How is Cuba Libre - DC restaurant rated?

Name: Cuba Libre - DC
Address: 801 9th Street NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20001
Telephone: (202) 408-1600
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.1

Cuba Libre - DC

4.1

3172 Reviews

$31 to $50

Cuban

Top Tags:

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar features classic and contemporary Cuban cuisine by two-time James Beard award-winning Chef Guillermo Pernot. Pernot's menus feature tantalizing tastes that are derived from the exotic island"s culinary traditions, which include Spanish, African, Creole and Asian influences. The restaurant's atmosphere transports guests to Old Havana circa the 1950s. One-of-a-kind millwork and architectural salvage including unique doors, gates, cabinetry, furniture and accessories help capture the essence of old Cuban architecture. Colorful exotic foliage and large potted palm trees add to Cuba Libre's open-air, tropical ambiance. Featuring a selection of over 70 rums, Cuba Libre's uniquely refreshing house specialty, the mojito, is made from the authentic Cuban recipe of combining rum, fresh lime juice, fresh mint leaves, a splash of soda and most distinctively, guarapo, sugar cane juice pressed daily on site.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Cuban, Latin American, Caribbean
Hours of operation
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 11:30am - 3:00pm; Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am - 3:00pm; Dinner: Sunday 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm , Monday - Thursday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm , Friday & Saturday 11:00 pm to 1:00 am Limited Bar Menu ,
Phone number
(202) 408-1600
Website
http://www.CubaLibreRestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Guillermo Pernot
Catering
Planning a party? Contact Lyn Heister, Director of Sales and Local Marketing, to learn about Cuba Libre's event spaces, customized menus, bar packages and more! Off-site catering also available, inquire for more details.
Private party facilities
Consider Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum the destination for your next social or corporate event. Whether it’s an intimate party of 15, a grand event for 500, a themed cocktail party or an elegant dinner, Cuba Libre is the ideal setting for an unforgettable private party or special event.
Private party contact
Sales & Local Marketing Manager,Samantha Konstandt: (202) 408-1600 ext. 402

Location
801 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Neighborhood
Penn Quarter
Cross street
Corner of 9th & H Streets
Parking details
Cuba Libre is located on corner of 9th & H Streets NW in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington DC. Street parking / meter parking may be available in the neighborhood. Several paid lots are close by, and valet parking is offered by a private company on Friday & Saturday nights.
Public transit
Two Blocks away from Chinatown Metro Stop (Red, Yellow, Green Lines). Four Blocks from Metro Center Stop (Orange & Blue Lines)
Entertainment
Join us as our residents DJs spin Merengue, Salsa, Bachata and House music beginning at 11:00pm every Friday and Saturday for your dancing entertainment. Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar also regularly features performances by our professional dancers & master percussionist, theme parties and special guest DJs.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Ceviche Mixto
Poached lobster tail, shrimp, squid, fresh coconut water, chiles, citrus, Thai basil, cucumber salsa, coconut chips
Abuela's Chicken Croquetas
Cream of roasted chicken filled croquettes. Blistered cachucha pepper aioli
Spinach Manchego Buñuelos
Manchego cheese and spinach fritters, goat cheese crema, organic olive oil
Guava BBQ Ribs
Slow-cooked, St. Louis cut Duroc pork ribs, guava BBQ glaze, green mango escabeche salad

Platos Fuertes

Choice of one entree:

Vaca Frita
Braised, shredded and seared flank steak, roasted onions, citrus-garlic mojo, white rice, Cuban black beans
Ropa Vieja
Braised, shredded and stewed brisket, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, red wine, white rice, maduros
Arroz con Pollo
Saffron long grain rice, boneless chicken, green peas, Manzanilla olives, hard-boiled egg, asparagus, Palacios chorizo, roasted piquillo pepper salad
Lechón Asado
Slow roasted, marinated Leidy Farm's pulled pork, classic sour orange mojo, Amarillo chile, smashed yuca, black bean broth, vigorón slaw
Vacio Steak "Argentino"
Salmuera marinated-grilled all-natural bavette steak, Moros y Cristianos rice pilaf, Hawaiian tostones, pickled okra, parsley chimichurri
Peking Chicken
All natural, free-range, Peking-style half chicken, Cuban black beans, white rice, grilled broccolini, lemongrass mojo, Chino-Cubano BBQ sauce
Shrimp con Mojo
Pan-seared citrus marinated jumbo shrimp, onions, peppers, sliced garlic, crisped yuca, white rice, cilantro-lime mojo sauce
Paella Vegetariana
Baby spinach, "soyrizo", wild mushrooms, garbanzo beans, saffron long grain rice, asparagus and grilled artichoke hearts salad

