I've been meaning to swing by this place for a while now and came today at around 3pm which was perfect since it it wasn't as busy as it usually is (this place is packed during lunch and dinner hours). I had the chicken tostones which are covered in a a rub that's citrusy and peppery with a nice crispiness which will definitely be a must on my next trip. We also tried the spicy sirloin (which I was slightly bummed out on because it wasn't spicy) but still good. I'm currently sipping on cafe con leche and helping my girlfriend eat this icecream/fried plantain dessert. This place lived up to the hype! read more

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

Amazing! The Ropa Vieja is lighter and fresher than the og ... I totally recommend it. ALSO TRY THE mambos chicken it is something out of this world! Service is amazing as well as the abiance!! The young gals are so sweet and make you feel so welcomed!!! GREAT PLACE FOR THE FAM OR A DATE! read more

Their food is good, casamiento is usually what I get. I have not had the vegan sofrito yet but it does look scrumptious. Their rice and beans are well cooked, I like the fact that it comes with a piece of bread of the side and some fried plantains as an extra free side dish Came to pick up food here and I really liked the atmosphere :) read more

Gotta go to Mambo's ! If you haven't already been, this place is a "must go". The food is excellent as is the service and it won't break your wallet. Most of the staff is Cuban and are very willing to talk about their heritage. I go there very, very (did I mention very) often and the food is always good. You can order anything off the menu and it will be good. Just enough spices. Don't sleep on the Mojitos, they will sneak up on you. I find them to be a little too sweet, nothing a little Pellegrino couldn't fix, but that won't stop the kick of alcohol. They are located next to a mechanic shop (weird, I know) but that's because it used to be a gas station. There's usually a vintage car parked in front of the place. Speaking of parking, there's not much of it but you can park nearby. It's not a large restaurant, kind of a diner effect, where you can sit at a table or the counter to eat. The atmosphere is pleasant. The decor is black and red. There's a bunch of black and white large print photos of Cuban personalities on the walls. Don't forget to order your Cafe con Leche after your meal along with your Mambo Cafe T-Shirt!! You will enjoy the expirence. read more

This is now a stop when in CA since 2008. I love the food and ambiance and they really are attentive to their customers and know we are on vacation. They pull all the stops and the fresh taste of their pork tenderloins, rice and black beans always has me pining for the dish when I am back home. Their deserts are to die for and try visiting on Wed night for their Jazz sessions. read more

I've never had a bad meal at Mambo's I go here for lunch about once every month or two. Their steak is amazing. If you want some tasty Cuban food, come to Mambos read more

In a nutshell: a 50's cuban diner. Awesome tostones and platains, but stay away from the rubbery chorizo and the emanadas. Everything else was delish! read more

Excellent taste, smooth service with excellent low key place. Service fast and friendly. Wow is what I can say..Kids love the first Cuban experience read more

Mambos Cafe - Um some Cuban grinz....today - Latin American Near Me - Glendale, California

I've been going to this place for years and I love the food. Mambos chicken is classic. Oh yeah make sure you get the "ozomatli shake". That is if you not on a diet. read more

I think it's a lil over rating. I went there after I saw Triple D and I have to say I got the wrong impression. The place is cool; friendly people, parking available, nice environment. Talking about food.... I expected for good food since people in Triple D show said it's amazing. I ordered roast pork. It's flavorless. Well, if they expect me to enjoy this dish by squeeze a lot of lemon on it, I'll say do it!! Taste a lot better with lemon. But the pork itself, IT'S OK. The amount is so small for the price. I also ordered OSTONES RELLENOS WITH SHRIMP. If I'm not wrong it suppose to be banana dish but how come I feel like I was eating potato. That's no banana taste at all. The salad on top of it is ok. Nothing special. Overall I'll say it's just ok place for me and since I'm not in the area, I don't consider revisiting. read more

