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  5. New Brunswick
Esquina Latina Restaurant & Lounge, New Brunswick, NJ

Esquina Latina Restaurant & Lounge

4.6
4.6
792 Reviews
$30 and under
Cuban
We will be reopening for patio reservations starting Monday June 15th!

Serafin Sarduy brings fun to New Brunswick with the fusion of Cuban and Latin cuisine. Esquina Latina offers a chiq restaurant and lounge atmosphere known for their tapas and authentic Sangrias.
Don't forget your family and friends as Esquina Latina is perfect for all occasions.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Cuban, Latin American
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (732) 543-1630
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Serafin Sarduy
  • Neighborhood
    New Brunswick
  • Cross street
    George St
  • Parking details
    Street and Public Parking Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 792 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New York / Tri-State Area

    Cuban

  • New Jersey - Central

    Good for groups

  • New Jersey - Central

    Lively

792 Reviews
  1. MARSHALLR

    Philadelphia

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Nice atmosphere and great service. Food and drinks were very good

    Is this helpful?

  2. Nancyv

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were hesitant to try yet another restaurant, as it seems since Covid both service and food quality is way down. We were pleasantly surprised that this restaurant, Esquina Latina, was different. Both the food and service was excellent! I had the BBQ short rib with mashed potato and my husband the Cuban Rice Mixta with fried plantain. Lots of flavor, not greasy, well-prepared! The waitress was also attentive. Atmosphere very good. Wish we lived closer, but we will definitely make this our go-to restaurant when traveling home to South Jersey from Newark airport.

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  3. KelF

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing!!! Highly recommend!!! Staff was wonderful!

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  4. JimA

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and great staff! Service was quick. The fried rice and churro dessert were standouts.

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  5. marlonc

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, best empanadas I have had so far. Great appetizers. Awesome portions of good, could not finish. Great ambiance. Would recommend this restaurant 10 times over.

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  6. GloriaW

    Atlantic City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is our go to restaurant for whenever we are seeing a show at State Theater! Love the food and wonderful ambiance.

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  7. DamikaD

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff was courteous, it didn’t take long for the food to come out. The atmosphere was great.

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  8. njfoodie

    New York Area

    75 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    75 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    was there on a date before the Lyle Lovett concert at State Theater -- our waitress was fantastic - our first time there and she recommended a bunch of appetizers - they were all excellent as were the latin cocktails ....the manager came bye and invited us to come back after the concert - and we were so glad we did - it was wild and fun !!! dancing latin style - great DJ - dance floor packed with beautiful Latins !!!!!!!...........will go back on another FRIDAY night - LATIN NIGHT !!!!

    Is this helpful?

  9. NJhikergirl

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The food at Esquina Latina was delicious! However, we didn’t appreciate being bothered by a photographer who took pictures with explaining why and then attempted to sell us the pictures afterwards. In addition, the music was a bit loud making it difficult to carry on a conversation. Would we go back again? Absolutely!

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  10. Tttttt

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food amazing service the food was very delicious and had flowers encima and the people are very kind and attentive and the atmosphere itself very nice music and the staff asked how everything was too very nice meeting the manager :)

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  11. Maggie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Great ambiance, excellent service and dog friendly!

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  12. TimC

    New York Area

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was very good. I was delivered the wrong salad accidentally. However, it was delicious, and I did not even notice the mistake. Shortly afterwards, the kitchen came back after realizing the mistake. I told them to leave the salad the brought to me as it was that good. As a courtesy and due to my polite understanding of the error, they brought the salad I ordered originally so my wife and I could share it. The only charged me for the salad that I originally ordered. The cocktails were excellent. My wife and I enjoyed sangria and mojitos respectively. Service was attentive and friendly. We will be back!

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  13. Susan

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    food and service was excellent and looking forward to going back again

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    There was a hair found in the beans of my meal, didn’t catch it until I was almost finished too. Also tried to save a bag of leftovers by the table near hosts after it turned into lounge, it was taken by the time I was leaving. Rest of food and drinks were good.

