Love places that have paradise iced tea. Their media noche is better than Porto's.

I frequent that area often ( I have barbeque at pico's bills also on Victory). I see that place on the corner but was always confused about what type of business it was. It looks like an automotive business but don't be fooled it is Mambos cuban cafe. Firstly, we had lunch on a Wednesday and it was busy. I had to find street parking. It's a cute little place and was pleased with the service. My husband ordered a Chimay and I had a red wine sangria. The sangria was refreshing and sweet. We finally decided on our order. Starting with the tostones camarones ( fried plantain cups with shrimp ceviche) our entrees were, the lunch special on Wed. Arroz con Pollo,my husband ordered the steak with black beans, rice and maduros and my daughter had the roasted pork entree. The Arroz con Pollo was delicious, spiced and cooked perfectly. The steak dish was good but my arroz con pollo was better. The pork was a bit dry. I think the additional cooking of the roasted pork on flat top, dries it out. My daughter added grilled onions and extra mojo. My husband and I are culinary professionals, classically trained. We both would go again. I definitely would have the arroz con pollo again but thats only on Wednesdays. I totally recommend Mambo's Cafe. So far best local Cuban spot I've found. read more

Simple and delicious Cuban food. Staff is friendly and prices are reasonable. You will not go wrong with anything you order here.

I wish I lived closer so I could eat here more often. Love it!

A friend of ours swears by this place, so we went with some friends. Maybe my expectations were too high, maybe I ordered the wrong thing. The food was good, but not great. If I were to return, it would be on a night when they had music, that sounds pretty amazing, and if I do, I bet my review will get boosted. read more

Went to Mambo's after seeing them on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives..... ordered the Cuban sandwich and it was not even near what was served on the DDD episode, maybe 1" thick, total, while on DDD it was 3 - 4" thick; fries were warm at best and had to ask for water twice before being served. I drove 62 miles there and the product was not worth the gas. read more

Amazing!! I went about a month after of watching it on the diners drive ins and dives show . I checked it out and ordered the ropa vieja, sangria, and the Pedro with chicken .. It's very good Cuban food!! read more

First time I saw this restaurant, I looked at it funny because unlike most buildings; this one build side-ways. I don't know why, but I find that... unique. So of course I thought inside was going to be wild and fun. Well, wild a definitely a way to putting it.. but not as in atmosphere and decor, but just the crowd. I went during the lunch hours, and from what I was told by my friend, this place gets jammed pack. Tables are back to back, and to make it all worse, the restaurant isn't very big. Once you walk in, to your left, you'll see a bar, kitchen and cashier. Then, in the middle to the right, you'll just see tables after tables after tables. On the walls, I didn't really pay much attention, but I do remember a bunch of pictures from years ago, and a lot of red in this place. I mean gee'z, couple of times, I thought I was in a coke-cola building or something. And how was the food? Well, this was my first time I've ever had Cuban food. So I had absolutely no idea what to order. I let my friend do that. And he order me this chicken cutlet thingy that comes with rice and black beans. And these cooked banana's, that I've been Cuban food's known for. Unfortunately I didn't take to much of a liking to them. So I gave them to my friend. But as for the other stuff, well, it was beyond my expectations. I was actually expecting to not really enjoy the food. To me, the rice look lumpy the beans look like I was going to be spending the day farting my ass off...and the chicken was screaming at me to run 10 miles before I take a bite. But after my first bite, well, all that went away. Don't get me wrong, the food doesn't look fatty, greasy or horrible. It actually came very presentable. And the food itself was very delicious. This completely blew me away. After this experience, I would go for Cuban food anytime now. Now, as for the service, well, no one's mean here, it's just, you rarely see the waiter. If memory serves me right, I think I only saw the waiter 3 times. Once to take my drink, then order, then get check. read more

Loved this place! My Puerto Rican Family loved the atmosphere, and the Cuban good was delicious Great Lechón and Ropa Vieja. Definitely would recommend read more

I don't know which to believe, my first experience here, or the experience I had last night, which was the total opposite of my first review. Te food last night was not nearly as good as I had last time. I got the special, tri tip, which was very dry and tough. It was covered in a mushroom gravy. The sauce was pretty good, as was the rice, and green bean salad that came with it. We also ordered the Mambo's combo appetizer. Neither my sister, I, or my 2 kids really liked anything on that platter. All were fried and just not flavorful. The sauce that came with it must have been straight pureed garlic and water. I LOVE garlic, but I don't know anyone that would like that. It burned the tongue and throat as went down. The service was also very disappointing, in comparison to the wonderful service we received on our last visit. I will try Mambo's again in the future, and I hope I can give them some of their stars back. read more

