Cuisine: 7 Service: 6 Decor: 4 Value: 9 Overall: 7 This restaurant has been around for over 60 years. I have to admit that I have not been back for over a decade now. Not because I don't like the place, just so happens that I'm never in the LES much anymore. Anyway, on a late night a few weeks ago, I wanted some Mondongo (Beef Tripe Soup) badly and happen to be in the area. Ordered a bowl piping hot and downed it as fast as I can. Wow! That hit the spot. Also ordered a Chicken Soup, which was just okay. The decor is getting really old and the tables were not the cleanest. There was a small bug that literally committed suicide into my Chicken Soup while I just finished a third. I told the friendly server, who said sorry, took it away and never brought a new one back. So I thought they would take it off the bill. Nope, my mistake for assuming. Regardless, I was happy with the Mondongo and really didn't care to make a fuss, hence I tipped my usual 20% and went home happy. read more

Cibao Restaurant - Chicken Soup - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

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I was just walking by the place, and I liked what I saw so I went in. I have a feeling I was the only person in there who was not speaking any Spanish, but everybody was cool. It's just a simple restaurant. I decided to go with two things that I absolutely love. The Cubano, and an order of tostones. The food did take a little while to get to me, but they were busy as it was lunchtime. The portions were huge! It was a very large plate of tostones, and they were soft, had just the right amount of salt, and not greasy at all. The Cubano was a traditional Cubano, the bread had that great "crunch", and while I thought that the pork was just a little bit tough, it, just like everything else in the sandwich was very delicious. I ended up taking half of my sandwich and half of the Tostones with me. Price for the meal, plus a Snapple, tax and tip was very reasonable. They have so many other great looking things on the menu, I want to come back. Thank you. read more

Cibao Restaurant - A decent sized delicious plate of tostones - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

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My parents were coming here long before I was born, and they introduced me to what is still the best Cuban sandwich I've ever had. This easily trumps the ones I've had from some of the most famous spots in Miami. My go-to order is always the Cuban sandwich, but I've also switched it up and tried their shrimp salad and soup on occasion. I get my Cuban with added mayo, and it never disappoints, the meat is juicy and tender, there's a perfect cheese pull, and the bread is soft yet flaky on the outside. I usually grab and go, and only sit down while I wait for my food. The wait is typically around 15 minutes, but it's always worth it! read more

Cibao Restaurant - Cuban Sandwich - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

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Honest review I have been going here for many years more than I would care to share. The place has not been updated ever. Yet I find myself going back there and loving the steak with onions and tostones. The truth is this is my non-healthy version as the oil is a bit too much even in the garlic side dip. However, it is what I consider comfort food. They are a staple in the community and still offer some reasonable lunch specials. read more

Cuban Sandwich and Tostones! Never disappoints! This restaurant has been at this location for decades and consistently serves authentic food. read more

Cibao Restaurant I show up rain or shine for your food. The team displayed consistent warmth. This spot met all my needs. My dining pattern involves continuous menu exploration. I plan to return whenever I'm in this area. read more

A classic Dominican restaurant that always guarantees a hit everytime! Been coming aeating here for years! It's a staple to the community. I'm glad they are using now yelp to order food more conveniently. Never could wrong with a rice and beans with steak! read more

Food got me sick the next day. Enough for me to write this review. Absolutely grossed out. Service is alright.

Cibao Restaurant is a Dominican restaurant located on Clinton Street in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. I visited Cibao Restaurant with a friend visiting the US from the DR and ordered the Dominican favorite Pollo Guisado con Moro. This dish is made with stewed chicken, black beans, and rice and served with fried plantains. West African and Dominican cuisines share similarities in using rice, beans, and plantains, which are fundamental components of their traditional dishes. And so this made it an easy go-to meal to order. The Pollo Guisado con Moro was delicious! The chicken was cooked perfectly, and the black beans and rice were flavorful and well-seasoned. The fried plantains were also a great addition to the dish. The service at Cibao Restaurant was also excellent. The owner was friendly and attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed. Overall, I had a good experience at Cibao Restaurant. The food was delicious, the service was amazing, and the prices were very reasonable. I absolutely recommend this restaurant to anyone interested in authentic Dominican/Caribbean cuisine. Pros: Authentic Dominican cuisine Delicious food Outstanding service Reasonable prices Cons: The restaurant can be crowded Seating is limited read more

