Drove 40 minutes. Visited early on Valentine's Day without reservation and was treated like VIP! Talk about customer service. Drinks never dry, food hot and delicious, music and ambiance on point. My husband and I have dined here before and this visit was no different ! Authentic food! Pork was tender and flavorful. Fried yuca with the cilantro sauce. Empanadas crispy and flaky. Oh my goodness! If you're looking for good Latina food, this is your spot! The coffee comes with a warning. J/k read more

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This is my favorite restaurant in Salisbury and I'm a home grown Salisburian so I remember when the space was occupied by Las Palmas way back in the day. Now it's home to the best, authentic Cuban cuisine in the area. Whether you're looking for small plated tapas to share among friends or a bountiful feast of deliciously seasoned entrees, Mambo has you covered. You can go the healthy route with their standout grilled salmon & mahi mahi with mixed veggies or indulge in savory dishes such as Chicken Milanese or Ropa Vieja. My favorite dishes are the enchiladas de camaron (shrimp smothered in a hearty sauce and served in a cast iron pot) and the plantain temptation (stuffed with cheese, rice, and protein of choice)! The Cuban sandwich is very good and I usually get one or two to take home. But the best kept secret is their Garlic Cilantro Sauce. It comes with the Yuca Frita (also amazing) and you'll want to ask for extra so you can pour it all over everything else. ¡Buen provecho! read more

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I have eaten here twice and enjoyed it both times. The atmosphere is really nice. We ordered empanadas for starters which came in a variety of four kinds of fillings. Delicious. My main plate was very good, hot and fresh. Finished with a rich coffee. Good service. I wish I lived in Salisbury so i could eat here more often! read more

Mambo Grill & Tapas is goes to extraordinary lengths to transport you right into the heart of Cuba with its colorful, festive atmosphere and its flavorful food. I came with a Cuban friend, who assured me that the flavors here are as close to authentic Cuban as you could get. Everything was savory and aromatic. Service was very cordial. While it's got good seating accommodations, it can still be considered a divey restaurant. FYI If you come during the busy hours and are stuck behind a large party, you may have to wait a while for your seats and food, so do be cautious about that when deciding a time to eat here. read more

Mambo Grill & Tapas - vacafrita - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Salisbury, North Carolina

WOW. What a Find in SAL! Friend M. eats here frequently and just happened to suggest for a recent mid-afternoon dunch. My Intro to the Dining Experience was by a Friendly & Capable Waiter - Jacques (who we highly suspect is the Bar Tender during busier times). After Tasty Apps of Camaron al Ajillo and Empanadas - we were treated to an Excellent Dunch of Masitas and the Plantain Temptation. I first judge Latin Restaurants on their presentations and Tastes of Carnitas and was Not Disappointed with Mambo's rendition in the form of Masitas. Will be back when in SAL. read more

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Thanks to a coworker, we traveled to Salisbury to try Mambo Grill & Tapas. Pleasantly surprised to say the least!! We were greeted at the door by the hostesses. We were asked if we had reservations, which we did not, nor did we come across anything that says they were needed. The owner came up front and asked us to give them a minute, she's still training to front staff. Turns out, they had reservations coming in so the only seats available were at the bar, which are first come first serve. My party of 3 went over and sat next to the kindest lady and daughter. That was a delight! They even moved over to give us more room. John was our waiter and he was SO chill, so cool, and very helpful. He only waits at the bar now (double-duty). The menu made it very difficult to choose an item. EVERYTHING sounded delicious. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are satisfying. The tostones were perfect with the tangy mojo (citrusy chopped garlic). The vaca frita was crisp and with the sautéed onions...yummmm!!! The yellow rice was fluffy and the maduros were perfectly prepared. I tasted my hubby's Hemingway chicken....boy oh boy!!!! THAT will be next my dish to try! We got the opportunity to learn more about John and talk more with Ariella. It's really heart-warming to hear where things started and see the successful progress in life & business. I wish Mambo Grill & Tapas nothing but the BEST and we will be back really soon. read more

