A Cozy Corner Cuban Bistro — Restaurant in Garwood

We were rolling down South Avenue a couple of weeks ago, spotted a metal rooster on the corner and decided we absolutely must try the bistro with the big metal rooster. Bonus because it was Cuban, and the last time we had good Cuban food was in Hoboken years ago. So Sunday afternoon we roll up and jump out. We expected a small menu, but no the joke was on us. They had a full menu to choose from, and now we find ourselves second guessing this whole light brunch idea. With Afro-Cuban music on in the background and some nearby diners speaking Spanish and drinking cafecitos, we're thinking OK, this place seems official. This is about to be good. We stayed the course and kept it light. Two empanadas, pan con bistec, a Cuban sandwich, and fresh pineapple juice. The beef empanada was amazing; the shrimp was very good but it tasted a bit fishy to me. I suggest they wash the shrimp in lemon to cut the fishy taste. However, both were flavorful. The sandwiches are huge! We were expecting half the size we received at that price point. The beef was seasoned perfectly and the gravy on it deserves a chef's kiss muah . The bread had the perfect toastiness and texture. My S.O. had the Cuban sandwich. He said it was flavorful and satiatiting. His only comment was that he prefers dark meat over white meat. The sandwich had mostly white meat. The plantain chips were thin & crispy but too salty for me. Next time I'll ask them to omit the salt. My S.O. enjoyed the pineapple drink. He said it was refreshing and not overly sweet. The waitstaff was extremely friendly and Andres (manager or owner?) was working the floor speaking to all the diners making sure everything was good. I wanted to try a dessert but I couldn't. We could only finish half of the sandwich. It was a great experience and we will be...

Im not the one to leave review but i woke up in the middle of the night with the biggest stomach pains. So I'm trying to help you fix your issues. Cozy Corner was originally a spot in Elizabeth that was amazing. I'm talking flavor, freshness, warm buttered bread at the table the second you walked in, and great service. Unfortunately, my experience wasn't what I was anticipating. It's way overpriced. We paid $14 for 4 mashed potatoes balls with no meat inside. About the same price for 3 croquetas that you can get in Elizabeth for $1 each. My wife ordered the lechon and they gave her the scraps and no crispy skin like they showed in the pictures. My chicken cordon blu was rubbery/ freezer burn fresh, I ate 1/4 of it, nasty i almost threw up. The waiter seen my disappointment and disappeared. My kids had the roast pork sandwich and that was okay but they brought them crumbled up plantain chips in a basket that looked all crushed. Oh! The tostones are straight out of a frozen box and came out hard, your MOJO is Goya, and they didn't have olive oil to fix my dry rice. I really don't mind paying top dollar for food but at least make it fresh. Totally disappointed. People open restaurants up in Cranford/ Westfield area and think they can double their prices cause the area. Some know no better but it's an insult to pay that much for something that I could have paid 1/4 of the price 2 miles away in Elizabeth and 10x better. Sorry but we could leave fast enough. Take pride in what you do no matter...

What’s in a name? My wife and I went for a drive looking for a place to get some Latin Cuisine. We “wazed” our way to this gem. A Cozy Corner Cuban Bistro. As soon as you walk in you can’t help but feel, well, Cozy. We were warmly greeted by the staff. They led us to the dining area where the wall decor made you feel at home. We started with chicken empanadas and guava and cheese empanadas. The chicken was tender, juicy and seasoned like grandma’s cooking. The guava and cheese empanadas melted in our mouths. Crispy on the outside filled with mountains of flavor. Since it was early on a Sunday afternoon my wife went with the Sandwich Cubano. I went with the Lechón with yellow rice and yuca. The impressive size of the sandwich was matched by the perfectly toasted bread, the flavorful lechón and jamón. From the first bite you are in for a treat. I’m very picky with my yellow rice. My grandmother had her fogón back home in PR, my mother took right after her, my pops is a retired chef who worked at the United Nations, Waldorf Astoria, Helmsley Plaza Hotel and others and my wife learned to cook from her grandma who lived 106 years and cooked during most of those. What all this background, because their yellow rice is second to none that I’ve tasted in any Latin restaurant. Add the lechón, el cuerito and it made for a very Sunday meal. If you find yourself in the vicinity of Westfield, NJ go in and stop by. You will not regret it. We will be back. Gracias muchachos por...