Rumba's Cafe — Restaurant in Jersey City

Some friends of mine live near Rumba’s in Jersey City. I was at their place and they already eaten. I asked them if they recommended any spots in the area to get something quick, not too heavy. They both recommended Rumba’s! They said they go there all the time, and almost never fails!

So I walked a couple blocks down to Rumba’s to see what they were about. It’s a Cuban restaurant with lots of culture and energy. Just the decor was enough for me to wanna order something. They have this red counter top with stools. It’s very 60’s-esque. I dug it! The staff are mostly Spanish speaking, sweet, charismatic women. One of them took my order, which was simply two chicken empanadas, as well as an irresistible slice of their chocolate cake. The chicken empanadas weren’t as moist as I would’ve preferred, but still delicious and incredibly flavorful! It had a pretty, crispy, salted crust that complimented the chicken well! I was very impressed with the flavor of the chicken, and wish I had ordered more! I mean, I will for sure the next time in the neighborhood, amongst some other menu items! Now, as for this chocolate cake. Girl, this chocolate cake. Whether or not it’s made in-house, I’m not sure, but girl, this chocolate cake. That thick icing/mousse was giving very much chocolate pudding (but richer) decadence! The edge of the cake had these crumbly Oreo-like bits that just added to satisfaction. The cake itself was moist and luscious! Even if it isn’t made in-house, wherever they outsource from, GETS IT!

I’m so glad my friends live near this place! I have another reason...

Long time patrons of Rhumbas. The food is good, most of the staff is friendly and one of the few places that hasn’t drastically increased their prices by inflation. The main issue I have is that when you order from the buffet area, the servings are never consistent. How do I get charged the same when sometimes I get less food? Doesn’t make sense. Today for example I got cerdo con papa (pork w/ potatoes). I asked for 2 orders but while it was being served I could tell there wouldn’t be enough. The lady that was serving us (to-go) , seriously tried to disguise the lack of pork by piling on the potatoes. I told her “do you have more in the back because that serving is just potatoes?” She said “no, there is meat here” and goes to show me ONE pc of cubed pork. Seriously? I order here enough to know the usual serving is around 6 cubes. So I told her to just give me the one and I changed my second order. Although she kept telling me that both orders had enough pork. I didn’t notice until I got home that the one order I kept of pork only had two pieces.. If you didn’t have enough for a complete order just say so. Don’t scam me into paying full price for less than half of the usual serving. I also got an order of the macaroni and chorizo but guess what? NO CHORIZO AT ALL. Please STOP making us pay for meat that we aren’t getting. I have had this happen with spaghetti w/ chicken where they didn’t put any chicken. Wth? I’m definitely addressing this with management the...

Thought I’d pick up a Cuban sandwich since I was in the neighborhood and hungry. Place has been renovated since my last visit. It’s bustling with patrons. Normally I go to the counter to order my sandwich or anything from the quick fried apps area. Stood there for almost 10 mins and watched the lady help two Spanish speaking men on either side of me. When I’m the only one at the counter and now she has to pay attention to me, without saying hello or anything, she says..”you’re supposed to get in line over there.” She was referring to the area where people pick and choose their entrees to go. Fine, but there was no sign saying and from my prior experience the counter was where you orders sandwiches and light fares, and she just helped to Spanish speaking men with no problem. She took my order..I waited another 35 mins for the Cuban sandwich. Now anyone that knows anything about Cuban sandwiches it doesn’t take 35 minutes to make it. It’s usually ready and they put it in a panini presser for a few mins. She kept glancing at me didn’t say anything and didn’t say a few more minutes…nothing. I just ended up leaving without Cuban sandwich. I love Rumba and have been to all the Rumbas here in Northern Jersey, never had a problem with the service. Maybe it’s just takeout, but I will never...