After seeing Diners Drive-ins and Dives with guy Fieri years ago visiting Mambos had to finally come try after so many years had passed. I absolutly loved their black beans. I took them home & doctored them up with some shredded with cheese mix, green onions & crèma. It was so good on its own. the flavor was outstanding. Well seasoned. I also tried their version of Bananas Fosters. They actually use caramelized Plaintains instead of actual bananas. it was a nice twist to a traditional american dessert. The ice cream was not the best vanilla but it did the job. The savior was the caramel sauce. The owner was so kind and friendly. The environment is totally warm and welcoming. A nice addition for years on the border of Glendale & Burbank. read more

Mambos Cafe - Bananas fosters made with Plantains - Latin American Near Me - Glendale, California

I LOVE MAMBO'S! I like to bring coworkers to Mambo's for lunch during the week . . . they always want to go back again later. And you're sure to meet other regulars who work in the area if you visit for lunch Monday through Friday. My favorite things on the menu are the Cari-Bean Salad with roast pork (plus black beans and melted swiss cheese), the Cartaya Special (a load of veggies with a crumbled veggie patty, beans, rice, and maduros), and the Medianoche Sandwich. More than once I have ordered one favorite to eat there and another to eat later because I just can't decide! Expect to park on the street if you don't get there early or late for lunch, but dinner and weekends are less crowded. What a pleasure to be greeted as a recognized regular by the family who owns the place! I'll go back again and again and again! read more

Finally got to try this place. Vibe of the place is super cool. I had the camarones al ajillo and my husband had the roasted pork. My portion size was a bit skimpy for Cuban dinner, but flavor was ok with the garlic sauce. Unfortunately my shrimp in was overlooked and not tender. My hubby's roasted pork was too dry and not so much flavor. We had the sampler plate for the appetizers and that was pretty decent and good sharing portion for party of 6 adults. The only reason This place gets 3 stars is because the service was very good, they were very nice and attentive. My parents and siblings seem to like their food but we all agreed that we've had better. Cute place though! read more

I've had a lot of Cuban food in Florida and have been disappointed here in L.A. since most places have animal fat in their beans. This place has THE BEST Cuban food in Los Angeles!!!!!!!! read more

Tuesday nights are incredible... great latin music, incredible atmosphere, and the food and drinks are dynamite. The place was filled, everyone having a great time, clapping to the band, and best of all, no cover! read more

I've been here twice so far... once because my friends saw it on Diners and Drive ins (a TV show) and drove all the way from SF to try it (I drove all the way from North Hollywood). And once because Andrew B. and I were coming back from the LA Zoo and it was conveniently located on Westbound Victory Blvd. I highly recommend Mambo's Cafe for some delicious Cuban food... The chicken is perfectly cooked and the rice/beans/plantains are all tasty and filling. read more

My hideaway lunch place back when I worked at the Mouse. Loved the garlic chicken, the breaded cutlet, great lechon sandwiches, the veggie dishes and the salads. The owners are awesome--they treat you like family! read more

I used to be a frequent customer of Mambos when I lived in LA. The food is delicious. Don't expect anything fancy, it's like the homemade food I used to have in Brazil but with Cuban flavors. Soon the servers, cooks and management started treating me as an old time friend. Then I started having a weekly DJ night there playing Cuban Music, Soul, Jazz and Bossa Nova. Men... I miss Mambos... I totally recommend anything on the menu and it will come with the already mentioned delicious bread and salsa. read more

I took my g'ma and mother to try some good old cuban food, since we're mexican and rarely try outside our dishes. They loved this place given the portion and the amount of money we spent. We ordered the following: 1. Combo Platter 12.95 2. Chicken plate 9.95 3. Rost Pork 9.95 4. Especial (beef with green beans and yellow rice) 10.95 5. Last but not least, 3 liquiados de "Mamey" (delicious!!!) 3.95 ea. Total cost of $60.00 with plenty of food for the next day or so. This cuban spot was good and traditional, it wasn't excellent, but it was decent enough to stroll by if you are in Glendale with cuban appetite. The staff was curteous and very friendly, I would totally come back to this place again. read more

