Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar — Restaurant in Atlantic City

I visited Cuba Libre in Atlantic City during Restaurant Week on October 10th, 2024, and it was a mixed experience with some highlights worth mentioning.

The complimentary toasted bread with mango butter was an absolute standout—probably my favorite part of the meal aside from the flan 🍮 with its perfectly paired sugar cookie. I wish that cookie was available as a standalone dessert because it was amazing!

The ambiance was beautiful and vibrant, with a fun and festive atmosphere. However, the videos playing in the background felt a bit dated and could use an update to match the energy of the restaurant. The tables were set flawlessly, and our server was exceptional—extremely knowledgeable about the menu and the restaurant’s history, which added a nice touch to the experience.

I’ll admit I was a little disappointed with the limited menu options for Restaurant Week, but I had checked ahead and decided on the Pollo Asado, which included marinated citrus chicken, roasted garlic, mashed potatoes, grilled broccolini, and passion fruit gravy. While the sides were enjoyable, I found the chicken to be somewhat bland, which was a letdown.

My partner ordered the Ropa Vieja, a braised, shredded, and stewed beef brisket with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, red wine, and white rice. He absolutely loved his dish, saying he could taste every ingredient blending together beautifully—it really hit the mark for him!

The flan dessert was a perfect way to end the meal—rich, creamy, and complemented by that incredible sugar cookie. I also appreciated the attention to detail in the presentation of all the dishes.

I was hoping to stay for the dancing, but I was too tired that evening. However, I’ve danced here before, and I can confidently recommend it—it’s an incredible time and adds so much to the experience for anyone looking for a lively night out.

Overall, Cuba Libre has some definite highlights and an enjoyable vibe, though I’d say it’s a bit overhyped in certain aspects. I’ll definitely return to give the dancing another go and explore more...

I was so excited to try Cuba Libre for my first time. This week I’m here for a conference and soon as I checked in, I got on the jitney and made a reservation on my way there. I had a hard time deciding what I was going to order from the delicious options. I had my eye on the guacamole with the crab meat and the wings but what really caught my was the chef tasting. The opportunity to get to try different dishes of authentic food. It was the best decision.

I enjoyed the: plum passion cocktail and passion fruit mojito, so yummy. Chef tasting you start off with bread and mango butter. It reminds you of french toast. Next black bean hummus, guacamole and salsa with root and plantain chips. The hummus and guacamole were my favorites. Next the beef empanada, ham and cheese and chicken croquette. Oh my gosh the croquettes I could eat all day with the bbq mango and Dijon mustard sauces.

Shredded beef brisket with onions, pineapple shrimp skewer, roasted pork with rice, beans and plantains. I couldn't stop eating the roasted pork. It was just so good. Lastly you can choose your dessert flan or tres leches cake. I had the cake. Flavorful, rich and juicy. I was full and kept eating it. 😆

My entire experience was 5 ⭐️ Being greeted, shown to my table, checked on throughout dinner, even the other staff working as a team coming to help if needed. My waiter explained every dish and how it was curated. The real MVP is the manager Gia. Managers don’t go above and beyond like she does and she was just exceptional. She made sure that everything was great, having that family oriented feel. She surprised me with a thank you token that touched my heart. I hugged and thanked her. I almost cried because it has been an intense week and just shocked that there are still great places to eat like this. I can’t wait to come back and won’t wait long to come back. My experience was top notch what a way to start my trip. Nice, clean, friendly and great music. Thank you Gia, the team...

Went here for a bachelorette party on a busy Saturday night with a reservation. The food was delicious and the hostess staff were courteous and accommodating. We were moved to a table apart from where most guests were which was nice for privacy but not so good for service. We waited about 30min before being greeted by our waiter. We received waters and didn’t see him again for another 30min. Once our orders were in we got our meals in good time. We saved our receipt to return for the club at 11pm and did so. Once again the staff that welcomed us in were courteous and welcoming. However staff inside- a dark haired women was extremely rude. The bachelorette inquired about sitting at the VIP tables by asking what is VIP? What is included? And she responded Very Important Person with an attitude like we didn’t already know what that meant. So we asked more clarifying questions like cost and how to reserve. She refused to give any clear answer. A all the tables have been reserved for tonight or we don’t do reservations on the spot or anything would have been good. This same person preceded to rudely brush by the bachelorette (it was barely past 11pm- the place wasn’t even packed) spilling something on her two times and then she brought the bouncer over who asked my friend if SHE had a problem. I am not sure why this person decided she didn’t like my friend since we were not rowdy, pushy and in negative spirits but nonetheless she didn’t want us there. Maybe it’s because our group was older??? Because everyone in our group isn’t a super model? IDK but I will not return there after how she treated my friend. Lots of minor things that added up that made our experience bad because of this one person. Music/dancing was good. One employee can change your...