We headed in on a Saturday night and had no problems with seating or service at 7:30pm. There was plenty of parking, and seating! Our service was fantastic! Everyone talks about the sauce that comes with the bread for a reason-you have to try it! I am another fan that would love to buy the sauce by the bottle to bring home but alas, not possible. The bread that came with the sauce wasn't overly enticing but it was good enough. I would suggest you do try the Mambo appetizer platter. It gave me the widest variety of Cuban dishes that i hadn't tried before. For chorizo fans there is a large helping of chorizo on the platter. I loved the croquetas and the papas rellenas. Both were very tasty and cooked just right. The empanadillas had juicy fillings and a flaky crust. The tostones were actually better than expected (it's my own personal hang up with plantains) not too greasy, not coated in anything gross. I topped them with some Tapatio and they were pretty tasty. My friend and I should have shared an entree since the appetizer was so large! My friend had the Picadillo special and he enjoyed it. It was flavorful and moist. I ordered the roast pork. I love pork and wish more places would serve it. Like other reviews it was slightly dry in places but overall it had a delicious crisp on the outside and was juicy and delicious on the inside. It comes topped with grilled onions which was a bonus for me but beware if you don't like onions! We both thought the rice and beans were well done. The rice had a perfect consistency and was well flavored while the beans were cooked perfectly! I was too stuffed for dessert but the options are rice pudding or flan. Pros-everything above! I thought the prices were reasonable especially for the amount of food on the plate! They have all of their prices posted on their website. Con-outdoor, unlocked bathrooms. I know, converted gas station but I wasn't very excited about that before the hour+ drive home. I wish there were more vegetable side dish options. I can see how parking would be a problem on a busy day. I look forward to my next trip to Glendale so that I can hit this place up again. It's close to the LA Zoo and Griffith Park if you're trying to merge excursions. read more

Not quite sure why Mambo's only has 3 1/2 stars but we LOVED it!! My son had the breaded chicken with rice, black beans & plantains! I had Mambo's Caribbean salad with the roasted pork (I know who has salad at Mambo's) and it was fantastic!! Fantastic friendly service and we will be back again!! read more

Really good food, absolutely great live music, but the service here is just terrible! It is atrociously SLOW!

this place was introduced to me by a colleague @ work, and i couldn't have been more excited to learn about mambo's proximity to my office! yummy cuban food? too good to be true!! we arrived a little earlier (11:45) to beat the lunch crowd and i highly recommend that. i ordered the pork which is a standby at any cuban restaurant worth my while. well... the portions are aplenty. BUT, the pork was DRY. that is a major party foul... the edges were crusty, the meat was tough, and honestly, nothing about this meal was memorable other than the disappointment. so that said. they get 3 stars. would have given them 2 if it weren't for the quick service (i had no yelling or anything crazy like that w/the service), but i won't be visiting anytime soon.... alas, it really was too good to be true :( read more

I was watching an episode of "I Love Lucy" and Lucy said, "I'll never understand your crazy Cuban dishes" to Ricky. That was it, I wanted Porto's now. Well, Porto's closes early on Sundays, and this was lucky for me. I quickly jumped on Yelp and found a few and decided on Mambo's and we went. I was very pleased and disappointed with myself for always going to Porto's and not checking out the little Cuban places in the area. We had a wonderful, relaxing early Sunday dinner. Our waiter was a wonderful guy. We did stick to the medianoche and the sampler appetizer platter, but mostly because I was craving those items I knew best. But I would like to come back and try an entree. I don't know Cuban food that well, I'm sure this may not be the most authentic or fanciest, but its good and tasty and satisfying. Maybe if they had a little more of a wine selection, but that's just me.. Also the air conditioning was on very high and I think our food got cold quicker because of that, I'm not the fastest eater, so that was a challenge. read more

Is there a way to give this place zero stars? I absolutely hated my food. I got the pan con bistec sandwich and it has got to be the worst sandwich that I have ever had. And it was $10.25! Ouh! My food, and all of my other 3 friends' food was incredibly bland. No flavor at all. I was highly disappointed. :( read more

Went here for the first time for lunch. I have been to many Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives spots and enjoyed all of them. The Yelp reviews had me skeptical but we went for lunch. Parking is tough but I didnt mind that because it meant they were busy. Food was excellent. The roast park had a strong garlic flavor that stayed with me (and those around me) for quite a while. Cuban Sandwich was also a real winner. Service was good but definitely not fast. Lunch for 2 was $25. For whatever reason the ice tea was really good as well. Looking forward to coming back. read more

Flantastico!!! The best FLAN in the planet... bar none!!! Home of the Los Angeles area's best roast pork, fried plantains and MOJO!!! More MOJO, please... And the staff? The friendliest people you could ask for. Stop reading and get over there... NOW!!! read more

this place is pretty good. But you cant go during regular eating hours or this place is a nightmare. limited parking and crowded. if you go at lunch then have lunch at 11 am. if not you wont get a seat. But if you go later at night after dinner its very nice. Food is good. And they have a few good beers. They do have an awesome Soy dish I have to say. My wife swears by it and I have tried it. It keeps us going back. read more

I always stop here to eat when ever I am in this area. I haven't ordered everything on the menu, so I can't vouch for everything. So far everything I have had has been very good and authentic. The service is very good. read more

amazing cuban food, feel like im in miami again but in cali....feels like my bros fam food yummie if u havent gone go...

