Victor's Cafe

Claim
marker

236 W 52nd St
New York, NY 10019

marker
(212) 586-7714
Incorrect info? Correct your listing
Main categories:

Cuban Restaurants

Reviews
( 29 )
( 20 )
( 5 )
( 11 )
( 5 )

Best

Victor's never dissappoints. As a matter or fact, it has been the go to spot at the office for a couple of years. Excellent food, service, and atmosphere. I practically know the m...

Worst

Reservations were made for a group of 10 people on the same day @ 7pm, the tables were ready @ 8pm. So what is the use of making reservations? Their excuse was that since the rese...

This place is the best to satisfy your craving... 12/26/2007

julicious321 Provided by Partner
This place is the best to satisfy your craving for authentic cuban food! The servers are really friendly and attentive. The food is really good--po... more
Reply | Report abuse |

nice atmosphere, ok food 10/19/2007

I dined here after watching a Broadway show. Food was just ok. Actually, it was wasting of money compared to the value of food. My boy friend had a beef dish.He kept mentioning that we could get better beef dish from Chipotle. Also, a cup of Sprite was $5. Pros: atmoshere Cons: value and too many birthday dinners more
Reply | Report abuse |

OMG, Sooooooo Yummy! 9/14/2007

I have been to this restaurant a couple of times, and I must say every experience has been a truly great one. The food is phenomenal (I am especially fond of the ropa viejo) and the sangria is probably the best I've ever had. In addition to the wonderful food, the waitstaff is extremely courteous and shows the perfect amount of attentiveness, and the decor is lovely. Overall, the atmosphere is very warm and inviting. There is a bit of an intimate vibe- perfect for a date or even dinner with friends. I really love this place and will definitely return. I highly recommend checking it out. Pros: Delicious food, great ambiance, amazing sangria, wonderful service more
Reply | Report abuse |

Outstanding Cuban Cuisine!! 5/8/2007

I have been to Victor's twice, and enjoyed fantastic food and cocktails both times. The mojitos in particular are delicious---be sure to try the Coconut Mojito, which will transport you to a sun-drenched tropical island with just one sip. The food, whether it's the Red Snapper, Vaca Frita, or one of the various types of plantain dishes, is excellently prepared and divided on the menu into traditional and more modern types of fare. The decor is lovely, giving the restaurant a tropical yet sophisticated feel that is enjoyable for both romantic dining or meeting a group of coworkers. The only drawback is that the restaurant can be quite busy, so make sure to call ahead for reservations so you won't have to wait for a table. Pros: Ambience, drinks, food, service, good for groups or couples Cons: Busy--call ahead for reservations more
Reply | Report abuse |

EXCELLENT CUBAN FOOD.....TERRIFIC SERVICE 5/4/2007

We have been coming to Victor's Cafe for many years and we have to say this is definitely the best Cuban restaurant in Manhattan. We are Cuban so being able to enjoy truly authentic, high quality Cuban food is always a pleasure. The ambiance has a wonderful Caribbean feel with Cuban art on the walls and bamboo ceiling fans. The food is exceptional--""croquetas"" (ham croquettes), ""ropa vieja"" (braised shredded skirt steak), ""vaca frita"" (pan-fried shredded skirt steak) and ""pargo en camisa"" (snapper encrusted in crunchy green plantains) are a must. So are their mojitos (a little bit strong) and the sangria (best in NY). The service is warm and attentive but can be a little off during pre-theater hours. Victor's granddaughter took over a few years ago and now the place is even more detail-oriented in food and service. Overall we highly recommend Victor's. Pros: Exceptional authentic Cuban food, attentive service, great sangria and mojitos Cons: Service is a little slow during pre-theater hours more
Reply | Report abuse |

Best Cuban Food in Manhattan 4/30/2007

I have been to this restaurant many times and recommend it to all of my friends/family visiting from out of town. The atmosphere is inviting and the staff is A+. The food is delicious. You have to try the Vaca Frita w/ a side of Ajo! To start the night off right, try the croquettes with a mojito. And, Victors has the BEST Champagne and Red Wine Sangria....Try to get there early before the Broadway show rush. Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Service more
Reply | Report abuse |

