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We decided to meet up with some friends and tried Cuban Pete's. At 7pm the place was empty and we weren't even sure if it was open. But soon after the place became very lively. The service was great, our server Blanco was fun and attentive. We all went for Cuban sandwiches and they did not disappoint. Huge portions and $17 with yuca fries. Will be returning!
Nice decor. Also has outside dining. Byob. Can get very busy and when its busy theres no waiting space which is annoying . Food is delicious. I love the coconut rice. We ordered the Ropa Vieja which was delicious and a big portion. When order sangria just go for the basic one because we ordered the strawberry flavored one and it was too sweet.
Dear Yelp, Haven't been here in over 10 years. Decided to try "someplace new" with our daughter. Everyone enjoyed the service and their meals. My husband had some Cuban sandwich for an appetizer and raved about it. We all split guacamole and plantain chips, which was very good. Ratio of guac to chips was off so we had to ask for more chips, no problem. For dinner, they both had steak with the sauce on the side. Came with tostones and coconut rice, yum! I had the mango chicken and it was perfection. Portion sizes were ample, we have leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Total bill was $130, which was discounted for cash payment. Felt appropriate for the amount of food on the dinner plates. We also ate midday on a Saturday, so no wait. We are already making plans to come back. Love, Nicole
Came to Cuban Pete's and immediately loved the unique setup--it's not your typical restaurant layout. The space is made up of a bunch of smaller, colorful buildings surrounding a lively courtyard, which gives it such a fun, almost transportive vibe. I ordered the ropa vieja, and it did not disappoint--tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. The black beans on the side were just as impressive, rich and delicious and a great complement to the dish. Between the atmosphere and the food, it's definitely a spot I'd come back to.
It's a beautiful night out. There were a lot of people waiting but it only took about 15m to be seated in the outdoor area. The ambiance is beautiful outside. Lights strung above and a lot of greenery. Our waitress was probably the worst that I ever encountered here. It took her 20min to bring our waters out. She never came back to check on how the appetizers or entrees were and came back with my lemon when we were almost done w the entire meal(I had asked for it when we first sat down). Most of the food was fantastic. The flounder was perfectly cooked. The shredded beef dish was good but a little over salted. The mango habanero wings were amazing. The fried cheese appetizer was undercooked so the cheese was still hard inside. I would go back but definitely would make sure we got a better server.
OK, I know this place has been here for a very, very, very long time, but please please you guys need a makeover desperately. It looks very dingy dirty dusty. You guys need to just gut everything out and start over with that being said, we came here for my friends's birthday dinner. I had the beef stew which was horrible because it was a little sweet. I do not like my food, especially my meat in sugar, so I did not enjoy that it was a huge portion also for one person my friend had I believe was the Churrasco and my other friend had the garlic shrimp, which was not good at all did not taste like garlic at all. You guys need to do better please you guys been here too long to not get it, right.
This is an interesting restaurant. It is comprised of several little buildings around a central courtyard and you dine in any one of those. I decided to have two appetizers rather than an entree. Mainly because those two piqued my interest and my gf didn't want apps. I had the Camarones Al Ajillo and chorizo al vino. Both of those were delicious. The shrimp was in a very e light but tasty garlic sauce. The chorizo al comp was a wine sauce but it didn't reek of wine. It was very balanced and tasty. We enjoyed our meal very much. Service was great and the portions are generous.
It was my first time here but I've wanted to come for years...I was hesitant because of reviews but I was pleasantly surprised. My husband and I ordered the pernil with tostones appetizer and the chicharrones and they were both delicious and so well cooked. For our mains we ordered the churrasco and the vaca frita. I ordered it with coconut rice and it was delicious! Portions were large, vaca frita was cooked well and the churrasco was well seasoned. Service was great, it was lunch time so not too busy. Great ambiance with a center courtyard with outdoor seating and plenty of indoor seating surrounding it. Will definitely be back when in the area!
Met a friend at Cuban Petes. First time here. Friend loves Miami so thought this would be great spot. We were seated right sway and service was fantastic. I want to highlight that there was a blind woman seated next to us and the level of care and attention the waiters gave her made my experience. The food was not the same experience. We got the chicken empanadas as starters. While cooked well, they lacked any kind of flavor. The pastry was bland and needed the sauce to have any taste. Needs seasoning. The Ropa Vieja meat was very good and plenty portioned. However, the fried plantains also lacked flavor. No glaze at all, just dry and spongy. Inedible tbh. The sangrias look absolutely delicious but i was driving and passed. Love to see food improve because the ambience and decor was awesome.