Cibao Restaurant - two plates of food on a table - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

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Dominican cuisine as it should be, authentic. This definitely isn't the fanciest nor is it high end looking, what it has is the most delicious authentic Dominican food you're going to find on the LES (Lower East Side) and probably in this part of Manhattan. Everything I had was incredibly seasoned criollo food, and it was all incredibly fresh. I had the Chicharon de Pollo and Arroz Blanco, and Sopa de Pollo (fried chicken chunks, white rice and chicken soup) Everything we had totaled less than $30.00 and the portions were ridiculously huge. If you're in the area and looking to eat tasty delicious and fresh latin food then you've got to stop here. read more

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Well, that's it for, Cibao! After today, I'm not going back!! There's just too many other better options in the area. I'm sad, cuz I used to really enjoy this place. Suffice it to say, this was the most overpriced, tasteless (and longest wait for a lunch special)!! Plus, they totally hyped me up, acting like they would take care of me. This pic says it all. They gave me a dried up, rubbery, piece of old chicken, with little flavor, that looked like it was the cook's leftovers. Did I mention that the meal was $18, and change?! Oh, and I gave a $3.00 tip cuz I thought they were hooking me up. The rice was very soggy, and honestly tasted like a Rice a Roni gone wrong!! The beans had no gravy (I asked for gravy), and the tostones were dry like cardboard - I asked for garlic' and they were seriously gonna charge me several dollars for a container!!NO THANKS!! The lunch special was $8.00 - I said I wanted a half chicken instead of a quarter so they charged me for the half, but gave me a quarter. GOODBYE CIBAO!!!! NO MAS!!!! read more

Daily lunch specials are great values for the portion size. I haven't yet tried some of the more pricey dishes but Only heard good things about them. read more

Came in for a late night dinner. A lot of places in the area were closing kitchen at the time, so it was nice to find one with later hours. Got a chicken salad and it was phenomenal. Chicken cooked properly, not sure what the dressing was but there was just the right amount of it, making the salad taste delicious while still being light and filling. Our waitress was very sweet and attentive. I took half of the salad home and she brought me a container, utensils, napkins and a bag. Very simply decorated, might not look like much on the inside, but good food, nice staff and they played music at the end, making it an enjoyable experience. read more

Cibao Restaurant - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

My review is based on a grubhub order that was late so I had to reheat my food... if/when I go in person I will edit this review. Ordered: Chicharon Mofongo. Fried half chicken with rice and beans. Small Chicken sancocho. ChicAron Mofongo was pretty good, the gravy was really savory. The pork skin chicharones weren't crunchy enough so it was hard to chew a bunch of pieces. Even so it was a good Mofongo, I'll probably get the pernil or chicken next time. The fried half chicken was DRY! They didn't even add Mojo or lime to help break the dryness. I didn't realize I had to ask for Mojo (mojito, aijito) which is an oil/garlic drizzle that we use to put on tostones or chicken. It just gives the flavor and extra kick. So we were missing that here. Rice and beans were bland, the beans was mostly gravy and wasn't enough to cover the flavorless white rice. Sancocho was tasty. There was one chicken thigh in there and some shreds but it was mostly carrots and tasty broth. I would try them again, but in person, and I'd ask for some mojo and roasted chicken next time. read more

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If you're craving some home-cooked Dominican/latin cuisine, swing by and get yourself a chuleta with some arroz con habichuelas or tostones (the maduros are fire too). Will definitely be back to try other dishes!! Also, this post (& the food) was approved by my Dominican wife read more

I really like this place a lot. This restaurant has been here since I was a kid and last Saturday night was my first time coming for a visit. My roommate comes here often and raves them for their $5 dinner platter. Choice options of chicken, pork or beef stew. A lot of food fits in that platter so I think thats definitely a good deal. We sat down here for dinner. $11 a platter (which is probably twice the size of the $5 special). It came with a massive plate of white rice, side bowl of beans and a nice bowl of beef stew. While this meal isn't fit for a fancy night out, this is food made by locals and for locals. Yes some of the meat is a bit overcooked, and certain parts of the chicken can be a bit dry. But this is a great value meal for what you're getting. This is a family ran shop and it is true to the traditions of DR. You can tell the regulars love it here. The staff was great when I was here so I have no complaints. Looking at all the food around us, I think I will definitely come back to try other food on the menu! Tip: Fried Plantains $4.50. Hot and sweet! Fresh out of the fryer read more