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  15. FarrynM

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I've been to this restaraunt before shows at the State Theatre NJ, and it is always excellent! I had the pulled pork with beans and rice and it was delicious. The waiter was very nice and checked in with us often. Highly recommend!

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  16. Gina

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was my first time at Esquina Latina Restaurant & it was amazing! Everything from the drinks, food, service & ambiance was great! The managers Rivera & Christian were super nice & made sure everything was good & we were happy! I would definitely recommend! I will be back again soon! ❤️

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  17. Gary

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice restaurant. Nia was the best server! Best secret in New Brunswick.

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  18. LauraF

    New York Area

    107 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    107 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service. Looking forward to going back.

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  19. Sapphire

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Latina food and drinks close to State Theater!! Service was amazing from Aria!! Almost afraid to write this recommendation for fear it will make it harder to get in!! Will definitely be going back!!

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  20. ColynA

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    Very disappointed. Rice was cold, yuca fries soggy, tostone cups burnt. Not sure if it was just a bad night but we were very disappointed

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food. Very flavorful. We highly recommend it.

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  22. ValS

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and drinks were super good. The service was impeccable as well. The cherry on top is the ambiance. The decor and music are both great. We will def be back!

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  23. JenniferR

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely wonderful place to be! As soon as we stepped inside the vibe made me want to dance. Food was excellent as well as the staff! Highly recommend this restaurant!

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Floored by how good the food was. Was not expecting it. Decor inside was very well done. Manager came over to us (even though we chose to sit outside) to ask how everything was. Probably my new favorite Cuban spot. Will be back soon!

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  25. LyaW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 8, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great place for lunch with co-workers. I'll be back another time for the dinner experience.

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  26. FranchellaS

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great time and the food was delicious. Diamond D.I.V.A.S Elites

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  27. MarvellaC

    Philadelphia

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    The place was packed with pre show crowd, the staff was efficient and was able to move us in and out quickly. The drinks were amazing ! I can still taste my mojito !!! Dinner was lovely, nice size portions. Really love the fried rice

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food . Great service. Great drinks! Ambience perfect!

    Is this helpful?

  29. MarylynG

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Hosted a belated Mother's day dinner here and it was perfect. Plentiful menu, good cocktails and impeccable service.

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  30. JimH

    New York Area

    16 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    Worst service. Sat at the bar. The food was cold. Couldn't get water.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a delicious lunch celebrating my Daughter’s graduation from Rutgers. Food was amazing and hot! The drinks were delicious. Service was fast and attentive. We can’t wait to go back again.

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  32. JohnW

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Not sure why happy hour drink menu was at the table with a tiny note ("Bar only"). A little misleading, but will be back for sure.

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  33. AbbeyA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is delicious and fresh. Fun atmosphere. The Dulce Balcerito is so yummy.

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    This place was really nice and food was really good

    Is this helpful?

  35. ValiciaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My boyfriend and I went here for an anniversary dinner. The owner and the staff were great and the environment was even better. We loved their food and there was no hesitation to ask if we were okay or needed anything. I also really loved how they put flowers on every food and drink! I would recommend this place to anyone. We will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  36. GaryW

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    This was the second time at Esquina for my wife and I and it’s becoming one of our favorite restaurants in New Brunswick. It’s only a short walk from the NB Performing Arts Center and State Theatre, so it’s a good place for a pre-show meal.

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  37. JanetK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went early for dinner at 4. Food and service were excellent

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place good vibe. Food is good and drinks are great.

    Is this helpful?

  39. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Naquan was an amazing service, the bartenders also gave us amazing service with amazing drinks. My friend and I celebrated dinner after our nursing pinning ceremony and we will definitely be back! Amazing food with excellent service and great atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  40. FarrynM

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great food, enjoyed our meal very much. Loved the fried plantains!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Esquina Latina Restaurant & Lounge does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Esquina Latina Restaurant & Lounge also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (732) 543-1630.

Esquina Latina Restaurant & Lounge is rated 4.6 stars by 792 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Esquina Latina Restaurant & Lounge

25 Liberty St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Additional information

  • Cross street
    George St
  • Neighborhood
    New Brunswick
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Cuban, Latin American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street and Public Parking Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Serafin Sarduy
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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