I love the ambiance at Cuban Pete's. It's lively and beautiful decorated. Great music. It can get a little loud inside as it gets busier. Service was a little slow but I was ok. The food was excellent and the portions were huge. Next time, my husband and I will try to pick something to share because we ordered two entrees (Ropa Vieja with shredded beef and Arroz con Pollo) and had a ton of leftovers. We also ordered the pineapple mojito, which doesn't have alcohol but you can bring your own. I would recommend skipping the mojito but I've had their sangrias before and those are delicious.
In Montclair NJ, there is a restaurant transported me to the Caribbean. Cuban Pete's has the most relaxing and beautiful ambiance. The decor will take your imagination on a Caribbean vacation. The drinks are beautiful and delicious and non alcoholic. Don't worry, it's a BYOB. Bring your rum with you. The food takes your taste buds on a trip too. I had salmon with mango sauce. Drooling, sorry. Last, everyone gives great service but ask for Bonnie when you go. There wasn't an empty glass at the table and she was the BEST at food description. We're already planning a return trip. Next time with a larger group. Hope to see you there
I hadn't been here in a while and unfortunately I have to say that the quality has gone down. The place is still nice and it has 3 areas you can be seated in, however, every table in our area (as we looked around at others) kept wobbling which was uncomfortable as we tried to eat. We were seated right away which was nice but our waiter kept rushing us to make a decision on our food, and before we were done with it, he kept asking if he could take it away - I get that is good to clear the table once done, however, we weren't even halfway done with it. Now onto the food: we got their pernil as an appetizer which was good, and so were the tostones. The ropa vieja was good but it wasn't as tasty as it used to be years ago, and the beans were a bit cold. We also got their red snapper and it was very fishy (red snapper is not considered a really "fishy" fish) which threw us off a bit. Overall, it was okay but I don't know if we'll go back.
1 year ago
1 year ago
My first time here had lunch with my children we had a wonderful evening. The service was excellent. The food was very tasty and we're all presented beautifully.wonderful ambience music reminded me of Havana when I visit there a couple years ago I will be coming back to try some more of a delicious food. read more
3 years ago
Food was blah, without the cilantro mix and the rice was good! I got the Chicken Lollipops and Goat Cheese Fritters. Had to get extra to take home for my leftovers. Servers were amazing and super helpful! Also, they do not serve alcohol. You'll have to buy it from across the street as bring it in. Thought that was interesting read more
11 months ago
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3 years ago
Always a delicious meal at Cuban Pete's! We came for lunch after a Paint & Sip session at Pino's Palette which was Amazing! But we were starving given we came to the first session and had to skip breakfast. So we ordered apps, drinks and food right away. The service was a little slow and it was not a very busy Sunday afternoon, however our server was very courteous and friendly when we did see him. My friends ordered the Coconut fried fish and the Chicken drumsticks with coconut rice. I got the Oxtail in tomato sauce which is called "Rabo Encendido." I gotta say my meal was definitely the best one out of the three! The oxtails were big and meaty, they gave me about 5/6 pieces and they were massive! Some places cut the oxtail sections in half to increase their numbers but not here! Full a size oxtails! Needless to say I left the restaurant super stuffed and happy! This place never disappoints and I never leave hungry. If you want Cuban Comfort food this is a spot you need to check out. The pernil with Tostones as an appetizer were definitely a crowd pleaser as well. read more
I've never heard of this place, but I decided to order via Uber eats to try something new. The food was decent. Different than what I was expecting but different is good sometimes. I wouldn't mind ordering from here again. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Delicious food with great portions! It's also BYOB which makes it even better. There was a short wait for our food, but the staff was friendly and attentive. I loved that they took pictures and we had the option of purchasing the photo in a frame! Would definitely go back to this place. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Very nice restaurant with traditional Cuban decorations/aesthetics. Got the ribs appetizer and zero flavor! It came in an oil onion base with absolutely no flavor had to ask for hot sauce which was restaurant made and not tasty. Order the Vaca Frita with rice and beans and plantains and it was very tasty but I can tell it was cheap meat not the best steak. 8 stars for aesthetics and good music but 4 for food since not so tasty and not the best service. read more