Postres / Desserts

Tapas Desserts
Chef sampler of two classic desserts

Rum Flights

Tour of the Dark Side of Rum

$16. (Three 1 oz. pours) Tasting flight of dark rums for those that prefer flavors of molasses and cocoa

Cruzan Black Strap
St Croix, US Virgin Islands; Dark, Navy-style rum. Strong molasses and maple syrup flavors with light undertones of licorice and black coffee. Faint notes of vanilla and cinnamon
Coruba Dark Rum
Jamaica. A take on the traditional dark planter's-style rum. Full-flavored with a smooth finish. The flavor has hints of spice, molasses, cocoa, and caramel
Ron Miel
Canary islands, Spain. Dark auburn in hue. Black tea, honey, dark molasses on the nose. Sweet with strong honey, black tea and traditional rum flavors

Kirk and Sweeney

$20. (Three 1 oz. Pours) Named after a wooden rum-running schooner that shipped spirits from the Caribbean to America during prohibition. Distillery based in the Dominican Republic

12 Year
Aroma of earthy sugarcane and vanilla. The initial flavors of sweet nectar and honey give way to notes of oak and toffee. The finish ends with a smooth vanilla kick
18 Year
Traditional, well-aged. Notes of brown sugar, vanilla, and some chocolate/coffee overtones on the nose and palate with some curious red wine notes. Coffee character builds along with Port-like sweetness with finish
23 Year
Fully matured sipping rum. Deep caramel, flecked with barrel char, toffee, intense vanilla, and a touch of baking spice - particularly cloves on the nose and palate with a rich, silky finish