My review is really banking on the El Pedro, since it's just THAT good and I can't seem to get myself to try anything else! The chicken is prepared perfectly, never over cooked. And, their white rice is crazy good. I mean, who says that about white rice, ever, really? Black beans are flavorful; never overpowered by salt or spices. Avocado always ripe and pico de gayo fresh. Then, to tie it all together- you have salsa! I pour that stuff on everything, don't even get me started with it over the rice...mhmmmm. My only complaint is I feel the prices are a little bit high, however, what can I say? I'm hooked. read more

This is a hidden gem. Food is delicious, service is super good and the food amazing!! We enter to avoid traffic back to our hotel... best decision!!! read more

I can't believe I've lived in the area & never given this place a chance. My friends love it here though & invited me along tonight. My first impression upon walking in the door was very good. I liked the ambiance & vibe... sorta dark & very cozy. The service staff is very warm & told us we could sit anywhere. I ordered the breaded chicken that comes with rice, black beans and maduras (delicious plantains!) While we waited for our meals, they gave us some amazing hot bread & salsa. I could have honestly eaten the entire basket myself! My husband got a empandilla appetizer & gave me a bite. It was so good I wished I'd just ordered 5 of them for my "meal" :) The food arrived quickly & was cooked to perfection. I like that the black beans come on the side, so you can choose whether you want to mix them into your rice or not. I recommend mixing them in for those of you who think the rice is too "plain" tasting. I think you'll enjoy it! I don't particularly care... I just love to eat them period & I think the rice is far from plain. The prices are great for the amount of food that you get... and the service is friendly. I'll definitely go back soon, especially because I want to try a mojito! :) read more

tried this place for the first time tonight - went in a little apprehensive since I have never really enjoyed Cuban food. Walked out wanting more! The mambo chicken was incredible! the rice was great, and so were the fried bananas. My husband had the grilled chicken salad with the mambo chicken sauce instead of regular dressing. it was good but not as good as my dish. Most definitely recommend this place for the food. atmosphere was great, very cute place. read more

I LOVE MAMBOS!!! My family and I have been coming to Mambos for years now. Not only is the food fantastic, but the entire staff is amazing as well. I always get the breaded steak with rice and beans. I'm not a huge fan of beans in general but when I come here I will most definitely get them cause they are super delicious. They also start you off with some fresh bread and a red sauce that is delicious on everything! If you're with a few people, you have to try the appetizer sampler! You get a little bit of everything and everything is amazing. Sangaria, have to say its the best I ever had! Tuesdays and Thursdays they have live music so make sure you make a reservation for that evening cause otherwise you will not get a seat. Every band we have seen there is wonderful. Last but not least, the flan. You will not have flan like this any where else in the entire world I can promise you that. Its made fresh daily by Ralphs Mom! Ralph is the owner of the spot and yes his mom does make the worlds best flan! So if you're looking for great food at a great price with fantastic service, give Mambos a try! read more

So, I placed a pickup order today and it was 2 plates and one sandwich. I guess when I called the lady that answered didn't hear me and didn't mark the sandwich cause when I opened up my food I saw no sandwich. I called and she verified that the sandwich was not charged so I said thats ok, I was annoyed but I've worked in food and with all going on right now I don't aanna give anyone a hard time. Anyway, maybe a couple minutes later I get a call from Raul(I think, sorry if I'm wrong) the manager I believe and he told me he was made aware of what happened and even though I told him it wasn't their fault he STILL offered me the sandwich for FREE! I was so excited because I already LOVE Mambo's but for them to go to that extent just really made my whole day! Its the little things! Thanks Mambo's you're doing great!! read more

