Jaxx D.

I was in Gadsden for a quick overnight conference and had already scoped out Hector's Kitchen ahead of time. Small place, limited seating--more like a neighborhood spot than a polished restaurant--but that's part of its charm. You're not here for atmosphere or fancy plating; you're here because the food's got heart. I ordered the Coconut Wrap with black beans and rice, and it did not disappoint. Good portion, well balanced, and just plain satisfying. You can tell it's made fresh and with care. I also tried an empanada--decent, but nothing that knocked me over. Still, the wrap alone made it worth the trip. Service was friendly, and everything came out quick. Just know you'll be eating off a paper plate (literally), so adjust expectations accordingly. I plan to swing back through next time I'm in town to try a few more dishes. Solid spot that's doing good food without the fluff.

Madge Marley H.

What a fabulous serendipitous find while on our way to nearby Lake Guntersville. We were searching for something eclectic in this area which has a plethora of steak, burger and pizza restaurants. Hector's Kitchen was an unexpected delight! Hector, of Colombian decent, grew up eating and preparing Cuban food! He started this special restaurant in 2017 offering authentic Hispanic fare. To begin, we enjoyed the chips and fresh salsa. Billy had the Colombian Special with beef! I had the Huevos Pericos dish with two eggs, yellow rice, black beans, grilled maduros (oh my!) and toast with a guava butter...I added the amazing pulled pork! Both entrees fantastic! Black beans are best we have ever eaten. Desserts were great, too! Flan was excellent- smooth throughout, perfectly cooked. And the fresh plantain bananas foster with a caramel butter sauce poured over a graham cracker crust cheesecake was unmatched. Love the eclectic and colorful atmosphere. No pretense. Just good food, prompt and friendly service and leaves you wanting to come back for more! I want to try the Cuban sandwich. A favorite among locals. Eager to eat that unique grilled corn on the cob too! The wings sounds tasty as well. Lots of dessert selections too. Plus their coffee is reviewed as being excellent! Thanks to Abby our server and Tina the chef! Didn't get to meet Hector. Next time! Highly recommend!

Lance E.

This side of the road find will make you a Caribbean food lover for sure! We were greeted by a sweet lady that took our order. The place is eclectic, with indoor and outdoor seating. I had the coconut wrap. Man o man was it like being on an exotic island. The pork was juicy and sweet and the coconut on top was just the right touch and surprise. I had the corn, which was top tier for sure. It was grilled before seasoning. Jacob had the beef pot roast. It was juicy and tender. He also had the plantains and black beans. Both were delicious. If you're driving through Alabama and come across the chance to dine here...do it! You will be delighted with delicious food and an escape to a friendly place.

Deana D.

First time trying this place and it did not disappoint!! Delicious! Coconut warp, and yucca fries and the best iced coffee I think I've ever had! Staff were very friendly. Quaint little place. Also has a few tables outside as well.

Carol R.

This was my first time visiting Hector's kitchen, and I was pleasantly surprised with how charming the atmosphere with its colorful murals and decor were, with the thoughtful and kind customer service, and the delicious food. There's a wonderful story behind this restaurant. I highly recommend you and discover for yourself.

Pamela J.

I love Hector's kitchen! The Cuban sandwich is great! The bowls are also great. Last time we tried the street corn. It was very flavorful. They make a chimi mayo that you must try. Coffees are delicious too. The lady that services us is very sweet. It is a small, family like atmosphere. We make a 45 min drive just to eat here and it's worth it every time. :)

Patrick H.

First time here and definitely won't be my last! If you want authentic Mexican food then look no further than! I had heard that it was very authentic and to get there early because the dining room is small and will fill up fast. So, me and my friends got there early and found out if you want this authentic taste from over the boarder, then yes, you better get here quickly. There is seating outside that's covered, so there's that. And you could just do take out, but where's the fun in getting to know this down home staff?? The people here are a very close second to the amazing food. They treat you like they e known you for years and no one is a stranger! What a great out of the way place that has actual REAL Mexican food! I think it actually has some other influences in there as well. When you go inside you feel like you've stepped into a dive place in Tijuana! Such a great experience and the food is cooked to order, not premade! Enjoy the atmosphere and the people and the cuisine! I will be back because I couldn't try it all on the first visit! Thank you Hector! We will be back!

Justine D.

I usually take better pictures of the food, but we were so hungry and everything was so incredible that it was basically jumping off the plate. Everything was scrumptious. The chicken wings were perfectly crispy with a sauce that my mother -in-law was nearly licking off the plate. The sauce they put on the beef empanada reminded me of a thicker chimichurri. The empanada had a nice crisp shell. I loved my Cuban sandwich and the queso and chips it came with. They managed to fry the bread perfectly without drying it out as other restaurants have done. The meat was delicious and the sauces worked great (love that hint of mustard). Pro tip... ask for more of the empanada sauce and dump it on your sandwich if you want a little heat. The mofongo was delicious... I especially enjoyed the tostones...Not overly chewy. All the food was fresh and incredibly well seasoned. The interior was adorable and... it may not be a big deal to most... but they had a space heater in the bathroom (tears of joy as it is currently winter). Service was super on top of it. My husband says this is one of his top ten favorite restaurants in the US!

Jarrod S.

Very unique place that was very unexpected in my travels. Normal Tex-mex fare is close as you get in most places I travel and this place was a great mash up of Latin cuisine. Growing up in south Florida I am very familiar with Cuban food and the pork bowl was great. It had sweet plantains and some chopped mango that was a unique touch. The croquettes was not a way I was used to it getting and the empanada was a first as well even being familiar with Colombian food. The green sauce was delicious but was disappointed their espresso machine was down. Will stop through on my next journey that way.

Lindsay S.

What a great Cuban/Columbian restaurant! My mother and I arrived today (Sat) right before the lunch rush. FYI, if you're dining in, you seat yourself. The server was so helpful and kind and offered a lot of helpful information and suggestions, since this was our first visit. TIP: the menu posted on their website is old and some of the items like the Chorizo Burger are no longer offered. I thought I prepared by studying that menu, but .. it was the wrong one! :-) Anyway, after some help from the server, I went with the Columbian Dinner, with Picadillo beef, a fried egg, and sautéed vegetables and the Savory Tostone as my sides. I had no idea what a Tostone was, but the server explained it was plantains that were twice fried. My mother ordered a Picadillo beef bowl, without the bell peppers and cilantro. Everything was SO good. The Tostone was crunchy and went so well with the beef and rice. Warning for all you picky eaters, the beef does have some seasoning and olives cooked in it, but olives are like my favorite thing ever, so I thought it was fantastic. Since I had told the server I liked spicy food, she brought me a cup of their Habanero sauce. She said a little goes a long way, so at first I was nervous, barely dipping one fork prong in it. I eventually realized though, it was spicy, but not as hot as my mother-in-law's food, which is basically like eating hellfire and brimstone. Still, anyone who has trouble with spicy food should be careful with the Habanero sauce! Another tip, when you finish eating, you go up to the cashier when you're ready to pay. I was kinda waiting on a ticket or something, but you don't have to do that here. Highly recommend Hector's Kitchen!!