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The place gives you an authentic Cuban vibe with vibrant artwork and furniture! Our waitstaff was excellent and the food arrived very quickly given the fact we arrived with a party of 27! The star of our meal was the empanadas- especially the picadillo but the chicken were good too! The garlic cilantro sauce was amazing! Neither of us were blown away by dinner though-I had the Vaca Frita and it was extremely crispy making it hard to chew and it was heavy on a vinegar taste and over salted! The Moro rice was good as were the plantains! Hubby had Hemingway chicken and it was overcooked and dry but flavorful! We would come back for the empanadas! read more

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First time eating here this evening. We sat right down and immediately loved the ambiance and decor. Really cool place. We received the perfect amount of attention from the wait staff. Everyone was friendly, polite and extremely knowledgeable of the menu. We ordered the fried plantain appetizer which came with a delicious oil citrus and garlic sauce...can't remember what it was called. Had a signature drink Papa Hemingway and it was great with a definite Cuban rum flair. Not a mojito. My wife ordered the Vaca Frita and I will be getting that next time. Enchilado de Camarone wow was it amazing. Great flavor and p,entry of shrimp. Maduros and rice were delicious. We will return. read more

Met friends from Greensboro and made an advance reservation. Delicious food, flavorful and a little something for everyone including small plates/tapas for those just wanting something lighter or shareable. Service and cocktails, wines tasty. We had entrees + salad and olive tapas. Great venue to meet up and enjoy the bar or table service. Restaurant is 2-story and mural-walls make you feel like you were in visiting Cuba and similar vibe to venues in Puerto Rico. This is my second time dining here and one of the better inventive restaurants in Salisbury. read more

Solid. But maybe not what it used to be--but still a great option, especially in salsbury. Prices are high--but they're high everywhere now. Service is friendly and attentive. read more

Amazing food, service and ambiance. I've traveled the world and this is the best Cuban sandwich I've ever had. Buttery bread, tender meat with great flavor and I even love the way it's cut and easy to eat. Can't wait to come back! Also enjoyed the pear cider and look forward to trying some Spanish wine next visit. read more

Love the restaurant. It's like stepping in Cuba. The cafe con Leche made me so happy. I was perfect. And a couple days later I'm craving it. The cuban sandwich was really good. Yuca fries were delicious. I can't wait to go back to try more. I definitely recommend this place!! read more

One of Salisbury's hidden secrets. There is absolutely nothing on this menu that isn't absolutely delicious. If you want Cuban food and a fun atmosphere, this is your spot. They open on weekends only and reservations are highly recommended. read more

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Both service and food was excellent. Get reservations so you don't have to wait. Definitely Will be back! read more

We have frequented Mambo since they opened in their first location. We haved moved to another state but always make sure to visit while in town. They offer a full bar. Their mojitos are a favorite! The staff and owners are amazing. A family dining feeling. The smells are mouth watering. You can't go wrong with ropa vieja. It is like a stew your Grandma would serve you. My absolute FAVORITE is yuca con mojo. The yuca texture is just right, not mushy. The mojo flavor and fresh garlic; chef's kiss. A must try when in Salisbury. read more

Mambo Grill & Tapas - Ropa vieja, moros, and yuca con mojo. - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Salisbury, North Carolina

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On the drive home from Outer Banks we were in the mood for some Cuban food. Just as we were approaching Salisbury, this place came up. We are so glad we found it. We started with each having Mojitos (though they were very good; they could have had a little more alcohol). For appetizers we had the Puerco Asado Tostones (real good). For entrees the wife had large Sopa de Pollo (and it was large indeed; with plenty of chicken and sliced corn on the cob). I had the Vaca frita with white rice and black beans (super good and well seasoned). We thought of having dessert but we couldn't eat any more. The service was great and the restaurant is nicely done with murals to make you feel like you are in an old Havana street. Very nice, we will bookmark it for the next time we in the area to stop again. Highly recommend! read more

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We make the drive to Mambo's. Love planning a last minute trip to this authentic foodie joint. Been dining or having celebrations catered for years. So happy this family has kept Mambo's rocking. read more

Food is delicious! Have had different dishes and enjoyed them all. Love the ambience and the service is excellent! Will be back!

