Forget the cigars, this fantastic Cuban food is all you need. A friend of mine who's of Cuban descent introduced me to this place, and it's fantastic. Lots of traditional foods like croquetas and "Vieja Ropa" - a layer of sweet plantains, then a layer of rice, with spicy shredded beef on top - as well as more exotic fare like filet of sole with mashed banana on top.
The ambience is great, a long wooden bar, sturdy wooden chairs and beautiful tile-work on the walls. There's also live music on the weekends, which can get a little loud in terms of conversation, but seeing the musicians in traditional ruffled shirts is worth it.
Prices are about $8-12 for appetizers and $20-26 for entrees, but you get enough food for literally four meals (no kidding, a stapping dining companion of mine ate his fill and there was still enough for my lunch the next day. You can easily share an entree, or stock your fridge for several days, so it's a great dining out treat when you still need to get your money's worth.
Then there's the drink menu - the strawberry-mango mojito packed a punch even when consumed with dinner, desert (oooh, don't get me started on the Tres Leches Cake...) and coffee.
GO HERE. The don't take reservations during peak hours on the weekend, but they were able to seat my party of three within 1/2 an hour when we walked in.
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