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    CubaNu Restaurant & Lounge

    3.5 (364 reviews)
    ModerateCuban
    Closed 11:00 am - 11:30 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    CUBANU RESTAURANT & LOUNGE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Isaac A.

    I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the place is great for a date. My family went and I tried their ham croquettes and empanadas. My favorite item was the spinach and cheese empanada. The beef empanada was ok, but I'd get two spinach ones instead. The croquettes were good and tasted exactly as I anticipated they would, they are just a bit longer than I'm used to. Note there is paid (depending on time) parking out front.

    Pollo Ala Plancha
    Rosaly S.

    Stopped by here around 3pm on a Saturday, it was pretty empty. I ordered a mojito with pollo a la plancha and my friend ordered Pollo Picante. Both meals were pretty good, even as left overs, 7/10. Although, I did wish my meal came with beans, too dry for me. The mojito was just okay the cup they used was way to big, the base ingredients overpower alcohol and mint taste. Our server was sweet and attentive! It was also quiet inside, wouldn't mind some music lol

    Skirt steak
    Brandon S.

    Top-tier Food for a great price. Had an amazing time promoting teeling whiskey last night. The staff here was very welcoming. They provided me with everything I needed to execute the tasting to the best of my ability not to mention if I end my night with a meal here and I can't believe it took me so long to come here, but I'll make sure I keep this in constant rotation as I'm always in the area if you're ever here make sure you try to skirt steak you will not regret it.

    Guacamole with plantain chips

    Food was great would definitely come back again. The waiters were very nice and very helpful.

    Paloma D.

    This is a great nice date night place. It is slightly upscale and the prices reflect that. The place turns into a lounge on weekend nights so do not go there late on Friday/Saturday unless you don't mind it being loud with a DJ. That being said, the music is great and it's def a vibe if you are into that. The food and drinks are great. It's authentic Cuban food and you get exactly what you expect. I have been there 3x now and it's always consistently delicious. The mojitos and sangria are everything! They also usually have drink and food specials during the week. The only thing that stops them from being 5 star is the service. It comes up lacking every time. That being said, I think they are just grossly understaffed so there's only 2-3 people manning the entire restaurant which isn't efficient. We have often been trying to track down our waiter for over 10 minutes which after a while you just decide not to order that additional round of drinks or dessert. It's frankly costing them money. When they are attending you though, they are friendly and great. I also hate that they use the mobile card scanners (toast?) for the check which frankly does not allow you to fully look at your check. I feel like it also pressures you into paying which makes you feel like they are rushing you out the door.

    Side salad, Churrasco El Gordo Victor with congri, and Tostones. Always has me coming back.
    Anthony G.

    I've been coming here for over 10 years and the food doesn't disappoint. I got the Churrasco El Gordo Victor with congri, and tostones.The steak was cooked to my liking - medium - and the congri was really good.It came with a side salad and I asked for a side of tostones. Nice latin vibe but honestly, the music is too loud. I could notice that other guests were having a tough time hearing each other once they turned on the music. Host and servers were courteous but I feel like there was a lack of attention. Server went to the table next to me multiple times but she only came by twice - to take my order and fill my glass up with water once. Again courteous staff but I felt somewhat ignored.

    Beef Empanadas, Picadita, and Papas Rellena. All amazing!
    Daphne M.

    We've been coming here for over 12 years and the food is still amazing! We haven't been in years so my husband and I went last night. We ordered the beef empanadas (filled with beef, no skimping here!), papa rellana (mostly potato but delicious just the same, it's so fresh and pillowy, just melts in your mouth but with just enough crunch on the outside), and picadita (OMG, the tostones chips are a perfect pairing because the sauce is out of control good! We dipped the papas in it lol). Everything was fresh, flavorful, and more than we could finish!! The vibe is Latin inspired so the decor reflects a laid back lounge environment with Latin music. We sat at the bar and our bartender was great!! There is also pub seating, lounge couches and restaurant table seating as well. It was nice to see that the food quality is still just as we remembered it years ago!! Delicious!

    Mojito
    Paul S.

