The food is very good.
I had the empanadas (3 for about $12), and the lechon entree. The pork dish was excellent. They have a menu adapted for the hipster crowd: kale & quinoa included in some dishes. lol
Happy hour ends @8, with 2 for 1 drinks. The mojitos are good.
They serve Blue Bottle coffee.
Last time I was in Brooklyn I stayed at the Airbnb owned by the chef here, we never got around to going that time but we made sure to go by this time. I am so glad we did, as soon as we walked in I fell in love. The decor is so cozy and wonderful, I loved everything about it. I had two of the tofu empanadas and an egg empanada, both were delicious. The crust was flaky and crispy, absolutely perfect. My husband had the veggie burger which was also amazing and very hearty. We ordered an order of home fries to split and they were so good I wish I had gotten an order for myself. I would love to come in again some time for dinner, I saw that they had a stage with drums so I assume that they have live music which I would love to hear. If I lived in the area this would be a regular stop for me.
The food was different and tasty and flavorful. The place was small and I think sometimes they have live music (not the night we were there). The service was great and attentive (it wasn't very busy). I had the avocado and black bean sandwich with the fries. It was fabulous. The menu is limited and I would expect it can get very loud. Not sure what's around because it was late when we arrived. It's a costly cab ride from mid-town so I would recommend visiting only if you are in the area.
I've been a regular here for a while now, so it's high time I wrote a review. Let me start by saying that the food itself is probably more like 4 stars, but every other aspect of Cubana Social–drinks, staff, happy hour, atmosphere, plus the food–combine to equal 5 stars.
I almost always sit at the bar to eat and drink since I often come by myself or with one other person. On the weekends it can get crowded, but during the week there is always seating available. My favorite bartender in the world–Jeremiah–is leaving, but I guess I'll somehow manage to carry on. During the week, there is a great happy hour that includes 2 for 1 mojitos (the same person has to order them both) and 10 dollar burgers. The mojitos are consistently outstanding. The Celia Cruz (not part of happy hour) is also an excellent cocktail (cucumber, dry london gin, mint, cocci americano aperitif, lemon).
I've tried a variety of things as far as food goes, and all of it has been good: empanadas, fried brown rice, black bean burger, another sandwich I can't remember the name of, yuca frita. I would order any or all of those things again (and have).
Jeremiah's departure will take some getting used to, but I'm sure I'll keep coming back. The space is very large, the music is at a normal volume, it's not overly air conditioned, the staff is friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed. And, as noted, the food and drinks are great. What more could you want?
Such good reviews here, but I left feeling underwhelmed.
Brunch on a Saturday:
-open air space, so even with fans going from the ceiling, still felt hot, and was sweating throughout the meal
-Was dark, so it had a cozy vibe, good for people who wanted to shamelessly booze with their meal
-Service was friendly, but slow at times. We got water, with ice immediately, but then he disappeared for a bit before taking our order. At first it seemed like a lot of workers were on break initially, and maybe that's why it was slow at the beginning? I only saw a couple workers manning the whole place. But then not too long after, our meal was brought out by someone else, our water was refilled with our original guy, our plates were taken by a different girl, and finally the bill from the first guy.
-Cute posters on the walls
-Nice bar to sit at
-Bathrooms : had two, and it seemed clean, but it was super dark inside. Looking into the mirror was pointless, Lol. But the toilet flushed quickly and powerfully (none of that weak crap where you're desperately flushing our pee and two pieces of one-ply toilet paper and it won't go down!). Soap dispenser actually worked, and there were paper towels available. Dark or not, that's an "A" in my book.
Now onto the food:
Cubano sandwich — $14 I loved the tangy pickles and spicy heat of the mustard. Was a solid sandwich, pork was tender and I wasn't gnawing on it hardcore. I did wish the bread was crunchier, because at some parts due to the cheese/pickle/mustard, it was soggy, which wasn't very appetizing.
Pork and eggs brunch plate — $16 Maduros were super sweet. Couldn't eat them. The white rice had some subtle flavor, which we couldn't pinpoint. Can't go wrong with delicious sunny side up eggs, cut up and oozing over the pork.
First time here, and it sure won't be my last!
This area is amazing for great food finds though the parking situation is a nightmare. Be patient, drive around and look for a spot because you won't want to miss out on this restaurant.
The food is AMAZING. Free range chicken options, vegetarian options and tons of fresh veggies roasted to perfection. Drinks are good, they have a full bar, but the best part of the night was the live Latin Band. They were great. I couldn't stay in my seat once they started their set, the music called out to me.
This place is a great find. Happy eating!!!!