What 3,172 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.1

4.1 based on all time ratings

4.1Food
3.9Service
4.2Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

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J
Jerry
Alabama
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2020
overall5food4service4ambience4
Nice venue for a business meal while in DC. The service has always been great, as I have been there several times over the last few years.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall2food2service5ambience5
My platano chips were burned. The DJ was not too good, and it was too over crowded.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere. The dining room makes u feel like ur in Cuba. Great service and prompt. Everyone is super sweet from the host down to the busboy. Exceptionally reasonable for prime dc location. Highly recommend.
FH
FredH
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place for cuban cuisine, definitely going again.
e
eric
Washington DC
53 reviews
5.0
53 reviews
Dined on March 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Been on my list for a few years. WHAT was I waiting for?? great service. wonderful place. and the food as so delicios and well prepared. well be back!!
AB
AmyB
Raleigh
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food - especially the empanadas and broccolini. Drinks were good and our waiter, Caesar, was great with our picky and chatty 10 yr old! He wanted fruit punch and though the restaurant did not have it, Caesar, offered to make fresh fruit punch and our son loved it! Overall great experience and wonderful food! We will definitely be back!
RO
RobO
Baltimore
61 reviews
vip
5.0
61 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cuba Libre offers a good interpretation of Cuban food. A little pricey, but expected because of it’s in the City Center area.
DW
DavidW
Philadelphia
15 reviews
vip
1.0
15 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall1food2service1ambience3
Service was overwhelmed. Entrees came back uneven with some dishes having more vegetables and some having none. We were pleased that the assistant manager gave us credit for a future meal and dessert. That said the servers and food runners were not grade A. This was a bad experience.
s
studaddy
Washington DC
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience5
The food was good and interesting. Nice ambiance. The reasonable prices excused the fact that the meal was pleasant, but nothing extraordinary.
MT
MarkT
Western NC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 29, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome food & service!
M
Miguel
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2020
overall2food3service1ambience4
Great ambiance and tasty food and drinks but terrible service with rude waiters and rushed and un-interested greeters/hosts
OT
OpenTable Diner
Mississippi
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 28, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best Latin food in DC
OT
OpenTable Diner
Detroit
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2020
overall4food5service4ambience4
Two years in a row we have visited when in town for an annual conference. This is always a highlight of our visit. Must try the mango butter and break. Cucumber mojitos by the pitcher are to die for!
D
Dario
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and drinks were excellent! Ryan, one of the managers, took great care of us. We stayed after dinner for the lively dance party.
A
Astrosfanmd
Washington DC
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really, really enjoyed our meal here. High quality, well-prepared, so delicious, high-end Cuban specialties. Excellent drink menu. Rum flights were great. Desserts were fabulous. Excellent Tres Leches and one of the smoothest, creamiest and completely lacking in air-bubbles flans I've ever had. The service was really great, the way service used to be. Highly recommend.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience3
Foot is fabulous. However, If you need a quieter restaurant, this is not the one for you.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had an amazing time. The food and service were outstanding!
EW
ElizabethW
Washington DC
48 reviews
vip
3.0
48 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2020
overall3food3service2ambience5
We had a reservation and still had to wait 20+minutes with our party of 9 standing before we were seated. Unacceptable.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall3food3service5ambience4
The waitress was fantastic. We asked to be seated on a diiferent table because I did not want to deal with the traffic of folks going back and forth but was denied. Something about the servers rotation. The next thing , no tostones in a Cuban restaurant, WHAT? The when the bill came there was a service charge which ended being the tip. The manager that came to our table has a very abrasive demeanor.
d
drsilz
Columbus
41 reviews
vip
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was perfect
d
drsilz
Columbus
41 reviews
vip
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was perfect
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Grest service and great food!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was fantastic! Our waitress was excellent! I can’t wait to come back!
DM
DavidM
Columbus
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and wonderful and personable service!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Alabama
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent in all respects. Quite authentic!
p
partychick
New York Area
27 reviews
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2020
overall4food5service3ambience5
The service was extremely slow. Our waitress approached the table immediately after we sat to ask if we wanted water, then disappeared for the next 15 minutes. When she returned with the water we ordered everything from cocktails to dinner since we had more than enough time to peruse the menu. Food was delicious but we never saw her again until about 5 minutes after our clean plates and completely empty cocktail and water glasses were cleared away, when we promptly asked for a check while simultaneously handing her our credit card. It then took another 10 minutes for her to return with our card & receipt.
SB
SportsBrunchSearcher
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2020
overall3food2service3ambience3
Good quick lunch spot. Solid value. Food is okay, but salads need some help.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great! And they have lovely decor.
R
Robby
Washington DC
14 reviews
vip
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience3
The ambiance is faux Havana. The room was quite chilly for a winter's night. The margarita was good and the corn-crab soup flavorful and plentiful. The main dishes were plentiful. The service was good except the wait staff forgot a drink order.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2020
overall2food1service2ambience3
Friday evening date night for restaurant week. Reservation at 8:30pm, seated right away...they were busy but not full. The space is really cool inside...like what I imagine Havana to look and feel. Mojitos for drinks tasted good, but nothing outstanding. For apps: chicken croquettes (ok, but not impressed) and baby octopus (terrible...overcooked and rubbery and not pleasant to look at either). For mains: shrimp con mojo y lechón asado. Pork and shrimp were well flavored. Slaw with pork was fresh. Smashed yuca was too dense and gooey for my preference. Cafe latte y espresso y flan for dessert (only one dessert option for restaurant week which was disappointing). The coffee and espresso were the best part of the meal honestly. A little before 10 we were asked to leave our table by 10 as they needed it for bottle service (unless we were planning to stay for bottle service...which we were not). I guess there isn’t really a smooth way to ask that without it being a little awkward, so I get it, but it was just a little off-putting after an already sub-par meal. The idea that this place turned into a salsa, merengue, bachata, etc. dance club at 10 sounded really great, but once it started, it had a very strange vibe...middle school sock-hop-esque. We did not stick around after more than a few songs.
LA
LAsia
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great restaurant week menu!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this place!!!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Miami
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2020
overall2food2service3ambience5
Coming from Miami to eat cuban food here and it missed the mark. The vaca frita is not how it is made regularly. I believe the overall taste of all the food this night had a little too much salt. Margarita was too sweet. Ambiance is great staff is busy and manages to get your drink and food out quick.
b
b2k1973
Washington DC
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the brunch specials on food and drinks! Everything was delicious and the mimosas were unique. Would definitely come back!
IU
IUDad
Washington DC
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hadn't been there in a couple of years and we really enjoyed the food! Wait staff was attentive without being intrusive. Food was outstanding and cost reasonable for dinner and drinks.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love Cuba Libre. I lived in Tampa and this is an authentic Ybor City dining experience with ceviche, plantains, and authentic Cuban coffee. I highly recommend it.
A
Angela
Washington DC
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
My daughter and I have eaten at Cuba Libre located in Atlantic City, over five years ago and decided to visited the DC location for Brunch. We were quite impress with the service, ambience, and the food. Our server named Ashley was very knowledgeable of the menu and made some great recommendations in food and drinks. We were also told by Ashley that Salsa lessons were also being given at the resturant. We do plan to come again for dinner and Salsa lessons.
LQ
LindseyQ
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
I made a reservation at Cuba Libre around 8pm on NYE before their Prix Fixe menu started. I really thought it was going to be packed, but was pleasantly surprised to find that not be the case. I didn’t have to wait to get seated. The atmosphere wasn’t too loud. The food appetizers and main dishes arrived in a timely manner. It was an overall good experience. I also really loved the originality of the decor inside the restaurant. It really made me feel like I was in Havana street. I would definitely come back again.
R
Reynaldo
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing. I had the Ropa Vieja and there civiche was outstanding.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2019
overall4food4service2ambience4
I got the Chef’s tasting menu. Never got my dessert. It’s a 2+ hrs endeavor.