    I have no clue how a person could not rate this as 5 stars. I am almost offended that someone would not love this place. I started out with a lovely mojito and had a nice fried plantain and Chimichurri to start. I followed that dish with a traditional Mofongo that was incredibly good. This place clearly puts their heart into the food. I found the service to be on point. Seriously I cannot imagine giving this place a lower rating unless I was blind with no taste buds.

    Bistec
    Noemi Q.

    Unfortunately, we were too far into the day and realized in a sober state, that they were slightly over priced. Food was good, a tad dried/over cooked, but good. The mojitos were the saving Grace. The drinks and appetizer experience was of great standing, but once are main course came, let's just say... it was lacking. Service was great, dessert kept us calm. I'd like to give them a 3.5, but bumping it to 4, won't do a difference in how much this dinner was underwhelming

    Empanadas  Sangria
    ChiChi A.

    This place was absolutely amazing! Decided to try something different for lunch so we came here just expecting a mediocre meal. This is no mediocre restaurant. The waitress was pleasant and very helpful, the ambiance is chill and cozy, and the food is out of the this world. I tried to eat slow just to savor my dish. Definitely give this place a try everything was delicious.

    Strip steak
    Elgin B.

    Visiting friends in Rahway and dropped in to grab some food and steeped into Cubanu. Wasn't crowded so service was quick. Drinks came out quickly. Ordered the garlic salmon. Was expecting more flavor as there was a sauce over the salmon. Yellow rice and sweet plantains were perfect. The chicken breast and rice and beans were good also. Must try the Cuban punch. I understand it's a Cuban restaurant and you want the Cuban appearance but the decor could use some updating.

    Empanadas Coconut Shrimp

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    1 year ago

    The food, service, and ambiance were very nice. Quiet and unassuming. Really enjoyed the churrasco.

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    1 year ago

    Awesome meal. Authentic. Good vibe. We went early on a Thursday. Crowded bar but quick dining seating

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    Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe

    Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe

    4.5
    (416 reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $$

    This is my second time coming here. It was a yelp event that brought us here first and it was…read moreamazing. I will say parking is street parking or side streets and can get a little crazy on weekends. Service is always great and you feel like you are a part of the family here. Food is always fresh and amazing. Anytime I am near here we stop regardless of being hungry or not. I absolutely am obsessed with their vaca frita and black beans. It's a huge portion so leftovers are always good. My boyfriend always orders their cubano as he said it is the best one he has ever had. Their Maduros are also sweet and crisp and never greasy. We also tried their choripan sandwich and it was awesome. We've never had thinly sliced chorizo which eliminates the usual oil and messiness. Always an amazing meal. We also tried their pineapple Cuban smoothie and ended the meal with their delicious flan.

