Accidentally stumbled upon this place while looking for a yummy dinner in River North. I love Cuban food so this jumped out as soon as I saw a sign advertising half off sangria pitchers while walking down the street.

Immediately I liked the looks - it was slightly dark and quaint. The bar looked large and plentifully stocked. Score!

My friend announces her oncoming migraine, no drinks for her which just made me feel like a super lush ordering a pitcher of sangria for myself so against my better judgment, I declined a drink.

Then she states that she lost her appetite so she's getting the appetizer empanadas and that left me with the unfortunate dilemma - do I get a full out dinner and eat by myself or follow her lead and just get an app. So I went with the latter and got calamari.

DISCLAIMER: why in the world would you order calamari at a Cuban restaurant?!?!?! You wouldn't and I shouldn't have - stupid stupid stupid (insert a Chris Farley interviewing Paul Mcartney reenactment here). It was bad. Over fried and dry while still oily enough to leave me feeling like a total greaseball. My friend had what I would consider a very small portion even for an appetizer and she was not at all impressed with her selection either.

Feel bad giving it such a bad review based on two appetizers, but either our choices were poor (very possible) or this is an indication of the rest of the menu. The atmosphere was really nice and the server was also pleasant enough. I would give it another shot if I were in the neighborood, but I wouldn't order the calamari or empanadas.