Terrible service, I waited 30 minutes for food at lunch and had to leave because of the delay. I told my waiter he could cancel my main since I had to go. He brushed me off and said he would go check on it. I stood up and walked over to counter and then the staff all ignored me and were talking about me in Spanish while rushing to get my order ready. They hurriedly put my food in a bag and forgot the sauce for my tostones. No apologies, all the waiter said was that he would put my food to go, like he was doing me a big favor. The potato ball was dry and ground beef was flavorless. The croquette was sweet and oily, bad combo. The roast pork was dry, the sauce was tasty, but they barely put any on the pork. Had high hopes, but was greatly disappointed. read more

Best cuba food ever!! Like home made, fresh delicious, I had been coming to this place for about 20 years and every time is been excellent, Thanks Mambo's read more

Eclectic, hip, and live music during the week Thursday and tuesday. For me the pallomilla, yuca al mojo and avocado salad are my favorites read more

Mambos Cafe - Latin American Near Me - Glendale, California

I'd like to try going here again so it gets the 4 star rating. Living in Burbank and passing this place over and over was only because I told myself I had Porto's the other day or will have Porto's instead. Now I know to come here when craving some Cuban food. The cuban espresso's were pretty damn good. Heavy and slightly bitter but balanced out by the sugar. The manager was saying that their coffee beans were cultivated in Cuba but the plantation moved somewhere else yet it remains a Cuban bean. Ropa Vieja con black beans, rice y plantains on the side could make anyones lunch a better lunch. Little slices of bread if you wanted to add some carbs to it. Really good. For it being the lunch rush they spent an adequate amount of time and the service was excellent. Greeted as we came in and as we left. Disney and Warner Bros. employees visit constantly. The day I went it seemed 1/3 of the customers were from there. I had a pretty woman in her 40's sit next to me then move one seat over so "you guys can have your space." I took it well because who wants a pretty single lady from Warner Bros. that looked like she knows how to party sitting next to you? It was somewhat distracting so she moved her wild and crazy ass to the next seat to give "us" room. It wasn't like she was sitting in between us! read more

This really needs a re-edit. A few years back, I attended an event at MambosCafe where I truly enjoyed the food , music, overall scene and had a less than personable server. So, in true form to this yelp page, I made note of it and made sure to mention it. Since then, I've been back on various occasions and received nothing less than stellar service. Yes, that snotty server is long gone and I've not been met with any further scenarios which I can gripe about. Notable Dishes for vegetarians. Morros ( Dirty Rice ) Avocado Salad Yucca con Mojo ( Garlic, lime juice, olive oil & sauteed onion) Plantains Of course, Black beans and rice if not going for the Morro. SANGRIA ROJA! Let's settle the score. I love Mambos Cafe and will continue to patron this establishment when I need that flavor.. All around flavor. Thanks for reading. CV read more

Mambos Cafe - All the greats represented. Matches the menu. - Latin American Near Me - Glendale, California

Went there for lunch today... the appetizers were fresh and hot and delicious... the garlic dipping sauce for the fried yucca was incredible... the meal was delectable and filling... the service was excellent... the only area for improvement is the airflow... the small space definitely needs better air conditioning... dessert was rice pudding and flan... both superb... and the finishing touch of cafe con leche was the perfect topper... our first visit is definitely the first of many more to come. read more

I must say, we bumped into this place by accident and trust you and I. I don't regret it. My husband is Cuban and he loved the food here as well. The food was delicious. The customer service is great. I even asked if they could turn down the A/C because it was warm, they didn't even hesitate to make us comfortable. They made our experience delightful and enjoyable. read more

Mambos Cafe - Bistec empanizado - Latin American Near Me - Glendale, California

Wonderful dinner at Mambos Cafe last night. Very warm feeling and good food. Tried their spicy chicken plate that came with white rice & maduros. At the end of the night had a espresso to finish our wonderful dinner read more

Mambos Cafe - Spicy Chicken... - Latin American Near Me - Glendale, California

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I went to Mambo's during my vegetarian streak and it was delicious. I highly recommend it. I had the Picadillo Habanero and it was delicious. I got some maduros one day and tostones the next time I went, both delicious. Also the bread they bring before the food is great. I'm excited to return again now that I have retired my vegetarianism. #EatMoreChicken #EatMoreSteak read more

Hands down the best Cuban food in the Valley period. I've been coming here for over 16 years and Raul always made me feel like family there. Everything is super delicious and I never walk out of there hungry. Don't believe me there are several celebrities, Disney, DreamWorks and Glenair aerospace workers that will definitely agree with me. Highly recommended!! read more