    I would give Cha Cha in Kenilworth 2 stars…read more This was my first visit, and while the service was friendly and welcoming, the food itself was very disappointing. I appreciated the complimentary yuca fritters with special sauce, which was a kind gesture. However, the overall quality, freshness, and authenticity of the main dishes did not meet expectations. Parking is very limited street parking. The Cuban breaded steak was the biggest disappointment. A proper Cuban-style breaded steak should be thin, tender, savory, garlicky, slightly citrusy, well-seasoned, evenly breaded, and pan-fried until crisp and golden. The version I received tasted oddly sweet, the breading separated from the meat, and the steak had a gummy texture with an old-looking color. It did not have the freshness or clean savory flavor expected from this classic dish. The red beans were very concerning. They tasted strongly like vinegar, and I had to spit them out. When I looked closer, there appeared to be a white, murky-looking substance in them. Beans should never taste sour or vinegary unless something is wrong. Cuban-style red beans should be creamy, savory, aromatic, and well-seasoned with garlic, onion, peppers, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. The white rice was also not acceptable. It was hard, did not taste fresh, and had a vinegar-like smell and flavor. It appeared as if older rice may have been mixed with newer rice. Proper Cuban white rice should be fluffy, clean-tasting, separated, and neutral in flavor. The moro with black beans and rice was better than the white rice, but still lacked depth. It needed more bay leaf flavor and stronger Cuban seasoning. A good moro should have a rich, savory base from sofrito, garlic, peppers, onions, beans, broth, herbs, and slow cooking so the rice absorbs the flavor. The oxtail was tender and okay, but it did not fully deliver the deep, rich Cuban-style flavor I expected. Traditional Cuban oxtail should be slow-braised with garlic, onions, peppers, tomato sauce, wine, herbs, and spices until the sauce becomes rich and the meat is deeply seasoned. This oxtail tasted acceptable, but it seemed as though it may have been prepared a day or two before and reheated. I understand that many restaurants legally prepare certain foods a day ahead, especially dishes like beans, stews, and oxtail. However, food should still taste fresh and be stored, cooled, reheated, and handled according to food safety standards. Sour or vinegar-like flavors in rice or beans can sometimes indicate fermentation, spoilage, or improper storage, and that should never reach the customer. The best part of the meal was the dessert. The vanilla flan was very good, and the coconut flan was excellent. The coconut flan was rich, creamy, and full of coconut flavor, with shredded coconut pieces that added texture and made it stand out. That dessert showed real potential. The prices were reasonable, but reasonable pricing does not make up for poor freshness and low food quality. It did look like they may do better with sandwiches and empanadas, which I did not try and perhaps should have ordered first. I cook Cuban food, Puerto Rican food, and other traditional dishes myself, and I lived in Miami for over nine years. I also learned from Cuban friends who cook authentic Cuban food at home. Because of that, I know how these dishes should taste. In my opinion, the dishes I tried did not represent Cuban cuisine with the freshness, authenticity, seasoning, or care it deserves. The restaurant may have people who know how to cook, but based on this visit, it seems the kitchen has lost some of the authenticity and discipline needed to serve fresh, properly prepared Cuban food. Food that tastes sour, vinegary, old, or questionable should never be served to customers. The service and desserts were the highlights, but the main dishes need serious improvement in freshness, food handling, seasoning, and respect for authentic Cuban cuisine. There are several areas that need improvement. Freshness and food safety should be the main priority. Rice and beans should never taste sour or vinegary unless intentionally prepared that way, and food that seems old or questionable should not be served. The breaded steak should be freshly breaded, crispy outside, tender inside, and properly seasoned with authentic Cuban flavors like garlic, citrus, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. The rice should be fluffy, the beans creamy, and the oxtail deeply seasoned and fresh-tasting. I believe the restaurant may have cooks who understand Cuban cuisine, but the kitchen needs to reconnect with freshness, consistency, authenticity, and stronger food handling standards. Cuban food is rich in flavor, comfort, and cultural pride, and with improvement this restaurant could better reflect that tradition.

    Photos
    Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe
    Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe
    Outside

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    Outside
    Mambo Cuban Restaurant & Lounge

    Mambo Cuban Restaurant & Lounge

    4.0
    (249 reviews)
    6.0 mi
    $$

    After leaving Barcode, I was hosted by Eddie at Mambo's Cuban Restaurant in Union, NJ, and what a…read morefantastic way to end the evening. (I've eaten at the Harrison location multiple times and have always enjoyed my experience there, but this Union location is noticeably larger while delivering the same great food and hospitality. Honestly, you can't go wrong with either location.) The moment you walk in, you're greeted by a colorful, lively atmosphere that immediately sets the tone. The centerpiece of the entryway is a rare 1920s classic blue automobile that commands attention and makes for a memorable first impression. The restaurant buzzes with energy, and despite how busy it can get, the service is friendly, attentive, and incredibly efficient. We started with several appetizers, and every one of them was a hit! The Canoas de Plátano featured sweet plantains stuffed with flavorful Creole ground beef and topped with perfectly caramelized cheese, creating an excellent balance of sweet and savory. The Tostones Montaditos were equally impressive. I tried both the skirt steak and smoked salmon versions, each served on crispy plantains with cilantro crema and fresh cilantro. Both were outstanding, but each offered its own unique flavor profile. The Queso Frito con Salsa de Guayaba was another standout, with the salty, crispy fried cheese pairing beautifully with the sweet guava sauce. For my entrée, I ordered the Ropa Vieja, a classic Cuban dish featuring tender shredded beef simmered in a rich Cuban Creole sauce. The beef was incredibly flavorful and comforting, exactly what you'd hope for from a traditional preparation. Alongside it, I enjoyed maduros, which were perfectly sweet and caramelized, as well as white rice and black beans that tied the entire meal together. From the vibrant atmosphere and impressive décor to the excellent food and top-notch service, Mambo's continues to prove why it's one of my favorite Cuban restaurants in New Jersey. If you're wondering if I'll be back? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!