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Best baked chicken ever , super fast delivery time , if this place ever closed down I would cry

Started going to Cibao prior to the pandemic. It's a small restaurant, not fancy. But the food is delicious. My family and I enjoyed a Friday or weekend meal there regularly. The service is friendly. During the pandemic it never closed. I was still able to pick up food for the family on Fridays. It has recently opened for sit down meals. The food is consistently good, definitely recommend. read more

Cibao Restaurant - Breaded chicken with rice and beans - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

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Pros: They give a lot of food & the beef stew and beans were really flavorful. I see why this is one of their most popular dishes. Authentic and flavorful. Cons: Chicken was decent but a bit overhyped to me. Perhaps because I'm comparing it to other Dominican restaurants in the area for baked chicken, like the one in the corner store on Bushwick/Aberdeen Avenue and La Estrella de Castilla on doordash who I normally order from. Will finish the chicken because it wasn't bad and is well cooked, just under seasoned. Also, wish there was a way on their DoorDash profile to select between white/ yellow rice. Would've preferred yellow (if available) but couldn't enter custom notes and there was no options selection. read more

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One of the best Dominican oxtails that I've ever had. This is literally the only thing that I get at this restaurant. I've had the sancocho soup which was okay. It definitely wasn't the authentic soup that I'm use to. Literally the oxtails make that all the better. Plantains are okay as well. I like mines to be a little bit more sweet then drier side. read more

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So much has changed in this neighborhood with high rise residence building being built. It is great to see Cibao Restaurant is still around. Use to come here for lunch with co-workers. My usual is the Cuban Sandwiches which are to die for. The pork is just so soft and chewy once you bite into the crusty bread. No other place makes Cuban Sandwiches like Cibao and for $6.50 it's a nice sandwich to share with someone over a cup of Spanish Coffee. Yes, the place looks like a hole in the wall and what I call a "Dive" know to the locals who come here regularly. Just typical table and chairs. Nothing to brag about the decor, but it is the food that's made here that is the best. It's as if time has stood still as I walked in the door and see the same staff working at the counter. Definitely try the Oxtail too!!! Everything they make is good. Will be back here again and again. read more

Cibao Restaurant - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

I lived here in 2001 - back 20 years later (2021) and it is still the best Cuban sandwich in the city--great atmosphere and proprietors. read more

Cibao Restaurant - Cuban Sandwich. - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

Service was fast, food was pretty good, the pernil was a bit dry but chicken was great. The prices are very good for the amount of food given. One plate of food is only $9. read more

I always walk past this restaurant and it seems very authentic, so I decided to try it out. I was planning to eat there but it was a bit warm since there didn't seem to be air conditioning, so I decided to order my food to go. The sandwich I ordered had a lot of meat, but the flavor was just alright. It ended up upsetting my stomach a bit as well, I believe. read more

Cibao Restaurant - Breaded steak sandwich - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

Don't expect to come to this place looking for a fancy restaurant. This is one of the places that serves Dominican food by its core. I know because I went in with my Dominican friend who told me that the food is as good as what you would find in Dominican Republic. Most of the food in the menu are traditional and savory. The place is not properly decorated and it looks a bit run-down but it does it business efficiently. The bathroom can be a bit narrow, cramped, and small, just don't be surprised to feel it when you see it. At the end of the day, you can't expect Manhattan real estate to be generous to everyone! The staff is very friendly and attentive to your needs. The food portion are huge and generous for the value of its price. The best dish that I like of this place is its soup. The sancocho soup can be said to be one of the best that I have ever tried so far. It is so rich in flavor, ingredients and its viscosity is good enough to keep you addicted to it. Be aware that sancocho are not served everyday. They make different soups at different days of the week. You will need to check on the menu for its day... The best part is that this place is open until 4am and you are free to come in to this place whenever you feel hungry! I would definitely recommend this place for traditional Dominican food! read more

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Mofongo is sooo good! I ate here w my bestie zoe and we devoured the mofongo. so im back again for some more! and it's soooo good again!

