THIS REVIEW IS FOR "THE CUBAN PLACE" in ORANGE PARK!
First, I grew up in a Cuban household, not an expert but I know mom's cooking.
2015, "The Cuban Place (TCP)" in Mandarin (Jacksonville) opened. When we finally visited, although the food was a bit on the $$$$$ side, it was tasty, and the service and atmosphere were pleasant at that time. However, due to TCP's higher prices, we didn't return after a while, especially as more Cuban places began to open in the area.
Fast forward to 2026, I heard rumor TCP was opening in Orange Park, prompting us to visit. Upon entering, it was quiet , a Cuban establishment quiet and no music? With only two tables occupied: a family and an older woman with her grown son. Our waitress, in no hurry - mid-stride relays something about drinks and/or appetizers. I asked about the items on the menu, (RED FLAG) first attitude the question was simple and she replies with a condescending remark.I let it go. I asked another question and she pulls a earpiece out of her ear, as it she couldn't hear, with nearly an agitated expression. (RED FLAG) My wife kicked me under the table. I let it slide.
It's Friday night, no one is in this place and this ... woman, is coppin an attitude. Order placed but at this point, I'm Ready to GO. (RED FLAG) We were facing the elderly woman / son & as nonchalantly as possible, the same server walks over and asked about the man's meal. This guy completely let's it rip, (RED FLAG) the rice is hard, food has no flavor, the meat is hard to cut (like rubber) - didn't make a huge scene but it was obvious he's not happy! (RED FLAG) The waitress now fully engaged attempts to correct the issue but the guy refuses... says "forget it"! He walks out leaves mom to finish her meal and returns. At this point, I'm tellin my wife we should leave. "Give it a chance", she says. Meanwhile, the 3 staff members now all engaged and talking about the incident - as if shocked. (did I mention I speak Spanish). (RED FLAG)
Anyway, food comes out - The Midnight sandwich (basically a Cuban sandwich on egg bread), although a bit greasy, a sandwich is a sandwich. It was when she placed mine on the table is when my eyebrows have never dropped and squeezed together so tightly. What the HELL? On my plate was a completely flattened piece of what looked like processed chicken. I had never seen this before! Seriously, it looked like someone ran over a piece of chicken and put it on the plate - and the taste? I could almost taste the rubber. The 4 little pieces of lettuce that quivered under a tomato slice, the plantains were OK and yuca was decent. Needless to say, the elderly woman's son was ON POINT!
The experience didn't end well. Way too RED FLAGS!!!
I'm not sure how much Cuban food experience those commenting or providing YELP reviews related "The Cuban Place" in Orange PARK have to provide such great reviews... but I'll seriously be surprised if TCP Orange Park makes it thru 2026...
PREDICTION: this place will NOT last in Orange Park very long!
THE FOOD, THE SERVICE, THE EXPERIENCE, WAS NOT GOOD! read more