Rumba Cubana
“I've been to Rumba Cubana numerous times since it moved to this location from its spot on Broadway in North Bergen (I had also eaten many times at that location).”
“Delicious food, SUPER DELICIOUS mango sangria (it's a must-have), friendly service and fair prices.”
“We will definitively come back, but make a reservation so you can avoid the long wait.”
Rumba Cubana
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
Rate and write a review Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Just realized I've never reviewed the new Rumba Cubana location!!!
As always the food it great! This location offers a valet service which is under the restaurant. I believe there is a charge for it. We often try to find street parking to avoid paying for the valet. The prices are affordable, and the food is always delicious. Service when eating in the dining room is always quick. At times there can be a very long wait at this location, and the waiting area is not that large.
I was also at a private party at this location. The service was very slow, I actually left later then I expected to. The private party room is also narrow. As always the food was still wonderful.
The reason I rated 3 stars was b/c of the long waits, valet, and the service at the private event. I do, however, this this is a great restaurant, and I'll definitely be returning. I did enjoy their closed location more!!!
I almost forgot I've also gotten take out from this location!!! The take out was WONDERFUL, and the order was ready when promised, even though someone else picked it up for me!
I moved to N. Bergen about a year ago, and this week I'm finally going to Rumba (I live five blocks walking). This is a place where everyone comes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I see people getting all dolled up to hit this spot. The parking garage is always full and people are always waiting. It kind of reminds me of the red lobster line in Manhattan. I stopped in to this spot on Sunday right before my game was suppose to start and I was hoping (more like praying) they have it.
I was always worried about everyone being dressed up. Then again anyone who knows me, knows that I am NOT shy, but I am kind of at first.
Well about 3 months ago they opened up a lounge above. Great bar seating, table and side seating too. It has a family, friend, and great for group atmosphere. They have great drink choices, with a lot of people ordering food. I see people getting the appetizer and sharing it, but the dining area is LIVE. They play music up in the lounge that really sets the mood and tone of things. People were dancing, laughing, and having a really good time.
I had a blue moon with orange juice, which was served weird. I do love my cups cold, but it was a mason jar and then they gave me the orange juice in a little cup, I dropped it everywhere with the little cup and then cold mason cup it was crazy. I definitely was sad, but I was a little disappointed in the idea of how it was served. I was the one who poured everything into the mason jar. I really honestly didn't trust myself and BOMB there it was half the cup all over the bar. I JUST knew it, but they couldn't hear me telling them I had a spill, because the music was a little loud.
They have three huge screens to watch the game which was really nice. They weren't able to play my game, because they don't have Direct Tv, which I didn't know the whole time, they were sooo kind. The manager got involved because he is really into football. A few mins later the appetizer came out and I was only thinking about food, but was watching "red zone" to get the highlights about my team. I was super excited to find out that my team won in the end.
I got the Rumberito, which is a variety of fried tasty treats; deep fried corn fritters, ham croquettes, empanadas, tamales, fried pork skins, stuffed potatoes (potatoes with beef and veggies). I have a spot I generally compare this food to and it was pretty good. Overall it was tasty, I would've liked a dipping sauce with it to help bring the flavors together. I would love to come back and try the fish and steak dishes. Overall the experience, the food, drinks, and the people all came together to make it a great place to hang out…
When it comes to bang for your buck, it is difficult to think of a better place than rumba! Both locations are excellent in this sense, with the West New York location be in the livelier of the two. I've been to both multiple times, most recently for my uncles birthday party; if you need a place to celebrate a birthday this is the spot! They have an upstairs lounge which I great for pre dinner drinks and then a very nice main dining area with a decent view of upper Manhattan.
When it comes to food, I've honestly never been disappointed from all the times I've come. Some of the highlights are: mofongo with garlic shrimp sauce (AMAZING), the breaded fish fillet (my favorite) which taste very fresh and almost always is cooked perfectly, and all the sides I've had were very good!
Their sangria is formidable as well; not to die for but it's totally drinkable and affordable. GO FOR THE RED ONE! The white isn't pleasant.