Horrible Latin Restaurant 4/23/2007

I can't say enough negative things about this restaurant. The service was mediocre at best, the food was overpriced and tasted badly. They charged more than $6 dollars for six tostones, that tasted horrible. The only thing this restaurant has going is location. They are located in a highly traffic area and market themselves as a latin restaurant that serves up excellent Cuban food. You want good latin food, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, etc. walk up to ninth avenue - that is where the REAL latin food is. Sure, the restaurants are not as good looking as this one, but you'll eat great for a lot less. Pros: Location Cons: Everything Else more
Reply | Report abuse |

This is cuban food 4/14/2007

Coming from a cuban family I can assure you that this cuban food is awesome and delicious. I've only eaten there once but I'd eat there over and over again if it was a bit cheaper. Prices are on the higher side but worth it if you can dish it out. I had the fried ropa vieja...man! that was the best ropa vieja I ever had. Go. Enjoy. Pros: delicious Cons: pricey more
Reply | Report abuse |

Great Food 3/15/2007

This was my first experience with Cuban food. This being my first time in NY I wanted the experience of new meals and the ""NY Restaruant"" expereince. I was not dissapointed at Victors. The staf was sensational and very informative. The mojitos were the best I have ever had and the food exceeded my expectations. I am planning return trip to NY and Victors is on the list . I will recomend this establishment to anyone who will listen. Pros: Great atmosphere, food & drink Cons: had to wait even with a reservation more
Reply | Report abuse |

Excellent food, fun atmosphere, great time 2/3/2007

If it's a Latin Restaurant, count me in. I love it all--my fiance is Latin so he can usually tell me if I like an ""Americanized version"" of the real thing or if it's truly authentic (BTW, I tend to only like the latter). Don't let the location fool you, Victors isn't a tourist trap-it's a great restaurant with excellent food, a great prix-fix option and a friendly staff. The Empanada's were the best I have had anywhere and the Ropa Vieja was good, although they served it with white rice (usually yellow, which is better). The sangria was wonderful and the menu had a really great selection sure to please even the pickiest eaters. It's expensive for sure but worth the splurge at least once. Pros: Good time, good vibe, great food Cons: Expensive more
Reply | Report abuse |

In Midtown & Want Cuban? Try this place 12/22/2006

If you want Cuban in the midtown area you can try this place. It's a theatre-district crowd and their prices are probably a bit more than other Cuban places in other areas (West Village, downtown) but the food is good. Ropa Vieja is always good (just ok portion) and their Paella serving is large. Service is friendly. If you want a better value/trendy try the West Village. more
Reply | Report abuse |

Great Romantic place for a date 12/18/2006

Delicious food, great waitstaff, great atmosphere, would LOVE to go back, this is NYC dining at its best. Pros: Great Food, GREAT STAFF! Cons: Had a reservation and had to wait about 10 min to sit more
Reply | Report abuse |

Good Food, Great Cocktails....Mojito's and Sangria!! 11/19/2006

Nice lunch place. Good Price Fix menu. Pretty atmosphere. Pros: Good Food, Cocktails, nice wait staff more
Reply | Report abuse |

QUE RICO! 9/28/2006

This was my firts time at Victor's and food was so good that for sure I am coming back. Best black been soup and the rabo(my favorite)wow I have the time of mi life. I am a rabo lover, my mom used to cook the best one but Victor's was super, sorry Mom. more
Reply | Report abuse |

It was alright! 9/13/2006

To be honest there are not many cuban restaurants in Manhattan. The food was good but they are trying to take a simple culture of simple people and make it very upscale. I am a half cuban myself and growing up on homecooked meals we like to keep things delicious and simple. I think perhaps they are trying a little too hard. The other issue is they are charging way too much and not too a typical cuban tradition which is give you a ton of food. Us Cubans love to eat so its important to pile it on. Honestly if you want to eat good cuban food in a casual place and enjoy just a little of the culture just check out Sophia's Cuban Cuisine on Lexington. Its small and simple just like us! Cons: Too Pricey more
Reply | Report abuse |