We came in at 7pm. We left at 8:40. While I will preface with this. We did come in at a busy hour. There was a party of maybe 25 so people before us. That is the only reason why our food took as long as it did. All the food was cooked well and to a delicious degree. One of us ordered the pollo milanésa and boy, when I tell you that this dish was good. I've gone to several restaurants but this one might just take the cake. Crispy, well seasoned chicken that kept its texture and juiciness, a layer of cooked ham and a lot of melted cheese. That was GOOD. I personally had the Cuban Sandwich without the slow roasted pork. Still good and the home made chips are crispy and add a great touch. Our server was amazing and despite the huge order through the kitchen, they still made sure we were well attended. Props to them, they did great! Their dangly earrings were pretty cool too. read more

Mambo Grill & Tapas - Pollo Milanesa - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Salisbury, North Carolina

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Cuban food in the heart of Salisbury, who knew! Mambo Grill is a little slice of Cuba nestled in downtown Salisbury. They have all of your favorite Cuban classics plus a few local extras. Their decor transports you to Havana with the bright colors and fun murals on the walls. We got their Cuban sandwich which has thinly sliced pork tenderloin, ham, shredded pork, cheese mustard and pickles. It was everything you want from a Cuban sandwich - flavorful, sweet, tangy, and crunchy! This is served with their homemade chips and green garlic sauce which you'll want to drink it's so good! Can't wait to be back! read more

Mambo Grill & Tapas - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Salisbury, North Carolina

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One of our friends recommended this Cuban style restaurant while we were in Salisbury on a day trip and it did not disappoint! Everything on the menu sounds delicious but we decided to keep it simple and try the Cuban sandwich which comes with house made chips. The sandwich was definitely one of the top Cuban sandwiches I have had and will be back to try some different dishes! The service was great and there is very good beer selection at the bar. read more

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This was so good!! We were driving back home and used this as a pit stop for dinner. The picadillo is amazing!! My husband got a Cuban sandwich and it was delicious. And the mojitos! They were the best we've had !! I wish this place was closer but we will make a stop on our next adventure. Café con leche is a must. Parking, there was a lot behind the building and street parking. Price was perfect. Service was wonderful. read more

Mambo Grill & Tapas - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Salisbury, North Carolina

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I'm from Miami and oh my gosh!! Best Vacca Frita ever! Their empanadas are AMAZING too. The ambiance is great with the paintings of Cuba. We aren't from the area unfortunately but when we return we'll definitely be back. If I could give 6 stars would. read more

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Mambo grill & tapas in Salisbury, NC Mambo's has been closed for about three years for renovations and covid and I was so excited when I heard they were back open for dine in. The meal portions were on the small side but everything was delicious. We started off with a sampler and went with the chicken and spinach and cheese empanadas in the sampler. The chicken was my fav Tropical Sampler Two Empanadas, two croquetas, masitas, yuca frita and a mini plantain temptation, served with homemade garlic cilantro sauce Masitas Tender pork chunks prepared with a garlic and onion sauce and fried to perfection with a side of plantains & rice read more

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The BEST Cuban restaurant anywhere around this area! Family-owned. Everyone is welcoming and the food is so delicious. Great cocktails, too. 5 stars is not enough! read more

My wife and I had a night in Salisbury and ate dinner at Mambo. I was impressed with the variety of beer taps they have. They also had a nice cocktail menu. My wife got the empanadas - she did one of each kind (chicken, ground beef, shredded beef, and spinach & cheese). I got the Cuban sandwich with homemade chips. Both meals were excellent and fairly priced. Service was great and we really liked the ambiance of the restaurant. read more

Reservations are highly recommended, as the bar is first come, first serve; to which we did not know, so we sat at the bar. The bar staff was super nice even though the bar was hopping. The decor and atmosphere was fantastic as it leaned heavily to Cuban style and flare. It is also really nice to go to a restaurant that doesn't have a gazillion tv's. We ordered the Cuban Sandwich and the Special Cuban Sandwich along with 2 mixed drinks. The house made chips were good, and the ranch served with them was nice and light. Our sandwiches were yummy and very filling. read more

Mambo Grill & Tapas - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Salisbury, North Carolina

