Celis Cuban Bistro — Restaurant in Lawrenceville

HIGHLY DISAPPOINTING!! I read a lot of good reviews on here last week so decided to take my lady tonight for Valentine’s dinner and the food WAS NOT GOOD!! My lady said the empanadas tasted like old grease and I agreed…they did. They obviously aren’t changing the cooking grease as frequently as they’re supposed to…this speaks to their lack of caring about the quality of the product they serve to customers, their willingness to take shortcuts that ultimately affect the customer’s experience in a negative way, their lack of attention to details and their lack of cleanliness in the kitchen b/c if they’ll use old grease then I can only imagine what else might be going on back there SMH!!! They brought a small cup of raw onions in addition to chopped tomatoes and sauces for the appetizers. The onions were SO STRONG I had to ask our waitress to take them away from the table b/c the strong smell was bothering us so much. The Ropa Vieja wasn’t good and neither were the Chicken Tostones. I didn’t care for the rice and beans either. The steak was not a good cut of meat and wasn’t very flavorful so it was just ok. The Papa Relleno was decent. My kids love to eat and they only ate 1/2 of their food (both had the kids steak meal). I didn’t even eat my food so when we left I went and got food from somewhere else! My lady said the mojitos were good. Our waitress was nice and very attentive. Management was nice and they removed my meal from the bill. I’M A FOODIE SO I KNOW GOOD FOOD AND THIS WAS NOT IT FOR ME!!! I WILL NOT BE GOING BACK AND I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND...

I visited Celi’s Cuban Bistro with my family, and we had an awesome time from start to finish. The place has a cool vibe, super lively and colorful. The DJ’s live music added a nice touch, making everything feel even more fun and authentic. The staff was really friendly and on the ball, which definitely made the experience better.

We kicked things off with a frozen fruit smoothie that was delicious and super refreshing. We also got two mojitos—one classic and one mango—and they were spot on, all citrusy and refreshing with fresh mint and lime. So good!

For appetizers, we had chicken and beef empanadas. They were fantastic—juicy on the inside and crispy outside, topped with a tasty sauce, melted cheese, and pico de gallo that brought them up a notch.

For my main dish, I went with the churrasco, and it honestly blew my mind. It was cooked just right—tender and juicy, served with rice, guacamole, and sweet plantains. I devoured it! My husband ordered the Valencian paella, and I had to try that too. It was amazing: big portions, perfectly seasoned, with a great mix of shrimp, scallops, calamari, fish, pork, mussels, and veggies—all balanced out and served with sweet plantains.

This place has definitely become my new favorite Cuban spot. I really hope more people check it out. It’s a hidden gem that totally...

We have loved breakfast/lunch at the Pancake House for years and Celi’s Cuban Bistro is the icing on the cake! Starting at two, you can get her amazing Cuban food and they serve a whole menu of crafted cocktails. I lived in Tampa and developed a deep love of Cuban dishes. Celi’s takes me back there with the ropa vieja (shredded tender beef, bell peppers, onions and seasoning in a rich tomato sauce) rice, black beans and plantains. My husband loved his deep fried pork, avocado salad and black beans (the beans are so well seasoned he became a bean convert) and rice. I tried the Rubi mojito and it was perfection thanks to Valerie, our bartender. My husband had a rum and coke and enjoyed it. The service is wonderful and because it’s family owned and run, they take care of you like you are a part of their family. If you love Cuban food or want a great breakfast on or lunch, please try Celi’s Pancake House and Cuban Bistro-you’ll feel like...