Cuba Libre - DCA Return VisitI have been to Cuba Libre for a few lunch meetings in the past, so decided to have one there again recently. I was not disappointed with my decision. My teammate had the El Cubano sandwich based on my recommendation, and I decided to try the empanadas. The service was impeccable, and the presentation and quality of the food was excellent. We were so pleased, we decided to stay for coffee and desert (rice pudding), which were both delicious. I look forward to my next visit!6/11/2013 12:00:00 AMbest brunch in DC!Cuba Libre is my favorite Sunday brunch place in DC. I took my parents here and they said it was the best restaurant meal they'd had in their lives. The interior design of the place is really well done, and our waitress was friendly, although a few of the dishes we ordered never showed up (not a big deal when it's all-you-can-eat). Cuba Libre doesn't skimp on the alcohol on the brunch drinks. Their red and white sangrias are both mostly wine & aren't watered down or filled up with fruit. The mimosas were less potent but very tasty, especially the lychee mimosa. I recommend the crab cakes benedict, the mushroom platter, the El Cubanito sandwich, and the sweet doughy dessert whose name escapes me. Avoid the too-salty seafood chowder.6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGood atmosphereI feel I was at Cuba . They have many tropical menu.you can enjoy them.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful experienceWe found a gem on our visit to Washington DC. We love Cuban food and we were not disappointed. Great vibe, decor and food. Fantastic entrees and deserts. Mojitos are terrific.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMBrunch is a fiesta!I've been to Cuba Libre for lunch and dinner and found it to be enjoyable, but nothing extraordinary. However, when five of us went there for brunch last Sunday, the vibe was party-like. It was more than a meal - it was entertainment as well. We initially passed on the unlimited option and ordered a la carte. After receiving our food, we decided to order a little more. At that point, our server "ran the numbers" and told us that if we ordered $10 more in food, then our check would be the same cost as if we had gotten the unlimited option, and she offered to switch us over to unlimited. That's when the party really began. Our server surprised us with her personal favorites and we ordered up a storm. Brunch lasted over 2 hours!6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect lunch for my out-of-townPerfect lunch for my out-of-town guests and me. Food was terrific.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMLarge Portions for TapasWe had a great brunch at Cuba Libre. Everything was delicious. Loved trying the Aqua Frescas. We debated the unlimited tapas option and then decided that we would probably only each eat two or three tapas, so did not get it. The breakfast tapas were so big, that we could barely each eat two. Only the crab benedict was a tapa sized dish. Rest were plenty for one person's meal. The corn meal pancakes and the sweet omelet were very tasty. Guacamole was also good. Only downside was that we had a waitress that wasn't particularly attentive, and the place wasn't very busy. Once we ordered the food came out fast and she wasn't the server, so it worked out fine.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways tastyYou can never go wrong here, as long as you're willing to try something new. Service is always slow, so be prepared for this.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMAnniversary CelebrationHad a great time with my wife celebrating our 15 year Anniversary!
The food, service, and rum selection were Great!
It appears price may have caused some of the lower reviews, but because of good service, appetizers and coffee were purchased, which we would normally not buy.
Great place for date or celebration.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth a try!!This is the best restaurant we have eaten at in a long time! The food is fantastic and our server (Nastassia) was perfect! She not only knew the menu inside and out therefore being able to make suggestions for our party but she also anticipated our every move and need! We brought our 2 yr old and Nastassia suggested an item to for her (which she did eat) she also brought extra napkins an silverware (in case anything ended up on the floor) which we did end up needing after all! Food was so good! We had 3 adults and ordered off the tapas menu to share, we ordered 2 each and that was more then enough and still have leftovers! I can't say enough great things about this place! Defiantly looking forward to returning!5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMCuba Libre Rocks!Our office group ate lunch recently at Cuba Libre and everyone really liked their food. I had the mixed grill, which was delicious and priced reasonably. The decor is very interesting and pleasing to the eye. It was warm outside and upon entering the restaurant it felt cool and inviting, like stepping into a mammoth Spanish or Cuban hacienda. I'll definitely return to try some of their cocktails and more of their food. The office group shared a flan, which was one of the best I've ever tasted.5/22/2013 12:00:00 AMMojitos and food were veryMojitos and food were very good. At our table we had a variety of entrees - all of them were very good. The kitchen appeared to have no problem coordinating the arrival of our different choices. We also tried some of the tapas as appetizers. Those were good too. I t;hought there was a lot of choice on the menu. And it was easy to tailor a meal to the amount someone wanted to eat or drink - because the menu had appetizers, tapas and entrees. The service was attentive but not intrusive. Our table was made up of 5 people and we were eating at 6 pm (pre-theater). I would definately recommend this restaurant.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMFun time!Cuba libre was a wonderful place to end the night. The manchego spinach balls were to die for and the seafood soup was very good, but the seafood meal portions were small. I has the mojito shrimp and it was 4 shrimp and 1-3 slivers of vegetables. The entree meals are pricy, and should include a side.