Love it! Ambience: Spanish music on lock! A taste of the Caribbean amidst a well to do suburb in Jersey! Priceless! And a bunch of OG Spanish people working here. Location/hours: in the heart of Montclair. Right next to the Wellmont Theatre, so if you need a meal after a good show, they're open at 11:30pm on a Sat night. Food: The best empanadas! OG!! Just like my mommas except moms puts more meat in them. Deeeelishhhhhussssss! Got the Pollo chicharron which had a onion and herbs with oil season and fried without batter, also OG thumbs up! And the arroz con gandules was dry, the yellow rice was dark and not moist, the gandules were overcooked so next time I'd get the rice and beans separate, y platano maduro were perfecto! Service: the hostesses weren't proactive in seating you, a bit chaotic checking in, but once seated the server was on it and food came ultra fast! Seating: Plenty of space to sit for small and large groups both in and out. Not pandemic safe though, most did not have masks on be in customers or employees. So be wise. Parking: on the street this late is possible even on a Sat night with a concert going on! I'd be back for sure. And Music was fire! read more
Came here on 9/23/2021 on a Friday. The service was fast and our waiter was super pleasant. The food was horrible. We ordered the pernil and tostones and the Chicken wings as an appetizer. Everything was cold. The dry pernil was served on a bed of beans and tostones on top. It lacked creativity and presentation. How about putting the pernil and beans on top of the toston? There was no effort in that. My Husbands said the Wings sucked. We also ordered the papa relleno which is frozen not homemade and that came on a bed of marinara sauce. Like why? Why that sauce? Again pure laziness and creativity on their part. We both ordered the bistec guacho with rice beans and maduros. Maduros were soggy drenched in oil, rice was sloppy on the plate, steak was cooked nicely but way too spicy. I wish they would have put the sauce on the side. The beans were good. Will I be back? Probably not. The first time I came here the food was so much better. They completely fell off and I believe it is much pricier too. Not worth it. You get 2 stars for staff and service. Oh and get this the Waiter... Told my husband if he can give him the tip in cash because its better. I looked at him like did you just say that? And he quickly said debit card is fine. I totally forgot his name. Im so annoyed that happened. read more
2 years ago
I went to this restaurant for the first time today ...... called my order in 2 Red Snapper dinners.... I should have checked my food before I left bit the 2 young ladies at the front was so pleasant they repeated our order upon is arriving bought the food out wrapped up and stapled. We paid tip and left. Sat in traffic for 45 Minutes get home open yhe container and there was a big fat tilapia fish in both containers ... called the restaurant to speak to a manager. She said no manager was available i explain to her i order 2 Red Snapper. 60.24 cents and they have me tilapia.... She said well we alternate tilapia and red snapper i repeat to her again . We order snapper not tilapia and if they dod mot have red snapper she should have told us because we don't eat tilapia She fave me the managers number to call because she could not issue a refund i told her to hold on while i called the manager she name Gustavo... i called the number 347-995-0824 he never answer. ( but i hear a man in the back ground ) Asking her why you have her my number !!! Then she hung up the phone. Never to return i called back several times she did not answer after. The hang up ..... i waited 15 minites then called from another number. When i asked her why she hung up she said "i said i cant refund you and there is no manager here and hing up on me again totally unacceptable... i called american express to dispute the charged ..... if you ever go there and order take out check your food !!! I suggest finding another place to go. Red snapper and tilapia are in 2 different price bracket and looks totally different how dare them do this and take no accountability but hang up on a customer after you mislead them Gustavo do better !!! read more
2 years ago
Fabulous little Cuban spot in Montclair! It's a very lively place so definitely a spot where you wanna hang out and maybe catch up with an old friend! The menu has a lot of options for a lot of dietary restrictions so it's hard to go wrong. I got the pollo a La plancha and it was a very generous portion but it was so good that I finished the whole thing! The waitstaff is very friendly and fast and I would love to come back and try more of the menu. Parking can be tricky in this area, I recommend finding a garage. read more
Stopped by for early dinner. They have such an amazing entrance and outdoor space. It must be really amazing during the summer. The service was really great and attentive. They could expand their drink menu. The food tasted really good. The got the beef ropa vieja and it was really nice. Large portions. The decor inside is also really nice. read more
2 years ago
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4 years ago
