🌟 Boston’s Mariel | Vibes Overload: Cuban Eats + Underground Bar

Stumbled upon a last-minute spot at Mariel, so I grabbed friends and headed over—this is one of Boston’s most popular Cuban spots, specializing in tapas and signature cocktails. The restaurant is stunning—and downstairs? A high-energy club, perfect for dates or birthday parties. Prices are on the higher side (around $60 per person), but every dish hits. Already booked a second visit for June🤤 🦀️ Corn & Crab Arepitas: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Must-order! Crab salad tossed with red Mexican chiles and carrot cream—bright, fresh, and perfectly balanced. The star? The tiny sweet corn cakes at the bottom: soft, ，with a natural grain sweetness that had me wanting to burst into the kitchen and beg for a bag to take home as breakfast😭 🥑 Avocado Con Mojo：🌟🌟🌟🌟 Their guacamole is a winner—chunkier than most, with visible avocado bits. Instead of tortilla chips, it comes with house-fried sweet potato crisps: thicker, crunchier, and sturdier, so they hold up to the rich dip. 🐟 Tuna Coco Crudo：🌟🌟🌟 The only letdown. The tuna tartare is a bit too acidic—compared to the other dishes, it lacks that “wow” factor💔 🥩 Steak Churrasco：🌟🌟🌟🌟 Fantastic Brazilian-style grilled steak, smothered in mojo sauce mixed with bone marrow—a classic Cuban marinade of bay leaves, garlic, lime, olive oil, and black pepper, with a bright citrus kick🍊 Served with Yuca Frita (fried yucca), which tastes like a cross between taro and potato: starchy, creamy, and addictive. 🍤 Blackened Shrimp：🌟🌟🌟🌟 A table favorite—blackened Gulf shrimp with firm, bouncy flesh. They leave the tail shells on, adding a satisfying crunch that elevates each bite😋 🍕 Cubano：🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 How does a restaurant nail pizza this hard? It’s like an unfolded Cuban sandwich: thin crust piled high with pulled pork, sweet ham, and tangy pickles. The flavors layer perfectly—if you don’t love it, come find me😭 🍰 Chocolate Estraro Cake：🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Attention, everyone! Drop everything and order this dessert. Coffee liqueur cake base + chocolate mousse + mango mousse + passion fruit jam + warm chocolate rum sauce. Sweet, tart, and melts in your mouth—I’m obsessed😭 Drink picks: Try the 🌹Rosolis—a smooth rose-flavored sipper, easy to drink. For non-alcoholic, go for Lulo: a South American tomato-like fruit (green inside) with a bright, tangy freshness. #MyStoryWithThisSpot #BostonLife #BostonFoodie #BostonCubanFood #SouthAmericanEats #DateNightSpots #BostonEats