    RED SNAPPER dish a must. 2 1/2 lbs with Shrimp on tostones and a slice of Avocado. Good for two…read more Cooked well keeping juice inside. CHORIZO with vino was different, good tasting too Service was kind and could tell trying to please, it worked. Environment was with eye pleasures and a 1920 Vehicle that is parked on restaurant entryway. I will return.

    Photos
    Menu
    Menu
    Expected more. Disappointed
    Expected more. Disappointed
    Ropa vieja was meh

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    Ropa vieja was meh
    EL Viejo Fred Restaurant

    EL Viejo Fred Restaurant

    4.6
    (19 reviews)
    5.8 mi

    First time trying Domican food and was pleasantly impressed with this restaurant. Waitress…read moreexplained different dishes we had questions on. Waitress was very attentive as was other staff. The food we ordered was very delicious and will be back to try other dishes and even do some catering for a Memorial Day party!

    This is a great spot to quickly pick up lunch, or stay awhile and dine at one of their many tables…read more There is a lot of space here and even when there are other customers. It doesn't feel crowded. I've been to El Viejo Fred twice and both times did not disappoint. The first time I accompanied my Dominican friend who ordered for me. The second time I was on my own, but the ladies were very helpful and we made it happen. Most of the food is behind the counter in a covered buffet-style setup. You let them know what you are interested in, beef, chicken etc, and they'll show you the offerings. You can't beat their lunch special at around $12-15. You get a giant portion of rice & meat, add on a bit of salad and you're good to go! The food is so delicious, the flavors are all there. I also had the chicken and cheese empanadas as well as beef and both tasted great, I liked the beef best it was very well seasoned. Another bonus? Tamarind juice!! Not many places have it so I'm always ecstatic when I see it on a menu. Both my friend and I really enjoyed the food we purchased from El Viejo Fred, and the friendly service we received, we will definitely be back!

    Photos
    View of dining area
    View of dining area
    Beef and Chicken Fajitas with melted cheese
    Beef and Chicken Fajitas with melted cheese
    Reservation

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    Reservation
    Brunch by De Martino

    Brunch by De Martino

    4.5
    (491 reviews)
    18.1 mi
    $$
    Minority-owned & operated
    Kid friendly

    First time here. Fast service, large portions, great ambience. Server was very nice and attentive.read more

    While visiting New Jersey recently I wanted to go somewhere I couldn't go to back home . That's…read morealways the goal to try out new places . So upon doing my research I came across this restaurant. Now of course upon reading reviews everyone said to get there early because the line can get long especially on a Saturday and Sunday morning. So we arrived around 8:30 on Saturday and we were seated right away because it was only two of us . The service was excellent we were seated right away . Our waiter came out and gave us the rundown of the menu . They had a promo menu because of the Devil Wears Prada movie . I did get a specialty non alcoholic drink from the menu which was excellent. We ordered the French toast and the avocado toast with scrambled eggs and it came with smoked salmon on sourdough bread . The French toast was so good and moist you didn't even need to add additional syrup . The food was delicious and the portion sizes are perfect . The restaurant is cozy so if you have a big party make reservations. But you won't be disappointed I can't wait to visit Brunch by De Martino again whenever I come back to New Jersey . Please check them out you won't regret it .

    Photos
    Death by Chocolate Pancakes with rasberry compote
    Death by Chocolate Pancakes with rasberry compote
    Buttermilk waffle with fresh strawberries, banana & nutella
    Buttermilk waffle with fresh strawberries, banana & nutella
    Sweet plantains, bacon guava jam, whipped queso fresco, maple crema, chili spiced cashews

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    Sweet plantains, bacon guava jam, whipped queso fresco, maple crema, chili spiced cashews

    CubaNu Restaurant & Lounge - cuban - Updated June 2026

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