Delightful taste of Cuba 9/13/2006

I enjoyed lunch at the yummy midtown eatery Victors Cafe, where my co-worker ordered the Smoked Ham Croquettes with Savory Sauce as an appetizer and the Shredded Churrasco with Mojo Sauce. I skipped the appy and ordered a delicious Sugarcane-glazed Salmon over Sauteed Spinach. Word to the wise: dont go, like we did, on a Wednesday afternoon and forget that its matinee day in the citythe sidewalks were majorly crowded! more
Reply | Report abuse |

Delicious Girls Night Out! 7/25/2006

This place was great! Took my friend out for her birthday and we loved it. I had a reservation and we were seated immediately. The music was fun and lively and the ambience was great. The appetizers we ordered were very small (plaintains stuffed with spiced meat and vegetables) but abs. delecious. The main course-- I got arroz con pollo, was tasty enough and the price was reasonable especially as they gave huge portions. The highlight was def. our mojitos. I got raspberry mojito and quite frankly it was one of the best mojitos I've ever had and probably one of the best mixed drinks I've ever had, period. All in all, really delighted and my friend had a great time. Pros: Great mojitos, entrees have large portions, fun and relaxing scene. Cons: Food a little bland, can be pricey, appetizers small. more
Reply | Report abuse |

Cubans Beware! 7/19/2006

As a Cuban-American, I had heard many raves from my (non-Cuban) friends about Victor's, I decided to check it out during Restuarant Week. Not only did they not have the full menu (only 2 of 3 apps) they also had run out of the Lechon (a signature dish) and the menu was misrepresented online (listing a shrimp dish) which was later removed! I was told there was no cocktail list although there is quite an extensive one online, perhaps that was a ploy to order the blah, overpriced Sangria pitcher. But wait! There's more...latin house music was blaring in the (freezing) dining room so much so that I had to yell at my date so he can hear me (very unromantic). Our waiter was friendly and apologetic, although I felt rushed, but I guess I didn't mind, it was not a restaurant I wanted to be in much longer, or ever again I dare say. Highly recommended to anyone who has no idea was Cuban food is like, and/or has a lot of time & money to spend on overpriced, mediocre restaurants. In short, if only the real deal was as glossy as the website. more
Reply | Report abuse |

tasting cultures 5/10/2006

it's not easy mixing traditional cuban food with style. i think this restaurant does a great job of presenting the cuban culture without typecasting it. although the food does not have as much garlic and spices as a native like myself would want, it is still a great choice for those in search of something different. the decor is wonderful, the music hits home, the service is great! more
Reply | Report abuse |

Top shelf mojitos and festive ambiance 5/9/2006

Get your mojo going and stop by for after work mojitos. Great place to start with friends before hitting the Village. Pros: Scene, Mojitos Cons: Crowded more
Reply | Report abuse |
< Previous 1 2 3 4 Next >
Menu for Victor's Cafe


Summer SALE!!!:
15% OFF all yearly plans
Use year15 at checkout. Expires 1/1/2021
Owner Message

  • Welcome to Victor's Cafe, a cherished family-owned and operated New York City landmark where the spirit of Cuba comes alive. At Victor's Cafe, we take pride in offering an unparalleled Cuban dining experience, bringing together the rich flavors of authentic cuisine, warm hospitality, and an inviting and stylish environment.

Editorial

  • The Scene
    Salsa music, swaying palms and a courteous, accommodating waitstaff are this stalwart's formula (it opened in 1963) for transporting customers to Batiste-era Cuba. It's a great...

  • 1/31/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon 04:30am-10:00pm, Tue 04:30am-10:00pm, Wed 04:30am-10:00pm, Thu 04:30am-10:00pm, Fri 04:30am-10:00pm, Sat 12:00pm-10:00pm, Sun 12:00pm-04:00pm
badge