El Sapo Cuban Social Club

The waitstaff is absentminded and lazy here. I didn’t time it exactly, but there were 2 of us for dinner and it took more than two hours to order and receive 1 cocktail each, 4 appetizer-plates of food, and 1 dessert. Our water got refilled once and sat empty most of the meal. There is NO parking in the area and the restaurant is difficult to find, so I’m not eager to return.

Servers and waitress seemed very disorganized. We did not receive water until I asked when our meal was served, in spite of having asked for it initially., When meal was brought it was the wrong order- tips Vieja instead of the picadillo bowl. It took awhile to get the waitresses attention to correct this. Food was unusually greasy.

Fun and great food. For those who know their Cuban food, they will not be disappointed. For those who don't, they'll get a great introduction.

Nice restaurant. It was packed, so not surprised that service was mediocre and slow. Good food. Cuba de Ayer in Burtonsville has better Ropa Vieja.

This is a fairly cool restaurant with good Cuban food. However, the service was below average unfortunately. Items we ordered never got placed, we couldn't get our waters refilled, or order additional drinks. One thing to know going in - everyone's dish is served on a big platters. For example, two people ordered two separate dishes and they arrived on a big platter sort of served family style. Three others each ordered the Cuban sandwich and all three sandwiches came on the same platter with a big pile of fries in the middle. It wasn't horrible; it was just unexpected, a little weird and really inconvenient.

El Sapo's is a new, fun and energetic Cuban restaurant with flare in Silver Springs, Maryland. I took a new acquaintance and over wine, tequila and great tapas we became friends. We will return soon. My only request; add more selections of wine by the glass, maybe an Albarino and Chardonnay. Gracias!

My husband and I went to El Sapo for our anniversary. The window/walls were open on a warm spring evening. I was excited that the chairs are much more comfortable than at Urban Butcher, El Sapo's other half. The decorations were fitting for the theme. Our server was polite and took care of us; it was standard service, nothing bad or exceptional.

When we sat down, my husband ordered a mojito and I ordered a mango on a rock. My drink was $12 and was very tiny. It tasted like mango juice with some spices in it. The mojito, on the other hand, was very good. We also ordered the tuna ceviche. It was okay, but not worth the price tag. When our server returned, we ordered a pitcher of mojitos. Our server told us it would be about 4 mojitos (it ended up being about 5). At that point, he cleared the entire table, including our previous drinks. I was not paying close attention and was a bit disappointed when I realized my mango drink was gone. It still had a couple sips in it, and I was intending to drink it because it was so $$$. It is partly my fault I was not watching him clear the table very well, but I did feel like he should have asked if I was done with it.

I ordered the Ropa Vieja, which was very tasty and filling. I would order it again, but did feel it was overpriced for the portion. My husband ordered the El Cubano sandwich. The sweet potato fries that came with it were very good, but the dipping sauce was very spicy. The sandwich was also tasty and was large. He brought 1/2 the sandwich home.

We thought we would be getting the happy hour prices for our eligible items-- the mojitos and my husband's sandwich, but our bill was for full price. When I asked the server, he explained that the happy hour prices are only at the bar. I felt deceived because the menu I received at my table had the happy hour prices and did not explain the distinction.

We would return to the bar for mojitos and a sandwich or sides, but will not dine here again for dinner.

The service and staff were so awesome and friendly. The owner makes every effort to greet and speak to guest. This is a cultural hidden gem that is long over due for Downtown Silver spring. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays with delicious cocktails. .

The food and drinks were delicious and the garage-style doors gave a nice sense of being inside and outside at the same time. Server was very friendly and the food came out quickly. Will recommend to friends and want to go back for the pitchers of mojitos.

Since our trip to Cuba several years ago we have tried repeatedly to find a restaurant and food reminiscent of the island. We found it!!!!!

Way too loud even with windows open. So loud servers couldn’t understand us and messed up our order. Also very slow and inattentive service. Maybe they were overwhelmed, it was crowded. But dinner with no dessert took 2.5 hours

We have been to El Sapo twice and we really love the food BUT it is so loud! We find it very difficult to have a conversation. The portions are very generous and flavors great. We hope to return again but we hope we can hear each other :-)

My husband and I had date night here. We ordered the following: bay scallops
costillitas borrachas; camarones enchilados; puerco asado, and Churros. All of the food was delicious. Our favorite dishes were the costillitas borrachas and churros. We had a great time. The only complaint is that the place is loud and it’s difficult to hear and speak.

Excellent food served by outstanding staff.

I think the concept is great. The food is average. Some of it like yuca frita, seems to be processed food, meaning coming out of a bag. On the restaurant area, there is no happy hour value...I did not know that. The bottom line is: is ok. Good ambiance. Will go back only to the bar area for happy hour drinks, but not worth the 170 dollars spent on average at best finger food.

Sorry...same demos as Urban Butcher. But just a bit less overpriced.

Everything about my experience was really good except the noise level.. don't plan on much conversation.

I like to try something new every time I come and it was still great I had the most popular item on the menu I set by the window next to a beautiful couple my guest and I had a great conversation with them while enjoying Our meal lovely people.