My best friend is Cuban and this is the best hangout place that we go all the time. Sandwich by day and then dinner plates by night are the best choice. Everything on the menu are fresh and tasty. But then u gotta go at nite when the Jazz, Bossanova and the bands are playing. Everyone strangers from the next tables turns into friends and buddies, all because of the music, we will squeeze tables, letting the musicians setup the equipment, letting others unknown strangers sitting close to us, clapping and swinging to the music. I think thats the power of Music -- the universal language. Really a fun nite with good food, good music and great crowd. read more

Saw it on Triple D and drove out from south OC Ok so it was a little busy when we went but we were there at 12 noon mid work week. So the food took a little while but totally worth it. All i gotta say is "shrimp tostones"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! twice fried plantain (shaped like a little bowl) with shrimp ceviche. So amazing.... We also had the cuban sandwich, which was good and the ropa vieja. Just good and wholesome cuban food. Met the son and told him we saw the place on Triple D and he was very nice. The food is great here and I would go 3 times a week if I could. It's just too bad there isn't an authentic place like this in south OC... :( read more

In the words of LD, "pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good." White rice like my mama makes it- Yummy! read more

Hubs and I tried Mambos for the first time the other night. I used to live in the neighborhood, and remember when the building used to be an auto shop! We walked there, so can't speak for parking. When we arrived, at 6:00pm on a Saturday night, there were spaces available. It did get busier as the evening wore on. I suppose the answer is to go to small, popular places at off-peak times, that is, if you would like to relax, get a good parking spot, and not have to hassle with crowds of other folks. But hey, that's just me. We opted to sit outside on the patio, which leads to my only real complaint; although the table had been bused, the floor beneath was littered with napkins, fries, and other food remnants. I requested that they sweep it up for us, and they quickly obliged. I am hoping this would serve as a teachable moment for the hostess, who was pretty but somewhat brain-dead. Actually, we had three different servers that evening. the one we saw the most of, who brought out our entrees, was attentive and very nice. Also on the patio were two hyperactive little boys, attended by three women who were clearly expert at tuning them out. This is not the fault of the restaurant by any means. I mention this only to remind the breeders of the world to kindly civilize your offspring before taking them anywhere classier than your basic fast food joint. I do wish the menu was a little less mysterious. It assumes that you are already familiar with Cuban Food. Yes, I've been to Portos, and know the Cuban sandwich, medianoche, and croquettes, but I still don't know what tostones are, and I'm a little afraid to ask. Sounds like a part of the male anatomy. Ok I'm joking (slightly), but if the menu can translate "papa relleno" into "potato ball" then surely they could translate some of the other items. Hubs had his usual beer, while I tried the red sangria. Loaded with fruit, it was refreshing and a perfect accompaniment to my meal.. The complimentary bread was fresh and yummy, although I think a garlic/pesto type of dip would be a better match than the salsa. This isn't to suggest the salsa isn't good, its just outshined by that terrific bread. The potato balls are HUGE! Rustic and "home-made" in comparison to what you get at Portos. The salsa came in handy, as no other condiments were offered. Hubs and I each had our own giant potato ball, not knowing what to expect. Next time, we'll split one, and get another appetizer to share as well. Hubs ordered the roast pork. He loved it. People complain about it being "dry". I too found it dry, but according to the Guy Fieri video, it's "twice-cooked". Therefore, it's dry on purpose, which makes it okay. I had the Mambos chicken, which was GREAT! I honestly cannot say enough good things about this dish. The chicken was moist, and full of flavor, and the presentation was delightful. I'm not sure what the sauce is or what it's supposed to be, but it is absolutely delicious. When I told the waitress how much we liked the food, she offered us some more of that wonderful,sauce. We were too full to try dessert, so I can't comment on the flan. Next time. The women's bathroom was clean, but the giant potted plant blocks the mirror. It's a terrific potted plant, but maybe a hanging plant would make more sense feng-shui-wise? The prices are very reasonable. The portion sizes aren't huge , but $9.95 for the quantity and quality of what you get is spot-on. They don't rip you off on the drinks, either. Nice. Mambos isn't Versailles, or even Portos, but it's a solid neighborhood place with some very tasty food. We will definitely be going back. read more