The food is good. But the service, the wait, and the parking all take away from that. Their bread and salsa is great. All of their sandwiches and entrees are very good. I love their plaintains. But the owner of the restaurant is an older gentleman that really needs to learn how to split a bill for multi-party groups. And realize that the tip can be added to the credit card receipt afterwards. He chased my friend and I out to the parking lot and throw money in our faces. But if you do decide to go, go before 12 cause the rush starts about then and seating because almost impossible. read more

Service was friendly but the food is so dry. The pulled pork would have been better with a sauce on it. Too dry for my tastes. Sorry, Mambo's, but I have experienced better and would not return. read more

Mambos is a cool, hip Cuban restaurant in Glendale, just down the street from Griffith Park. Despite being next to a grungy auto shop with broke-down cars surrounding it, Mambos itself is an eye-catching place with my favorite red and black decor. There's autographed pictures of musicians. There's usually a few sitting at the counter hanging out for dinner. The owner is very cool and friendly. As for the food, consider it the healthiest Cuban food you'll find. Don't get me wrong, I love Versailles, but Mambos keeps my diet in check when I crave Cuban. I order their Oscar I believe. It's a nice breast of chicken with salad. Even their papa rellena and lechon don't feel like big greasy mistakes. The only thing I wish is for their Cuban chicken to have more of a garlic mojo punch which is what I crave from Versailles. It's a great place for a business lunch. You see a lot of suit and ties around noon with a hip cultural crowd for dinner and music. The place is small and the tables are close together but it's not at all uncomfortable. read more

Had lunch here with a few colleagues. Pros: - No issues with service. It was prompt, food came out quick (less than 5 minutes) - Place was crowded both outside and inside for lunch. - I had the roast pork with beans and rice. The pork was good, not Superb. - Presentation of the food was good. Could be better: - The rice was buttery, but had a few dry spots - didn't feel fresh like it was sitting out for a while. - The plantains were below average. They were dry and thin, didn't even look inviting to have a second piece. For the price and ambiance, it was ok. The quality of the food itself is definitely not the best. But in this area, if you want a quick and easy Cuban dish, you might have to settle here. read more

Went to Mambos to pick up some food the other day. I tried the Picadillo Habanero. To be honest I didn't care for it much. It was very, very salty. I did really like the black beans, rice and the maduros (plantains). I will totally give the other vegan items a try. It's nice to know there is more than one vegan option on the menu, looking forward to trying the other dishes. read more

Amazing food and service! I've never gone out of my way to write a review but I had to for mambos. The food was delicious, the staff were friendly and our food was ready in literally 5 minutes! I haven't had a good experience at a restaurant like this in a while, recommended this place to all of my friends already. read more

We ordered for a family celebration and the food was delicious! We wanted a selection of classic Cuban dishes for our guests to enjoy and Mambos gave us their professional guidance on the selection of entrees, sides and appropriate quanities. They were able to provide us with to go items set up for very nice buffet service! All guests raved about the variety, delicious flavors and presentation. Enjoyed by all, we will again, big thanks Mambos!! read more

Been going here for since my wife and I met in the late 90s. We love Mambos! It's like soul food for me. Everything is delicious. Breaded or grilled chicken plate is our staple. Picadilloskar or Aguacate Fernando when I feel vegetarian...tuna melt, fried yucca, maduros...my mouth waters just thinking about it! COVID has taken a toll, so treat yourself and support Mambos as often as possible. read more

The vibe was jazzy and relaxing on Tuesday night. Met up with some co workers for some drinks and good music. It's a small place but really intimate and the staff seemed very attentive to everyone, remembering names of customers which was really nice to see. It was a bit too loud to talk so I wouldn't recommend going there to have deep or serious conversation haha. You will probably find me here next week! To see a new set of extremely talented and entertaining musicians. I was having a hard time staying in my seat last night because I wanted to get up and groove! Their food was fresh and satisfying. Specifically the shrimp and avocado dish. The shrimp was huge and everything was prepared to perfection. The wait for the food wasn't long at all but gave enough time to enjoy was sweet sangria with fresh apples and oranges. If you are looking for a jazzy night out this is the place to go! read more

Mambos Cafe - Shrimp and avocado dish. Bottle of water and glass of sangria! - Latin American Near Me - Glendale, California

We really enjoyed our lunch at Mambo's. The parking lot is small and there are not a ton of tables, so get their early. My husband had the Cuban Sandwich with fries and I had the Tostones with grilled shrimp. The portions were huge, the service was great and we had a really tasty lunch. We will be going back again soon, to try more things on their menu! read more