This restaurant is not a fancy restaurant but, if you want Authentic Dominican food. The restaurant remind me of a Mom & Pop shop. We had Fillet of Sole in Garlic sauce; white rice and red kidney beans. The Flavor was amazing to say the least. If you don't care about the setting, this is the place to go. If you do get take-out. They are slow so, take that into consideration. read more

Cibao Restaurant - Filet of fish in a garlic sauce, white rice & red kidney beans. - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

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This place saved me!! I need alot of pernil in a short amount of time. I went to three places before coming here and they were able to help me with pernil and sweet plantains. I am forever grateful !! Staff was Soo sweet too as they were with other customers as well. read more

Cibao Restaurant - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

delicious and cheap! i for the lunch special with beef, rice and beans. so good and such a large portion! can't wait to try their other dishes! read more

Cibao Restaurant - beef, yellow rice and red beans - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

Love this place. Have eaten here twice. So many menu options. Fast service. Great for late night meal after a night out partying. Chill environment. Obviously more of a diner feel. Not for posh living. Had the steak sandwich last time and pork this time. Portions are huge! read more

Cibao Restaurant - Huge pork sandwich with great bread! - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

Can we get the etiquette police to rule that eating pork chops with hands is the right way to go? Because the best meat is right near the bone. This is especially true at Cibao. The giant chops in this $12 platter are perfectly fried. The massive pile of rice and beans is quite good also. read more

Cibao Restaurant - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

The food tasted OK but it is not as good as it used to be. The meat was full of fat in the carne guisada. At this time I would call it an average Dominican joint, as opposed to Outstanding which is what is was years ago. read more

The rice is flavorful, a lil mushy. But still good. If my half chicken had a wing, a leg and skin on it (like it should) that would have made up for the texture of the rice. I should not have to request skin on my rotisserie chicken. Or ask where my wing and leg are. Give ppl what they are paying for. I have half a mind to bring this skinless BREAST back for a refund. The cook looked me in my face and put the butchered bird in my plate. shame on you fam. If this is the standard you want to set then understand word travels fast. Especially when you live around the corner. read more

Cibao is great. I usually get the Cuban sandwich. Hits the spot every time. The staff are friendly and the restaurant has a chill vibe. It gets a bit hot inside, I was sweating while eating my food. I didn't realize though because my sandwich was so good. Beef soup is also amazing. Great food with large portions for low price. Highly recommend. Big ups cibao! read more

One of my favorite go to neighborhood restaurants, they are opened extremely late on weekends which always works for me, and though I am across the street they delivery which is definitely a plus, read more

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*CASH ONLY* This place is okay - nothing special really. I came with a friend really late at night because we were craving latin food and everything else was closed. This closes at 2:30AM, so we were happy to find something to satisfy our cravings. I ordered the roast pork with yellow rice and beans. The meat was kind of dry, but the beans and rice were good. What I can say is the portions are humongous. For ~$11 a dish, it's a good price. I was full and happy at the end of my meal, with a lot of leftovers to take home. We definitely could have shared a dish instead of getting 2 large entrees. Nice spot if you're looking for a late night snack, but I'm not running back to come here. There's a lot of latin food in the area, so you're better off finding something else. Waitress was super sweet, though. read more

Cibao Restaurant - roast pork - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

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Great place for breakfast! Spanish coffee was strong and hot. Eggs,potatoes and choice of breakfast meats. Or order one of the Cuban sandwiches and a beer! Good stuff! read more

Cibao Restaurant - Great coffee! - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

Very decent Latin sandwiches, I had a Cuban sandwich which is almost rare to find in NYC. The only thing that was missing was a little more garlic vinaigrette. My girlfriend had the chicken sandwich which has lettuce,tomatoes and mayo. The bread was crispy and the chicken was soft and juicy. read more

Cibao Restaurant - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

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Beef stew with rice and beans! SO much food for only $6??? insane. amazing flavor and super fast friendly service. Definitely going back to try more things! read more

Cibao Restaurant - Beef stew - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

Believe it or not, I would actually convert to being a commie if only I was promised a Cuban sandwich at least once a week from this place. It's no thrills dive spot that doesn't glaze itself with forged Latin theme, place is authentic. Cheap, Real, and Good. Bottom Line: Quick Drunken Meal Eating Winner read more

Cibao Restaurant - Me Likes Pork While Drunkies - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York