Cultura Restaurant — Restaurant in Aguadilla

My family took me for my birthday. We had already seen some YouTube videos and we were curious. When we entered, a not very friendly waitress sat us, but fortunately, we were served by a super friendly young lady. I had read several reviews about the place, some good, some not so good; so, I was cautiously optimistic. I noticed that there were some price increases in a place that’s already a bit expensive. I ordered the El Navideño, thinking it would be the most emblematic dish of a restaurant that is supposed to showcase our culture. I added a side of amarillos to my order. They were nice a hot. The arroz con gandules momposteao’ was delicious and the ingredients were fresh. It was the only hot food in my plate. The pastel was cold, dry and tasteless. The pernil al mojo was lukewarm, very lightly seasoned, dry and reheated. I had read a review where someone that ordered the same, found melted plastic under the pernil. And guess what? So did I. Pity. The place has potential, but no standards of food quality. Learned that the owner is also the owner of By Chef, the joint where I had my worse dining experience last year. I have little hope for any improvements. I really wanted to...

We order the Navideño dish which includes arroz con gandules, pernil, and pastel. We found a big piece of plastic in our food. When we showed the waitress, she took a picture and took it with her yo show the kitchen. Upon her return she states that the kitchen divided the pork in plastic bags and that a piece slipped into my food, she did not make an effort to change our dish or call a manager to discuss the issue.

The waitress told us that they had $5 happy hour on all monitos. We ordered three of them. When the bill came, they charged us one mojito at regular price ($10). We asked about the happy hour and she stated that the pumpkin mojito was not included, however, when we arrived she said ALL Mojitos are $5.

We also ordered the red snapper with mofongo and caldo. They brought the fish and mofongo but not the caldo. We immediately told the waitress, and it took her another 10 minutes to bring the caldo. By that time the mofongo was already cold. Even though all of this happened, we didn't even get an apology.

We had plans to enter the gift shop after our dinner, but we decided to skip it.

The atmosphere is nice, but I would not...

First time there a week ago on an invitation from one of our friends. Pleasantly surprised on the ambiance, service, food presentation and quality of meal.

Overall, the restaurant certainly seems to be attracting a following and definitely will make another stop soon.

———————-

I came back this past Monday July 7th and it was once again a very positive experience. If I understood correctly, there’s now an open air 2nd floor bar/lounge in operation for 5 months (looks great from the outside and will go back).

The service, atmosphere and as the last visit all very good. Our server (Lily) just overall very good. I also met the general manager (Jose Vargas) for Pancake Bristo Cafe (one of the other establishments owned by the owner) and he was there helping out. Really nice and personable and from the minute we came in contact just great enthusiasm for what he does and overall great social skills.

Definitely coming back to Cultural and adding the Pancake Bristo Cafe to my list of must...