The mojitos are to die for! The mint is fresh and the sweet to tart ratio was perfect. The decoration is nothing short of amazing and the atmosphere is fun, energetic, and welcoming. The nightlife was a great time! We appreciated the return after 11 with dinner reciept deal. We are planning our next tapas and salsa dancing very soon!5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMFeels like ur outdoors, indoorsFoid us solid and ambiance is great. Def recommend.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMgoodpretty good food. interesting options and combos. empenadas were really goo. tables a little too close. bar scene may be better.j5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMIncredible Dining ExperienceI took my mom to Cuba Libre - DC on Mother's Day. She was handed a rose as soon as we walked in. Our service was incredible, and the food was just amazing! The ambience inside the restaurant was very elaborate and matched perfectly with restaurant's atmosphere and the food. It was a great overall experience, and I would definitely recommend it to a friend.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Place to ChillThe Decor is impeclable. It gives you this feel of spacious, dark, chill-out atmosphere with great music, most of which is salsa and some bachata. Of interest, this is one of those places where the music is crisp, clear and flls the background but does not stop your conversation so you don't have to compete with it. Even the crowd, unlike other restaurants, was not noisy. The waitresses are very friendly. The menu is somewhat limited but exquisite, full of flavor. One warning though, the aftertaste is great and the post-meal flavorfull "burps" are unforgetable!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMBrunchBrunch was great. Food was really good, drinks we're not bad, however our server kept forgetting everything we asked for..5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat dual pronged night!Ate good food and then burned off the calories to the salsa beat. Great night5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat nightGreat service a wonderful food. Will be back soon.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMservice was slow and imprecise,service was slow and imprecise, had to reorder several items. Music was too loud in most of the rooms for conversation. we liked the music, a little quieter so we can talk is better. Especially with a crowded restaurant and a larger group conversation difficult.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMDeliciousVery nice restaurant. Will definitely be coming back!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food; slow serviceWe came here to celebrate our 2-year anniversary, as was noted in our reservation. When we arrived (on time) there was already a table ahead of us waiting. We chose Cuba Libre of all the restaurants in the DC area to celebrate, and not only was a table not ready, but they did nothing to make the dinner feel "special." That aside, the food was fantastic. We shared four empanadas to start (the server got our empanada order wrong, but we didn't want to make a fuss because her service was slow) and then we each had the ropa vieja (it's a brisket dish). Drinks are great (sunburn cocktail or the pomegranate mojito). Chocolate chip banana bread pudding was okay. Our server was slow with refilling water but quick to refill alcohol...5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMSparkling in All RespectsWhat a night to be running late! Rain, the Rhianna Concert, and traffic. Natassia our waitress put us at ease and was delightful. No need for her to ask, "What's My Name" -- because her friendliness made quite the impression -- Natassia shined bright like a "Diamond" -- setting the tone for the meal and putting us in a great mood after a stressful evening. She made us feel as if we were "The Only Diners in the World". The food was delicious -- we nearly licked the plates. The Havana Special and Pompano made us want to "Stay" for dessert, but we had to grab our "Umbrella" and run to the concert!4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was perfect. FoodEverything was perfect. Food drinks service. Would definitely recommend to others.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMCuba Libre - Fun, casual spot,Cuba Libre - Fun, casual spot, good food and drinks with fast service. Tropical decor, a great place for lunch and dinner with a Cuban twist on tapas Two blocks from Verizon Center, perfect place to have a nice dinner before a show or game.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AM2 friends were visiting from2 friends were visiting from Los Angles who are both "foodies" and wanted dining experiences they don't have in LA. Cuba Libre, as usual, was a great choice - great food & drinks along with attentive helpful staff. Thank you for a great evening!4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat FoodHad a 630 reservation, friendly hostess sat us early. Ordered 2 entrees and an appetizer, food was absolutely amazing. Only gripe about food was that the vaca frita I ordered was very salty, However the black beans and white rice which accompanied it helped cut the saltiness. Very good flavor, nice presentation. Only negative about this restaurant was the service. Server seemed a bit overwhelmed, and barely came back to check on us until the end of the meal. Either way would definitely return and try a bunch of the other great dishes they have.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMMy boyfriend and I absolutelyMy boyfriend and I absolutely loved Cuba Libre. It was our first time there and we plan on returning. The food was excellent, the ambiance was excellent, the service and drinks were excellent. I highly recommend this establishment for any occasion.