This restaurant will change your mind on food. They're only open fri-Sunday and a reservation is recommended but it's a must if you are around Salisbury. The best Cuban food I've ever had! Cocktails are great, but the plantain temptation and the vaca frita will have you making bedroom noises at the table. read more

Its been several years since I had an experience so wonderful at a restaurant. The atmosphere makes you feel like you're walking down a street in Cuba. The staff make you feel like you just sat down at a family reunion and the food absolutely next level. Every single bite on my plate made me close my eyes and pray that the plate magically refilled itself. 5 stars, definitely check this place out folks read more

Very good. Hemingway Chicken was cooked perfectly. Service was great. Plantains were very good. Definitely going back.

This is a beautiful restaurant with fabulous friendly servers, however the food is not a 5. We went in around 4pm on a Saturday so there were only a few other customers. We ordered the tropical sampler as an appetizer so we could try several different items. It came with pork masitas (fried pork chunks), yucca frita, empanadas, ham croquettes and a small portion of the plantain temptation. The masitas were delicious! Tender and no fat that I could find. I also really liked the plantain dish, consisting of sweet plantain and seasoned ground beef covered with cheese. For the entrees we both ordered the Vaca Frita but with different sides. I wanted mine with the rice and black beans combined, since this is my favorite way to eat rice and beans but this one lacked any flavor. The Vaca Frita had good flavor but was too crispy/crunchy for us. My husband agreed that his was the same. So we will probably come back again but try something else. read more

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**This review is for their food truck** Thanks to a visit to their food truck I MUST travel to Salisbury to try out their restaurant! It was that good. They were set up at the Spring event in Concord at the Cabarrus Brewery. I arrived just as they first opened. They had everything except for the Cuban Sandwich available for sell. I think this was a blessing. It forced me to try something else. I got the roasted pulled pork sandwich on Cuban bread. It was absolutely amazing. The bread was fresh made. The pork was moist and flavorful. I am planning a trip to try out the restaurant. I love Cuban food. read more

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This place is phenomenal. It's one of the best places you find in Salisbury and probably just around great atmosphere and great service.

Great Cuban food. Decorated very nice. Plenty of room for big parties. The empanadas platter is very tasty. I had the "Vaca Frita de Cerdo was good. Overall the service was great. Highly recommend it to try! read more

I can't rave enough about Mambo Grill & Tapas. The food is amazing and authentic Cuban food. The service and ambience are truly wonderful. I can't wait to go back! Highly recommend this restaurant. The owner and staff are great! Love this place. read more

Food and Ambiance are great. Front staff service is also wonderful. Back of the house with getting food out is a bit slow. We had to wait forever when we put in a to go order after we got our food. Will still go back because it is so good! read more

Authentic Cuban flavor. Highly recommended We visited this establishment with a large group. We made reservations and were welcomed immediately upon all our guest arriving. Plenty of open space with views of the bar read more

Amazing! The food and the service were both incredible! The location is adorable! We both had the Cuban Special Sandwiches. The were hot, fresh, and SOOOOO delicious. Our server Giselle was friendly and knowledgeable. We enjoyed this so much! read more

Mambo Grill & Tapas - Cuban Special - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Salisbury, North Carolina

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Food was delicious however the service not so much. I left it at 4 star because we were a larger party so maybe that contributed to why the service was a struggle. The waitress just wasn't quick with anything, couldn't really get a good handle on how to be best organized and didn't know the menu very well. Nonetheless less the food was delicious. As for the drinks...I only got the mojito and i didn't taste a lick of liquor. Oh and it's located in downtown Salisbury where parking is limited but their was a big lot next to Mambos that says permit parking only but we all pretty much parked there for at least 3 hours on a Saturday evening and had no issue. read more

Mambo Grill & Tapas - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Salisbury, North Carolina

I called in an order to go 30 mins before close and was beyond over charged. The girl who took my order on the phone didn't even know the entre I was talking about. When I arrived to pick up my food I realized the amount due wasn't remotely close to the priced items on the menu website, and after I paid as I'm walking out I heard the whole staff laughing! This did not make me feel comfortable and I haven't been there in years, so I won't be returning again!!! read more