This is an over-hyped place. The mojito drinks are pushed to customers as if they were free, but not.
The highly recommended dish vaca frito is not crispy as stated. Brisket meat shredded in front of
customers as a gimmick. The price for this dish is a little high. The only consolation is the souffle that is under-cooked a little, but it is souffle with coconut ice cream. Perhaps liquor substitutes are better. One disappointment is that the remaining foods we took home appeared to be tampered with. With the
price we paid, we could have a prime rib meal at Woodmont Grill with change.

Everyone enjoyed their food. But the menu is confusing to people unfamiliar with Cuban food. Moreover, there were no choices for someone who does not eat fish (allergic) or beef. I saw no chicken and no vegetation choices. So I had to eat two side salads and this was not satisfying. Also, twice the wrong food was brought to our table. When we first arrived a dish with rice was put in front of us with plates. I asked what it was and was told it was oxtail stew. Then it was whisked away because it was delivered to the wrong table. Then, a second time a plate of food was brought to us and put before us. We were about to take pieces of the half pie shaped items and a waiter took them away to another table. No apologies, no explanation. It was very strange.

This place is 'all the rage', but frankly I think it's overrated and overpriced. Important to state, humbly, that I know and love Cuban food. It's not enough to offer me a moJIto and I'm happy. I cook many of the dishes they serve. The cocktails were elegantly prepared at the table, fair prices. The beer selection is mediocre for the area, no local brews. We grazed throughout the menu and everything was VERY GOOD! Classic ceviche super fresh, portion could have been a little bigger but it was fine. The lechon crispy on the outside, juicy meat. We got the app on toast. More bread?? They are happy to sell you some. Oxtail/rabo was a nice innovation, usually tomato-based this one seemed like a wine reduction... whatever it was really tasty. But the double portion for $57 dollars wasn't overwhelmingly ample AND didn't even come with rice and beans. Really, for that much?? I'm supposed to add another $11 for rice and beans, another $4 for bread? Shift change in waiters in the middle of our meal (at prime time, weird). No recognition of our birthday celebrant, which we told them about in advance and at the table. Call me cheap, but i have certain expectations of any Cuban restaurant. So a nice dining experience overall, but go because you want to talk about it afterwards to all your friends.

Excellent food but very loud. Would go back.

I love the atmosphere the view of the bar the goat meat I had was great and the people was very nice

Get the oxtail - period

Four of us celebrated a couple of belated bdays at this new lively venue in downtown SS. The place was fun, noisy, vibrant! Most of the food hit the mark, except for the Camarones Enchilados (please change this item to a more edible Gambas al Ajillo w/ pique or similar; as is, the camarones are barely edible; there’s not much to eat after you peel the shrimp!).

An absolute delight - a true party for all of your senses! Great food and wonderful drinks, all in a very social atmosphere.

Food was exceptional - grilled sardines, puerco, okra, ceviche, dessert - noise level our only complaint! Service and value also worthy of note...👍

Excellent food and great service. We’ll be going back. The Ox Tail was delicious.

Fun place, delicious food and the mojitos are AMAZING! Great service love the servers I've been three times and have been lucky to have Edwin every time.

Great food. Great service!!

they need to refine the menu and. drinks are very expensive and so so

Birthday Dinner.

Food was excellent, but the service detracted from our enjoyment. We were somewhat neglected by out waitress, noticed that adjoining tables were similarly neglected. My wife's water glass went unfilled. Perhaps we caught them short-staffed that night, we'll probably go back but if service isn't improved this may not become one of our regular haunts.

Great ceviche, but the rest was mediocre and overpriced. Food appeared to have been reheated and was cool to lukewarm. Inattentive service. Not a good value.

We were greeted within 6 mins of arrival. Our server walked by many times without acknowledging our presence, maybe she notices us from the corner of her eye. Her knowledge of the menu was very little and not once we received a check back when the food arrived. Water glasses were empty the whole. We were overcharged for a ceviche. Maybe she was having an off day. I wanna give it a second try since the food was really good.

The food is great, service is very friendly. If only it was a little less noisy, it would be a perfect restaurant.

Our first few minutes here were awkward as the restaurant took us off the reservation list when we arrived late past our reservation time some 5 to 10 minutes left before kitchen closing. We
had called twice after our music concert ended to inform the restaurant we were running behind and to hold the reservation. The phone rang repeatedly but no one at the restaurant picked up. The venue is loud so maybe the staff can adjust the ring volume or be more attentive to the phone.

Nevertheless, the rest of the evening made up for the difficult beginning. The food was very good; the ropa vieja and churros were outstanding. In addition, we received very efficient, cheerful, and competent service from our waitress. Our party much enjoyed the experience. We would be happy to recommend the place to friends.

Great atmosphere, food and drink. Host could have been more hospitable when we arrived.

Wonderful service by not only the owner but his sister as well. Each of them took time to greet us and make us feel special. The food was delicious and I will come again and bring friends. Has an upbeat vibe with welcoming staff. Many thanks,
Lorin

Group dinner for a family member’s birthday. Such a lively and tasty place. Top picks - yuca frita, ropa vieja, cubano, salmon.

The mojitos are fantastic!

Decor is vibrant and fun.

Conche ceviche was lovely and fresh, I could taste the sea in my mouth. It was delightful. The live music was a treat but the acoustics aren't great also makes it difficult to hear folks in your party. Floor manager extremely welcoming and friendly, waitress felt inexperienced (e.g. tell your guests what's not available in advance so that they don't have the thing desired and its substitute snatched from them). It gets pretty crowded so remember to make a reservation.