Thank you,
Shawn Connor4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat placeWe went to Cuba Libre for "date night" and has a wonderful time. The food was amazing and the service was very good. The main area changes to a salsa dancing spot...we left just before, but I can only imagine it would be a lot of fun!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMHere in DC for business andHere in DC for business and ran out to grab a quick lunch.....had a fantastic lunch combo of seafood soup, shrimp cocktail and mahi mahi! I have been to Cube Libre in Philly for dinner but never for lunch! Cube Libre-DC had a fantastic lunch!4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMI absolutely love the foodI absolutely love the food here!!! I experiment each time and am never disappointed.
Thanks.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMTried the Sunday brunch andTried the Sunday brunch and I was trult impressed. Not crowded (don't think many people know they have a brunch. Unlimited tapas for $26, you'll pay about $20 for 3 tapas anyway, and unlimited brunch cocktail (6 to choose from) for $12.
Very pleased with this decision, though I did wish there were more seafood tapas available (certain dishes were an extra charge per order).4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food and service. Worth the $We did the tasting menu, what a great choice. Our server Derek was outstanding, one of the best waiters we have had in all DC! Lots of empty tables, the price point probably scares away diners who don't have an expense account. But I have to say it was worth the money. Delicious!4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was my second experienceThis was my second experience at Cuba and I enjoyed it as much as the first. Would definitely go again and I would recommend to others.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe host table was warm andThe host table was warm and welcoming, they sat us immediately after asking us if anyone in our party had any food allergies. Our waitress, though friendly lacked attention to detail and attention to us.
Food was fantastic! Will go back again!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMThe cubano spring rolls wereThe cubano spring rolls were amazing! We ended up ordering another batch of them for dessert :)4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMHemingway would have approvedI got into the Cuban mood with a Coconut Mojito (as refreshing as a sports drink!), and my wife and I shared a Guacamole Cubano as a starter. The plantain chips were not very tasty, but the dip nicely brings out the contrasts between the smooth avocado, the sweet pineapple, and the sting of lime juice. I enjoyed the classic Ropa Vieja as main course--shredded beef stewed with vegetables and red wine. It was juicy and spicy, but not for the sodium-conscious eater. My wife liked her vegetarian alternative--Ravioles de Calabaza—stuffed with squash and goat cheese.
Service was welcoming and efficient. These people do care about you—I forgot something and they actually called to let me know.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food - affordableCame back two days in a row, that says it. Great food, very affordable and very friendly service.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Cuban foodI am not a Cuban food expert, but I have been here twice (conference center is close) for lunch and it was really good food. Very friendly service. And if needed, (back to conference), fast as well.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMNew experience of Cuban foodNew experience of Cuban food and very enjoyable. Great drinks and lovely vibrant feel to the place made for a very enjoyable evening.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food...service was lackingGreat food...service was lacking a little. But this has never been the case here before. Not sure what the issue was.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is a must if in the DCThis is a must if in the DC area!!!! Food was amazing and full of flavor!! Sabor Latino !!!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved the decor and we wereLoved the decor and we were seated right at 8:00PM our reservation time.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMVery, very good service.Very, very good service. Everything she recommneded was very good. The coffee chocolate drink with dessert was outstanding.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent i really loved itExcellent i really loved it the music, the quality of food, the service
Awesome fancy restaurant ..3/31/2013 12:00:00 AM$26 unlimited tapas for brunch$26 unlimited tapas for brunch - fabulous deal. Beware of large portions. The churros, huevos poached egg, and brisket hash were the best dishes my party ordered.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMNOT for special occasionsTried celebrating our anniversary, got seated in the area to be converted over for dancing instead of having a nice and quiet table (as I asked for on the reservation), was rushed. Food and mojotos are awesome, our waitress Nastassia was FENOMENAL!
Will return but definitely NOT for a special occasion.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Food and Great AtmosphereFun atmosphere and great food. Portion sizes were perfect. Wait for foood was a little long, but with good company it was no problem. It was a friday night so a longer wait is expected. Friendly wait staff. Will definitely go again!3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat service and really tastyGreat service and really tasty food. Would definitely go back.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AM