If you go during lunch you can plan on it being super packed with no parking. Go after 1:30 and you'll be in better shape. Their beans and rice are simply delicious and I crave them all the time. I love the plantains and cuban sandwich here. Can't go wrong with any of the appetizers either (My favorite is the ceviche-like one, but can't remember the name at the moment). read more

Absolutely delicious--Mambo's is a regular for my work's lunchbreak outings. It's not a huge place but they still are able to easily accommodate our group which is usually around 5-7 people. I adore the combo platter and media noche. My veg friends are always stoked on the relatively extensive vegetarian menu! Take it from me, it's really good even if you're not a vegetarian! read more

One of my favorite places to take people to lunch! The service is great and very friendly. The value is great for the amount of food you get, and the food is far superior to most places around town. Tried the fried yucca - it's great! I have introduced at least 7 people to this place and it is a consistent winner. The last person I took there noticed they sell some sort of Chinese vodka drink and she was impressed. read more

Dont go here for the food!! Food was not fabulous or even great. The bread for the sandwiches was just general and nothing special. The steak, grilled chicken and cuban sandwiches were bare and had nothing in them. Good flavor of the steak meat, but there was barely any in the sandwich. The chicken was as plain as you can get - no seasoning. I did not try the cuban sandwich but was told it was nothing special. The sangria was nothing spectacular but good. The breaded chicken looked delicious but again had no flavor. The Empanadilla and Papa Rellena was good - but can you really mess that up? Maduros had no flavor. The place was pretty cool and the staff was nice. But I was not impressed and do not plan on going back. read more

Oh my Cuban Goodness!! This place is Delish!! Roast pork with soft plantains(maduros) And you MUST try the flan with coconut!! The service was pleasant and Quick! Food is Fresh which is Always high marks!! I must make the hubby bring me back soon read more

We almost didn't come by again because an acquaintance left a bad review. However we have never had an issue. The food is always amazing and the service is perfect. A young man was our waiter and he was super attentive, and friendly. We will definitely be back because we've always had a great experience here. read more

I love, love Mambo's. The food is also consistently good and very flavorful. I love to go on Thursdays to get their shrimp fried rice special when I can. The staff is kind of slow and not as attentive as I prefer but honestly, the place is small and you can get someone to help you. read more

Came here yesterday after visiting the LA Zoo and I was delightfully surprised. Only thing holding me back from giving this place 5 stars is the service. The waitress had a "whatever" attitude and wasn't very friendly, but the food was delicious! So glad I went here on a Thursday because they have a special that consists of shrimp fried rice, platanos (fried plantain) and perfectly cooked pork. I'm not even a huge fan of pork, but wow! This plate only cost $8.95 which was a plus. Overall, I'd recommend this place to anyone interested in having great cuban food. Just don't expect to be greeted when walking in or have friendly service, besides that it's great. read more

This place has vegetarian options is not much but it tastes amazing. The flavor and seasoning taste like home and most importantly the rice consistency is excellent. Yes, I'm a rice snob. :-) I highly recommend this place. read more

I ate there last night....the food is good, Sangria is fantastic, the service was okay.....be aware that they close early (9pm). I would have given them a better review except that at exactly 9:30p, the waiter came up to my friend and I and told us we had to leave as they were closed....I have worked at restaurants and one of the traditions of a restaurant is that you NEVER ask a customer to leave EVER. We hadn't even finished our Sangria...left a bad taste in our mouth for this place....sorry, not coming back. read more

Love this place. You can eat inside or outside in the parking lot so don't go on a hot day. I had the beef peccadillo today and it was awesome. Also the Fernando salad, a great tomato and avocado delight. At lunch you can eavesdrop on the Disney IT teams who eat there and complain about their bosses and stuff. Mig, Not an IT guy read more