Mama Juana Lounge & Restaurant — Restaurant in Lebanon

Food: The chef proved he knows what he is doing with flavor. The menu was very good and all the food we ordered came out in a timely manner and, most importantly, fresh. The chimmi sauce and the coconut sauce are definitely hands down their two best complimentary house sauces. They can be added to almost any dish to further increase flavor. I am a Dominican born and raised in NYC, this establishment for sure holds down the culture with its dishes. The rice and guandules was light yet savory to the point where the bean didn't overpower the rice. The skirt steak cut was incredible because it was locally farmed. It was cooked to perfection and chewing it felt like a higher quality cut of steak. That's how you know the chef knows what he's doing. The chicken breast was tender and juicy. Vegetables were fresh. Mofongo was everything you could asked for. Absolutely solid on the menu. Service: Marileny (manager) and Kevin (at the bar) were outstanding and greeted us as soon as we sat down. They showed attentiveness and compassion in how they received our order and guided us in choosing dishes showing extensive knowledge of each dish and its ingredients. The drinks served were very good. A little on the pricey side, but business is business, and the stellar service provided easily overshadowed the prices. Only complaint, make sure your staff knows kitchen hours. We called ahead and were told kitchen closes at midnight. Only to arrive and be told it closes at 10pm. No big deal but we had to sit down and rush to order. Atmosphere: Restaurant hours are great for large groups or families. Spacious eating areas coupled with good ventilation definitely allows for good breathing room. You aren't overwhelmed by the food and kitchen smells. You get just enough hints of dishes being served as the waitresses walk by. The lighting is comfortable. The club/billiards section is divided from the bar and eating area. They are still constructing/remodeling. All areas are not 100% accessible at the moment, but this spot is definitely a gem. Can't wait to come back and see the finishing touches to this establishment.

Lost 3 stars with me as of 04/23/23:

Closing hours not properly emphasized.... Asked the bouncer at door (light lightskinned bouncer with the beard) if owner was present or any management was present and refused to answer. Had 11 people outside waiting to spend money. If the owner calls the shots then messages need to be addressed to the owner/shift manager. We were ready to buy out. Bouncer doesn't dictate how much money your business can lose. If manager/owner can't be addressed then the next person in charge should decide immediately. If customer service is requested at the door, then it should be answered in a timely manner. Seems to me like security is taking bribes at the door which means taking money away from the business. 1 thumb down. I would give 2 but the food...

Gave it a 1 because the food was a very small portion, waited 1 hour and 45 Minutes, Yes 105 minutes for our food to come out. With only 4 other patrons there when we arrived. Therefore it wasn’t busy. People started arriving after we had been there for about an 1 hour. The table next to us sat approx 15 mins after us and left approximately an hour before us as well. Their appetizers were given to them instead of us even though we were there for quite a while already. Then we had a minimal discount after waiting so long. On top of that I asked for lemons on the side for my water and they bring me a cup with a lemon already squeezed and one not squeezed. Honestly who does that? Waited 20 mins for my mojito for it to come out either virgin or a few drops of alcohol in it. To make it even better they spilled the shrimp sauce all over my jacket and pants as the waiter struggled to take the plates and things away. Rather than taking what she could she thought she could handle it all, spilling the shrimp sauce all over me. Absolutely Horrendous service. Honestly not worth your time or money. Chef was extremely nice and even came out to greet us when we were there maybe 30 mins. Other tables food was delivered way before ours Instead or focusing on getting us taken care of. The chef is what keeps that place going I’m sure. Waiter should have realized that tables that arrived over an hour later we’re getting their food before us. However she didn’t just saying they lost our order was her way to deal with it....

Ordered their Dominican sushi during their buy 1 get 1 Thursday sushi special. Menu had no price on it. We were the only ones on the patio. Food took almost an hour to get to us & before it did get to us they were taking pictures of the sushi right in front of us for promotion I guess🫠 which is COOL, but we were HUNGRY and growing impatient. Paid around $55 for 4 full rolls of sushi, 2 waters ($3 bottled water!), and a passion fruit juice. Sushi was good, but very salty! Presentation was beautiful and the atmosphere was chill with Spanish...