Shrimp Tostones are the best. Media noche, shakes, and the breaded steak are also really good. Nice little gas station turned restaurant. Been here a few times and definitely will return. read more

Great food.....Great Music....Great Service...Thank You Ralphie...this is one of our favorite date night spots!

Food is amazing, the service is also amazing! I love having lunch here they always have the most delicious foods, my favorite is the potato ball. I cant wait to go back! read more

I've never eaten anything that didn't satisfy. The food is always fresh, hot and flavorful. The staff is always friendly, welcoming and full of humor. It feels like coming home every time I visit. This is one of my favorite restaurants. read more

I love coming here here my favorite dish is this grilled chicken. I love how thin cut it and juicy it is! Full of flavor, you have to try it! And the lemonade is delicious! read more

Tried the restaurant again. Never more! I went at night time and saw a mouse run behind the counter. Yuk! Who do I call? Yuk!

Authentic Cuban food at reasonable prices, with a friendly staff and homey atmosphere. The menu also includes several vegetarian dishes, so as not to leave anyone out. One of the few places in town where one can get a real Sandwich Cubano. Highly recommended. read more

Mambo's Cafe was great! They are located in a small area in Glendale. I went today at around 5 p.m. We ordered the tostones as an appetizer, which are fried plantain cups filled with red onions,onions,tomatoes, and shrimps! It also comes with a side of lemon. It was pretty good (if you like onions and tomatoes). They begin ask by giving you nice warm bread with a side of salsa which was also very good! For my entree I ordered the grilled chicken which came with steamed rice, black beans and maduros (sweet plantain). They were very good! The best plantain I've had-not too dry or overcooked at all. Very sweet and lightly fried. yummy! Over all the chicken tasted very healthy and home made-not too salty at all. Healthy food and a nice size portion. read more

A little disappointed after it was featured on the food network. But it is ok been there many times!

This place was awful. The food was horrible . First the appetizer sampler was deep fried with no flavor at all. I ordered the chicken that many people on yelp liked and I just couldn't eat it. It felt like the cook just had a crock pot with the chicken sitting there all day. My husband and I couldn't wait to get out of there. We would have been better off going to get something at the freezer aisle at the supermarket. The menu selection was very limited. I do not recommend eating here. Maybe the music performances are better. read more

Love the idea of this place. Cool style + Great live music!! Unfortunately it is WAY!!!! too loud in there which is why many musicians won't go. The food has gotten worse and more expensive at the same time. Do go on nights with unamplified acoustic music and if you're planning on drinking away your $15 minimum consumption. read more

I work at a studio where I have to do big pickup orders of 10 or more orders every day, and this place is my new favorite!!! Not only was the food beloved by my whole office, but they're one of the most helpful places in the area for picking up a large order. They're so friendly and immediately put me in a great mood - my whole office will be ordering from them many more times in the future! read more

Love, love, LOVE Mambos! Love the hot bread and salsa they serve as soon as you sit down. Love all the food. Never ever had a bad meal at Mambos. Love the Caribbean Salad, Mambos Chicken, the pork, the daily specials. The plantains are THE BEST. Love the staff. Ralph is the bomb. And besides the great food, often a lot of hot eye candy there as well. read more

Mambo's is a great little hole in the wall cuban place with a good vibe, and great food. We had the spicy chicken (not very spicy, but extremly good) and the pork. Everything about the meal was great, the food was all perfectly prepared, and tasted great. This place definatly earned a return visit from me. read more

Great food, cute, teeny, tiny place. Did more takeout from there, but did eat in once. It's fairly authentic, the sandwiches are amazing. I'd dare to say that I liked the food more than Portos, but can't tell if the lack of long lines has biased me in their favor. Well, they don't have a bakery, so no comparison anyhow. They have a full bar and good drinks as well. read more

Came here after watching diners drive ins and dives... the food was decent. But i'm VERY picky about my congri... and I know what good congri is supposed to taste like. The congri here is not good, it tastes like it's made with uncle bens rice :( read more

Loved the food and the atmosphere! Stopped in with friends during a girls day out. I got the Mambo Chicken and LOVED it. Am craving the beans and rice even now. The service was excellent and the music contributed to an upbeat experience. read more

Awesome Cuban food! Lucky to have this little place in the neighborhood!

I've been wanting to try Mambo's since seeing it on DDD. Totally worth the wait. We tried all of the items featured and they were all very good. We will be back for sure. The tostones rellenos with shrimp were my favorite tho. Only complaint was trying to keep everything on them, the cups need to be bigger! Pork plate was excellent, my husband liked the Cuban sandwich, the maduras were to die for. Service was good although we were there between lunch and regular dinner time, so they weren't busy. I can see where it might slow down when busy. All in all, a very good meal. read more