Rumba’s Cafe

“I stopped by to pick up some food about a week back, but I was blown away by the quality and the cheap prices that Rumba's Cafe has to offer.”

“Ordered the sirloin steak, it came with vegetable rice (or white rice), sweet plantain and black beans(or red) Super delicious.”

“When at "The Heights", Jersey City and looking for a cheap place but with awesome food, this is the place to go.”

Rumba’s Cafe

Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes

Price range.

$ Price range Under $10

8 reviews

  1. I can't get enough of this place. The food being served has character and you can tell they put some Cuban love in that recipe. This place is always busy and the customers end up coming back for more. I think that Rumba's strength is the variety of food being prepared.  It changes every  single day. So the dynamic of this place is that you have lunch specials that change everyday. Keep your stomach guessing!

    Up to this point my favorite is the garbanzo soup. Filling and delicious. I wish they had this every day on the menu.

    The beef stew with potatoes is also really good. It comes with white rice or yellow rice and black beans. It will keep you full for a long time.

    If you are into healthy stuff, they have freshly squeezed OJ and a pretty good selection of smoothies.

    The service is hustling and bustling. The energy seen at this place is contagious. Huge accomplishment by the staff.

    The price of the dishes are also really affordable. Food quality not deterred by the low cost.

    checking in here is your duty if you live close to The Heights.

  2. Rumbas is a very popular location in my hometown. Great to grab a quick bite with a friend, a casual date, or even something on the run. Dining room is small, so expect a wait, especially on weekends.

    Daily specials as well as all of your traditional Latin delicacies, empanadas, papa rellena, croquetas, and then some.  Service is generally pretty speedy whether you are dining in or taking out.

    My family and I frequent Rumbas quite often and is a family pleaser!

  3. Friendly staff. Beautiful inside. The food is one of the best around. Great change from the rundown 10 sq ft cafe's in the area.

    Breakfast deals are great!!

    Have Fun

  4. Alert to the caffeinated junkie in search of a coffee worth appreciating. Rumba cafe has some promising fierce cafe con leche (the type that has you functioning like an awakened sharp production ready genius.) This cuban coffee is worth the hype and for a fraction of the price of what you will pay for at Starbucks you can get a cup of jolt that will hyper up your body ready to take on any tasks of the day. The best way to describe this coffee is like a perfect functioning fix for your tired brain. In conclusion, the staff are extremely attentive and helpful. Don't search anywhere else for coffee if you are in the JC area. Even a small cup of jolt here is lethally potent. Coffee connoisseur beware and take a heed of warning before you settle for coffee like this on the daily. It will be difficult to accept coffee from anywhere else after the cuban coffee here rejoices in awakening you.

  5. Delicioussssss!!!

    My parents have come here once before and wanted to take my brother and I.

    The place is small but seats a good number of people. The menu is made so each day has different dishes. In addition, it has a breakfast (til noon) menu, a la carte section and sandwiches that's served everyday.

    I got the pollo asado with black rice and a side of tostones. The chicken was so tender and flavorful! This is a must try. I have my whole family a piece to try and they loved it as well. The black rice was good too. Def pick it over white rice. The tostones were crispy and light. I probably could have used a sauce to dip it in (like mayoketchup).

    My brother order the churrasco and he also said it was super tender and good. It came on a hot plate and it was sizzling! My parents ordered the chicken sandwich and Cuban sandwich. Which they both enjoyed the previous visit so they had it again.

    And to top it off…the prices are awesomely cheap! For all that (and a side of fries) it came out to be $30 (excluding tip)! Who can beat that?!

    I'll definitely be coming back!

    PS Parking lot is small and not much street parking so heads up on that. If you can carpool, that'll be the best way to go.

  6. Roast chicken with rice, beans, and plantains for $4.25?! Yes, you're reading that right. I have no idea how they turn a profit with prices like this.

    I've been going to Rumba's for years (even before their renovation). They offer delicious food and drinks at incredible prices. I prefer ordering their daily specials because you get more bang for your buck (like roasted pork with rice and beans for $5.95). Even when you order from the a la carte menu, you rarely go over $10. Their chicken noodle soup is dirt cheap at $2.25. You can taste it's healing effects!

    Their breakfasts are seriously delicious. Love the Cuban toast with butter! Can't beat their breakfasts for well under $5!

    They also have amazing batidos (shakes) that can be made with either milk or water. I personally prefer my batidos with water. You'd think it would thin the drink out but it's still thick and creamy! Perfect if you're lactose intolerant. Their coffee ain't too shabby either, especially if you like it on the stronger side.

    Although they have several tables, the restaurant is best for groups of 4 or less. Otherwise, you'll need to move some tables around to accommodate your group. They also have a counter, which is perfect for a really quick bite! The atmosphere is comfy, and casual like a diner – a Cuban diner!

    Parking is available in the back – fits maybe 6 or 7 cars. Street parking is available too! With that in mind, you don't really have much of a reason not to stop by 🙂

  7. Ugh this place……..
    I don't even know where to begin. The Cuban food here is exceptional. It's hard to find these authentic Spanish places near Hoboken so we made the trip out here and it was worth it!!!

    Service is great, English is their second language but they are very attentive.
    You have to get your own drinks from the fridge .
    We ordered 4 empanadas: 2 beef, chicken, and guava & cheese. (All a $1 each!)
    stewed beef and rice and beans
    And baked chicken and rice and beans
    And coconut flan.

    Every dish was fantastic !!! And they were $6 bucks a plate!! The chicken was $4.75!!!
    You can't beat these prices for how good the food is. The coconut flan is probably the best flan I've ever tried. No joke.

    Definitely recommend to anyone who loves Spanish food. Can't wait to go again.

  8. How have I not reviewed Rumba's yet?! The only excuse is that I fall into a food coma after every visit because I can't get enough of their delicious food.
    I desperately miss living in walking distance of this place, so anytime i'm in the Heights I snag a few empanadas and a papa rellena for old time sake. I noticed that they started adding lime slices to the already generous portions of chicharron which takes it to the next level. The cubanos and media noche are inexpensive and filling.

    The daily specials can't be beat and everyone has a favorite. The spare ribs sell out on Sundays, get there early or prepare a second choice. I like that the beans and rice are packed separately for takeout orders, soggy rice makes me cranky.

    Service is not overly effusive but it is fast and efficient. There are a lot of regulars but there's rarely a long wait for take out or seated dining.

    tl;dr: Go to Rumba's Cuban Cafe, you won't regret it.

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Central Avenue 513
Jersey City 07307 NJ US
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Monday, 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
Tuesday, 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
Wednesday, 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
Thursday, 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday, 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday, 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday, 6:00 am - 9:00 pm