As for the rest of the drinks I can't speak of besides the mojito which was really strong, not exceptionally tasty, but it had a ton of alcohol and it wasn't expensive.
Overall I would highly recommend any location of Rumba Cubana. It's a great place and I enjoyed it every time I went.
I originally found Rumba Cubana 6 years ago at its original location on Broadway. It was a small Cuban restaurant trying to stand out in an area with many Cuban eateries. Their edge over the competition is the great food, tasty drinks at a very reasonable price.
Today Rumba has expanded to two larger locations; my favorite of the two locations is the one on JFK Blvd. The layout is spacious, authentically decorated, showcasing an outdoor patio and a great view of NYC. However, the best part is still the delicious food, tasty drinks served at a tremendous value. A few of my favorite dishes are;
Chicharon de Puerco: Small crispy fried pieces of pork skin. Add lime and hot sauce to taste.
Tostones Relleno: Fried green Plantains stuffed with ground meat, shrimp or ropa veija.
Mofongo: Mashed green plantains with fried pork and garlic. Request a large dish of beef gravy for dipping or pouring over the dish.
Ropa Vieja: slow cooked/marinated shredded beef in tomato, garlic, onions and peppers.
Churasco: Nice, thick cut of skirt steak. If you order it well done or you'll be committing a crime in 42 states.
Bistec Palomilla: Thin flat steak topped with caramelized onions. Accompany the steak with tostones con mojo (garlic sauce).
Costillas de Res: Meaty, slow cooked, fall off the bone ribs cooked in a beef and light BBQ base sauce.
Masita de Cerdo: Marinated pork chunks, light fried. Best accompaniment with black beans & rice.
Lechon Asado: Slow cooked, pork marinated in garlic and Cuban spices that's cooked all day. This is a Cuban staple. Accompany the dish with Yuca con cebollas con mojo or Yuca frita con mojo.
Drinks: Pitcher of Sangria (variety of flavors), Cuban punch, margaritas (variety of flavors), Pina Colada, Hemingway special.
If your looking for a sweet happy ending, get a slice of Tres Leches or Flan de Coco Accompany that with a Café Cubano.
Rumba Cubana is an wonderful place, run by an owner that cares about quality, service and a great dinning experience.
If you're in NJ while using the Yelp app. Scroll App – Select Directions on the Yelp app and head there RIGHT NOW. Wait don't forget your car.
Came here over the weekend…
Wanted Cuban food but wanted something out of the usual which is normally Cuban Pete's so I decided to look around Yelp and came across Rumba Cubana…
Great decision I must add…
I called to make reservations and I'm glad I called because I didn't realize they have 2 locations as told to me by the nice lady who picked up the phone…
1. In North Bergen— which looked like a regular Latino restaurant in the middle of a residential area with no parking…
2. In Gutenberg overlooking the Hudson… Gorgeous restaurant, valet parking just PERFECT….
anyway , obviously I decided to go Rumba Cubana in Guttenberg, upon arriving I saw a long line I was like oh no this is why I decided not to go to Cuban Pete's…
Went inside and it's tastefully decorated and may I add very very clean…
I gave my name and the host informed me it will be about a 45 minute wait…
SMH…. Drove 30 minutes might as well wait right???
Plus the view was just breathtaking and I just wanted to finish eating to walk and take cute pics…
Another thing I loved about Rumba Cubana was that the host asked for my number and they will text and call when the table is ready…
Fancy….
Anyway … Our 45 minute wait for a table turned into only 5 minutes….
FANTASTIC….
We ordered 2 appetizers for 4 people… Started off with the sampler and tostones rellenos w ropa vieja…
The tostones rellenos w ropa vieja DELICIOUS as for the sampler which consisted of cuban tamales(not good) fried pork(too greasy) ham and cheese croquettes (tasted fresh off a box) lacked a lot of effort and seasonings…
As for my entree I ordered the pork shoulder w the congri rice and sweet plantains… Can't complain it was delicious… I was just mad I got full from the appetizers and sangria which let me tell you it was worth getting full for, I didn't eat much of my food but the few bites I did eat everything was on point…
Of course when in a Cuban restaurant is a must to end the night with a bomba shot of coffee and a tres leches cake… I wish I would of not ordered the 3 leches cake because it was not good at all oddly it was salty (?) But the coffee was the BOMB..
as far as service, it was magnificent…
My mom didn't want what she originally ordered because it was already tasted the ropa vieja as an appetizer , few minutes before our food made it to the table with no hesitation or fuss , we asked our waiter if it was OK for her to switch her meal for something else and he said of course….