Food was okay, I would say it stands up to par with your typical north east Cuban restaurants. I would honestly say that the best part of this place is the ambiance with the loud Latin music and large outdoor area for dining during the spring and summer times. The restaurant was very busy, so obviously the service was a little behind at not fault of their own. read more
1 year ago
This place has a super cool spanish villa vibe. Looks like a great place to party and have drinks during the summer. Its BYOB and they have an extensive drink list that you can add your own liquor to which is pretty cool, though we didn't know that until we got there so were were a little heartbroken lol. The shredded beef was very tasty but the chicken was just ok kind of hard. The real winner here is the EMPANADAS!!!! Seriously we could've had just 3 orders of those soo delicious. The maduros were very good too. Shoutouts to our server who was super nice and kept giving me extra sauce in big bowls . read more
4 years ago
Have eaten here a few times, most recently last weekend. Each time the ambience and service have been fantastic! The portions are large and everything is delicious. I will say that the food is a little on the saltier side, but that's typical for most restaurants. Overall I've never had a bad meal here, and it's a great spot to have a big or small gathering read more
1 year ago
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2 years ago
The Service and food are good . Its BYOB which I liked but if its thats not ur thing just keep that in mind. They do sell non-alcoholic pitchers of sangria if you wanna make your own cocktail or drink as is. The ambience is nice there was cuban music playing and it felt very intimate. read more
2 years ago
I order from them frequently and am very displeased. The food I ordered via the UberEats app wasn't cancelled until I came to the restaurant for pickup, to inform me that my food, the oxtail entree, was no longer in stock. My leg was recently broken and I am in a boot recovering, and for great faith they could've offered me something for the inconvenience. NOTHING! Then I come in today, the following day, and they provide me this... dry, no sauce, small portion and they left my beans out of the order. The service is becoming piss-poor! The price is increasing and the service isn't. (The food shook around in my car on the ride) I'm disappointed. read more
This place is amazing! Friendly staff and large portions. I love the theme, it feels like you're on vacation. One warning: It' extremely loud (definitely not for anyone with sensory issues). My date & I both had the Pollo a la Plancha. I especially loved the seasoning and the plantains. We both had leftovers!! **Update** We were walking out with our takeout and "Cuban Pete" handed us a free bottle of wine...thank you so much! read more
AMAZINGGGG. The tapas were amazing. We ordered 5 of them. Here is my ranking in order. The calamari in pineapple salsa. Not something you usually hear about but absolutely smashed out of the park. I told my coworkers about it the next day, definitely a must try. Then the beef stuffed potato dumplings. Then the ham croquettes. Then the goat cheese fritters. And then the beef empanadas. The other 4 were good, nothing to rave over but nothing to avoid getting. My dad got the beef stew, my mom got the paella and I got the coconut shrimp. We all loved the food and had leftovers that we were excited to eat the next day. Great time! read more
4 years ago
Really nice restaurant with a good ambiance. I must say that the music here is pretty loud so it's difficult to hold a conversation but the food is pretty good. The service is also good -- the food always comes out pretty quick read more
1 year ago
More info about Cuban Pete's
428 Bloomfield Ave
Montclair, NJ 07042
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(973) 746-1100
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Ask the Community - Cuban Pete's
Are they indoor dining at a capacity now or is it still outdoor seating?
The state of New Jersey allows indoor dining at 25 percent capacity.
Do they have birthday cakes?
You can bring your own cake or it will be one of their desserts
What's usually the wait time on Mondays for A table Of two?
During the week it's not a crazy wait and you may not have to wait at all to be seated. Thursday it picks up quite a bit tho
Is this restaurant BYOB?
YES!! Cuban Pete's does not an alcohol license, so it's definitely BYOB and the servers can mix it in with their sangrias and mojitos! (The mojitos and sangrias taste like juice and contain only trace amounts of alcohol).
I often come here and sometime do take out. Can the Sangrias also be ordered for take out too?
The sangrias are not available for takeout.
So, does the restaurant serve alcohol or not? Yelp says no but when I look at the sangria bar section it says the sangrias are 5% alcohol. So, do I necessarily have to bring liquor or can I just order from the bar?
Technically, they don't have a bar. You can order sangria from your table, and it's very, very light on alcohol. From what I've heard, that's how they avoid needing a liquor license. If you're cool with a sangria that tastes like juice, then…
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