So bland I thought I had COVID. The Mambo's Chicken, a signature dish, was desiccated. It overwhelmed the capacity of my salivary glands and left my jaw aching. It made me long for water. A quart of ice water. Beer. Anything. Take away the onions and it had no flavor at all. Beans tasted like they were from a can, and barely warmer. Tostones were good - maybe because they're supposed to be dry? And they do "dry" expertly, even on a Cuban sandwich, which featured roasted pork with the consistency of a sneaker tongue. If you're looking to convert your Cuban friends to lifelong enemies, take them here. read more

First off, i am by NO means an expert on Cuban food, or for that matter, even slightly informed. That being said, i had driven by this place a few times and finally realizing it wasn't yet another stereo installation place, decided to check it out. Chicken dish was alright. Kinda bland for Cuban food, i thought. Guess i was expecting something with a bit more kick to it - but again - if you add TOO much spice, most other people might not like it either. My friends Pork dish was also alright. Also kinda bland for what i expected. Was hoping their 'salsa' was going to better, but yes...sadly, the plantains seemed to be the best part of the meal. Not bad, though. Decor is alright, considering that the place seems to be converted from an old gas station. Luckily, had no problem with the 'tattoo' guy. He was friendly, patient when i asked about what was what, and attentive. read more

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My favorite places for Cuban food are Chicago and Venice, but after hearing about Mambo's on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives I HAD to go. Who else roasts a whole pig with JUST salt?! Stopped in for lunch post Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market with my bestest on a Sunday afternoon for a very late lunch. We were sad to see the restaurant completely e.m.p.t.y. to the point where we thought it was closed from the parking lot. To avoid the dreary scene, we opted for outdoor seating for the picturesque view of Western and Victory...nice... On the table for review + Roast Pork (w/ black beans, plantains, and rice) - DELISH, pork came pre cut as if pulled to order off the bone for us. Got some crispy pieces, but overall very juicy and tender. Black beans could have been a little thicker, but still nice flavor. Loved the rice, but wished for more plantains ( 3 pieces...? really?) * Papa Rellena - served as a single ball, on a sad bed of lettuce. Negative stars for you for lack of presentation. I was under the impression that we'd at least get two, so I was disappointed to be served one. Nonetheless, it was very crispy, piping hot, and not heavy. Bread and salsa appetizer is unnecessary, save your stomach for the pork. Coming back for more? Maybe for dinner when it's a little lively, otherwise, the restaurant carries a negative nancy kind of feeling. P.S. Bathrooms are outside, around the building. Kind of weird. read more

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As someone who was born and raised in South Florida I can't tell you enough about how much I love Mambo's. Cuban food has been a staple of my diet pretty much since I learned how to eat solid food and Ralph and his amazing staff and cooks have consistently given me some of the tastiest Cuban food I've ever had. My personal favorite is the Picadillo but you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Great restaurant and a great owner that makes you feel more than welcome when you sit down to enjoy your meal. Enjoy! read more

We discovered mambos last year and enjoy our meals here! I get the pork dish with onions and rice which is delicious. My hubby switches it up often. We enjoy the food, the staff, and the location! read more

Food and service is fantastic! There is nothing you can go wrong with. Make sure you get the white sangria, el trio appetizer, avocado salad with a Cuban sandwich or the Picadillo. please support this family business!! read more

First time trying this place. The reason I wanted to try was because it came out on the diners, drive in and dives show. But came here today and was the complete opposite. The waitress looked like she didn't want to be there with her resting B$&@& face look. If you don't like your job, then find something else. There was only one waiter that I saw that actually seemed nice and liked his job and was working hard. The food was okay. It was very bland and had no flavor. I had to put a lot of salt and lemon to get any kind of flavor. Not at all what I expected. I think this will just a one time stop for us. read more

I'm half Cuban so I know good Cuban food. This place has delicious main dishes, the picadillo is my favorite dish. The meat has the right blend of spices. I'm also a fan of the ropa vieja, which is my favorite Cuban dish of all time. The lechon is good, but can be dry sometimes. The platanos maduros are always great. But like I said, I know Cuban food, and I've never tasted more bland black beans than I have here. I look forward to pouring my black beans over my white rice, but not these ones. The tasted like they were straight from the can. One experience I didn't like was when I ordered the Bistec de Pallomilla one night really craving steak with onions and my plate came with steak but no onions. I told the server my onions were missing and she said they were out of onions. That uspet me because I totally would've ordered something else had I known that. I'm not used to servers not giving you a heads up of what they are out of. Anyways you could say that kind of ruined my time. I think the service could use improvement but I will probably still be coming here just because it's close and will do the trick for a Cuban food craving. read more

Mambos Cafe - Picadillo Plate - Latin American Near Me - Glendale, California

I grew up eating the Sandwich and it's the best I have ever had. Family owned and with heart and soul.