Where they do that at ???
I loved that it was possible to make a last minute change…
P.s. oddly enough when hubby went to drop off the car to the valet he had to pay the valet before going inside the restaurant, so make sure you carry cash….
Will definitely be back…
Upon reading the other yelp reviews I decided to come here for lunch midweek instead of the weekend. I hate waiting just to be seated. I act like a 3 yr old when I'm hungry! The food is great! Definitely worth the trip from Queens. I ordered the avocado salad and a sampler platter that had pork, ropa vieja,yuca, maduros, and moros. The pork and moros were my favorite….so darn good!!!! For drinks I ordered a Hemingway special(a bit too sweet) and a frozen daiquiri (perfectly balanced). Even though I was pretty full I had to have the coconut flan and a cuban coffee. The flan was very good, and the coffee was spectacular! Cubans really know their coffee. Service was ok, although my server was very friendly and helpful, he also was quite forgetful,you might even say a space cadet .At least twice I had to remind him about napkins, picante, my coffee, so I did take off a star for that. I sat on the balcony on what was a perfect afternoon. The view is gorgeous….it doesn't get any better. I cant wait to return with the family !
Is Cuban food Spanish; yes. Is it Latin; yes. Cuban food is a little bit of all Spanish and Latin foods, in my opinion. Always rice, beans, plantains, pork, garlic, cumin, etc. in various forms from these cultures. Bottom line Cuban food is delicious and Rumba Cubana does a good job.
Had dinner the other night and it was a lovely evening. Food was delicious. Service good. Ambiance nice. While it was not outstanding in all three areas. The combination of all three made up for some hiccups.
The restaurant is spacious with lots of room between tables. Decor kitschy, but it worked. Active bar scene. A lady was playing some tunes on a piano. Very comfortable setting and easy to appreciate.
We ordered a couple of combination entrees. Both where huge and very good. It had a bit of everything and lots of home style flavors. Reminded me so much of mom's home cooking. Lots of food and flavor. Yum.
Wife had a tamale, masitas de puerco, white rice, black beans and yuca platter. Tamale moist with a hint of sweet corn flavor. Rice hot and fluffy. Yuca firm; not overcooked. Beans very traditional and firm. Pork also moist with solid seasoning.
I had the ropa vieja, moro rice, lechon and sweet plantain. Again all very flavorful with a perfect balance of Cuban and Latin spices. This meal brought back many, many memories. All good.
Overall, Rumba Cabana is a must visit if your in the area and want an affordable meal. The Cuban style food was delicious. I must say that it was lacking in food temp. Food was just warm, but it was delicious with lots of flavor. Music was loud, but if you where at the other end; perfect sound. While service was good; waiter was a little stretched and mechanically. Not the end of the word. He was friendly and efficient. If your looking for some Cuban food at an affordable price with a home style flavor of home; Rumba Cabana is your place.
Because I have been here quite a few times, I can not believe I have yet to write a review since the new relocation to Blvd. East.
And all I have to say is what's not to love about this place?!
The inside decor makes it fun and exciting.
They have both indoor and outdoor seating.
Parking usually isn't an issue since they have their own valet service.
They also have a pretty decent wine menu.
Great spot for a variety of reasons. Amazing food, with can't be beat prices and large portions. Literally, I ALWAYS bring home leftovers.
Seriously!!! My boyfriend and I can walk in, gets some apps, a pitcher of sangria, two entrees and two deserts and the price somehow is still under $100.
Service is "okay", could be a little quicker in my opinion.
But in general, I find it to be a great spot to for any occasion…a date, with a group of friends, with family, whatever! Overall, it's enjoyable spot that I would highly recommend.