Mambo Cuban Restaurant & Lounge Harrison — Restaurant in Harrison

On a Thursday night, we were seated on a table by the bar, and three people were sitting at the bar. In the main dining room, perhaps half-filled? Regardless, we spotted two bartenders and more than a number of waiters/waitresses moving back and forth, with some simply standing around. After 10 minutes, we finally received a menu. After another 15 minutes, they finally arrived to take our orders. By then, I had missed the happy-hour and, when asked about the happy-hour specials, it was responded with an attitude. Furthermore, the bartender maintained her attitude. First and foremost, we all have terrible days; if you work in a customer-facing business and are having one, stay at home. Customers who are paying must also cope with your attitude, which is unfair.

To top it off, my partner ordered the Cubano, which came with lettuce, tomato, bacon, and mayo. LOL, I'm not sure what type of Cuban interpretation they were going for, but it certainly looked like a Bacon/Ham sandwich. Regardless, there was one positive note: their french fries were excellent.

It's unfortunate when a complete dining experience is ruined by one person who doesn't know how to serve or maybe because the staff was not properly assigned.

-Your...

We had an incredible dining experience at Mambo! Our waitress, Catolina R, and Orlando, who was assisting, provided excellent service — they were friendly, attentive, and made us feel so welcome. The food was absolutely amazing. We started with the Frituras Del Mar appetizer — so flavorful and perfectly cooked. For drinks, we tried the Cuban Old Fashioned and Mambo Passion, both of which were out of this world.

For our main courses, I had the Churrasco with chimichurri and shrimp, paired with maduros and congri — everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. My boyfriend ordered the Bandeja Cubano and loved every bite. The atmosphere of the restaurant was lively and fun — we didn’t come in to celebrate a birthday, but we witnessed one nearby and the celebration was so energetic and festive! It’s definitely something to experience.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough room for dessert — the churros sounded amazing — but that just gives us another reason to come back soon! We’re already looking forward to our next visit, hopefully with Catolina R and Orlando again, to enjoy yet another unforgettable...

A Hidden Gem in My New Neighborhood!

Moving to a new neighborhood can be overwhelming, but stumbling upon this restaurant was a delightful surprise! From the moment I walked in, I was warmly greeted by the host, setting the tone for an amazing first experience. The ambiance was inviting, and I instantly felt comfortable & excited for experience.

What truly made my visit exceptional was the outstanding service from Jonathan. He was incredibly attentive, knowledgeable, and made thoughtful recommendations that perfectly suited our taste. His genuine enthusiasm and professionalism elevated the entire dining experience.

The food? Absolutely delicious! Every dish was prepared with care, and I could tell that quality and flavor are top priorities here. Bravo chef! I see you for the mix of Cuban (other Spanish) and Cajun flavors! I left feeling satisfied, welcomed, and excited to return.

I’m so thrilled to have found this spot in my new neighborhood, and I can already tell it’s going to be a regular go-to for me. Highly recommend!

Oh also a few good options for vegetarians and vegans- I think...