Really bummed about the experience we just had. We stopped by for dinner because we had a craving for the chicken. We ate dinner, which was great, but were really put off by what happened afterward. We basically were asked to vacate our table for the next party. This is not an unreasonable request, as it was a music night and we were a party of two at a four-top. However, the way we were approached was less than hospitable. I work in food/beverage, and have had to make a similar request or our guests. It's awkward, but since it is an inconvenience to the guest, it's best made softly and with an incentive. When we first came into the restaurant, we were about to sit at a table and were asked to switch to another. We could have been told at that point that we should sit at a two top. The man that asked us to move told us that he needed us to move because there was a party that needed the table. It came off as really rude and short. He told us he didn't mind if we stayed but to vacate the table, like he was doing us a favor by letting us sit at another table so we could finish our coffees. It was completely off putting. It left such a bad taste in my mouth I couldn't get out of there fast enough. Tip to the ownership: if the sketchy looking guy with the pony tail is going to approach guests to move, maybe teach him some service etiquette so your guests don't feel like we're inconveniencing you by dining there. read more

I've been coming here for YEARS! Their food and service is always exceptional. I'm sad the live music on Tuesday's has been eliminated, but we had some great times there listening to great live bands play. I usually get the same thing to eat all the time, but I know their other selections are amazing too. The breaded steak is so tasty along with plantains and rice/beans. The red sangria is made fresh and they take their time to make sure it is perfect. I once had dry plantains served and after mentioning it to them, they quickly took it back and brought a new plate. I appreciate their customer service and excellent food that continues to fill my belly!!! It's a Burbank staple and I wish you always the best of luck in business, thank you. read more

Mambos Cafe - Latin American Near Me - Glendale, California

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Aw man, this is based on my recent experience. We wanted to order food for pick up. We like coming here but this is unacceptable.... We called like 20 times. They either picked up and then hung up quickly, let it ring or it was busy. So we drove over there totally accepting the fact that we would order and wait. Well, not so much. We arrived to an empty restaurant (it was raining) and the first thing we heard when we arrived was the phone ringing and staff were walking by it pretending they couldn't hear it. We weren't even approached. So we walked right out. We won't be returning at all and I will tell all my other Mambo go-ers of my experience. Because not only is the taste of Cuban food important but customer service is right up there. It's too bad. But the good news: I found a replacement that night! Hey when you crave something, you should get it! read more

I absolutely love this place! Great service great food, not to mention the cortadito is the best!!! From the moment you walk in their customer service is ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT. The food is authentic I might add. The ropa vieja I truly recommend. If ever in the area and in the mood for Cuban food this is definitely the place. read more

Doesn't disappoint, the food is delicious everytime. The tamales are one of my favorite items.

I just read most of these reviews and was really surprised by some of the negative ones. I'm sure they're real and things happened, it's just based on my recent experience, I find it hard to believe the staff was so rude and disrespectful. For those who read my reviews here and Trip Advisor, you know I'm as honest as it gets. My friend and I went to Mambos Café the other day and had a superb meal. We had a shrimp appy, I had a chicken dish, my friend had a vegetarian dish. 10+ on quality, quantity. The staff was highly respectful, friendly. The only thing is when you pay by credit card and get the bill, you get one total. You're not really supposed to tip on the tax, so you need to either remember the tax on the bill or simply ask for the breakdown when they bring the receipt. If management reads this post, please read the negative ones and figure out what happened.. and make sure it never happens again. This is a local place... and word spreads fast, plus Yelp reviews do help in the public's decision-making. If the take-out service and all other services are like the ones I experienced the other day, this place will do well. Again, we both had delicious dinners. read more

Drove from Orange County to try this place out! I grew up eating Cuban food, so here we go!! Red Sangria was very tasty. The trio appetizer was very good- papa rellena, croqueta and a Picadillo empanada was good as well, but could of used more meat. Main dish- I ordered Ropa Vieja with moros. Ropa Vieja was ok, it lacked flavor and it was lukewarm, the moros need improvement: lack of seasoning and the rice they used is not for moros, it tastes like Uncle Ben rice. No bueno!! Service was good. read more

Amazing service with delicious food. I highly recommend this place. Super clean and family owned and operated.

Having never tried Cuban food before, this was quite a treat. We arrived at lunch time and were seated right away. We asked for advice on the menu items and the waiter made several good recommendations. I ordered a pulled pork sandwich, which was delicious. It came with fried plantain chips, and a tasty dipping sauce. We also ordered a chicken and rice plate, which was also delicious. This is a nice little restaurant with great ambience (playing soft jazz music). We had a great time and will certainly be back. read more

This place lies about reservations and the service is awful. Not recommended.

Great Cuban restaurant! Recommending to everyone. Nice family owned place which is refreshing in the sea of chain restaurants.