FAQs

Cuba Libre - DC is rated 4.1 stars by 3172 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Additional information

Cross street
Corner of 9th & H Streets
Neighborhood
Penn Quarter
Hours of operation
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 11:30am - 3:00pm; Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am - 3:00pm; Dinner: Sunday 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm , Monday - Thursday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm , Friday & Saturday 11:00 pm to 1:00 am Limited Bar Menu ,
Cuisines
Cuban, Latin American, Caribbean
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Cuba Libre is located on corner of 9th & H Streets NW in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington DC. Street parking / meter parking may be available in the neighborhood. Several paid lots are close by, and valet parking is offered by a private company on Friday & Saturday nights.
Public transit
Two Blocks away from Chinatown Metro Stop (Red, Yellow, Green Lines). Four Blocks from Metro Center Stop (Orange & Blue Lines)
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Guillermo Pernot
Entertainment
Join us as our residents DJs spin Merengue, Salsa, Bachata and House music beginning at 11:00pm every Friday and Saturday for your dancing entertainment. Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar also regularly features performances by our professional dancers & master percussionist, theme parties and special guest DJs.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.CubaLibreRestaurant.com/
Phone number
(202) 408-1600
Catering
Planning a party? Contact Lyn Heister, Director of Sales and Local Marketing, to learn about Cuba Libre's event spaces, customized menus, bar packages and more! Off-site catering also available, inquire for more details.
Private party facilities
Consider Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum the destination for your next social or corporate event. Whether it’s an intimate party of 15, a grand event for 500, a themed cocktail party or an elegant dinner, Cuba Libre is the ideal setting for an unforgettable private party or special event.
Private party contact
Sales & Local Marketing Manager,Samantha Konstandt: (202) 408-1600 ext. 402

Cuba Libre - DC

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Menu

Para la Mesa

Tropical Chips & Trio of Dips

Aperitivos

Ceviche Mixto

Abuela's Chicken Croquetas

Spinach Manchego Buñuelos

Guava BBQ Ribs

Platos Fuertes

Vaca Frita

Ropa Vieja

Arroz con Pollo

Lechón Asado

Vacio Steak "Argentino"

Peking Chicken

Shrimp con Mojo

Paella Vegetariana

Postres / Desserts

Tapas Desserts

Rum Flights

Tour of the Dark Side of Rum

Cruzan Black Strap

Coruba Dark Rum

Ron Miel

Kirk and Sweeney

12 Year

18 Year

23 Year

What 3,172 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

FAQs

How is Cuba Libre - DC restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information