I've never visited Cuba and I'm pretty sure it's not exactly like Calle Ocho but this Upper West Side restaurant/bar sure does do a good job of making you feel like you're in that imaginary dreamy Cuba that lives in every open-minded American's subconscious. They've done everything, including temperature control, to make this place look and feel tropical.
The food was great. What I especially liked was that they offered something outside of just the Americanized Cuban meals (you know the joints that say Cuban and it basically means Cuban sandwiches). The desserts nearly stole the show. They really did go island style with exotic fruit flavors and other Caribbean specialties. What definitely stole the show were the cocktails. While not exactly Cuban (they made me a mean caipirinha) the drinks we all perfectly tropical and sweet without lowering themselves to that frozen daiquiri slushie nonsense.
Overall an A+ for Calle Ocho.
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