Cubanitas — Restaurant in Milwaukee

This place is so so good! Do yourself a favor and GO. Service is wonderful and attentive. The Bistec dish is excellent with the grilled onions. I am so glad I finally tried this place in person twice in the last week… I had the take out months ago which was also delicious. If you're looking for a vibrant culinary escape in the heart of Milwaukee, look no further than Cubanitas. This gem of a restaurant captures the essence of Cuban culture through its mouthwatering dishes, refreshing cocktails, and inviting atmosphere.

Let’s start with the star of the show—the Cuban sandwich. It’s hands down the best I’ve ever had! The combination of perfectly seasoned pork, savory ham, melted Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and zesty mustard all pressed together in freshly baked Cuban bread is nothing short of perfection. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors, transporting you straight to the streets of Havana. Then you have to try the empanadas are a must-try. These golden pockets of goodness are filled with a variety of savory ingredients that showcase the culinary prowess of the kitchen. Crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside. I have had the beef and cheese one twice now. I can’t wait to try the rest of them!! They have plantain chips with guacamole! The chips are crunchy and addictive, while the guacamole is creamy with just the right amount of seasoning- as if I wasn’t obsessed with everything already. They serve THE best mojitos in town. The ideal complement to any meal. Sipping on one while soaking up the sun and lake wind on their charming outdoor patio creates a truly delightful dining experience.

The ambiance of Cubanitas is just as impressive as the food and drinks. The large bar with tons of seating is the perfect spot for a casual drink after work or in the middle of the day like myself. The outdoor seating area is on the sidewalk downtown and I checked it out earlier with my daughter and our dog where you can enjoy your meal. Overall, Cubanitas is a must-visit for anyone in downtown Milwaukee. Whether you're a longtime fan of Cuban cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore, this restaurant promises an unforgettable experience filled with delicious food, amazing drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere. I can’t wait to return and indulge in more of their menu that I am currently...

I've been here a few times and while it's an overall OK experience, it's not a place that really stands out in your mind. I love the idea of getting Cuban style food in Milwaukee, but Cubanitas leaves much to be desired. The plantain chips and Cuban guac is fantastic. Other than that, nothing I order seems to give me a "taste of Cuba" and feels like something I can put together myself.

Granted Cuba is not known for its spices and flavors so in that regard I can understand, but not much outside of sandwiches that don't even come with rice and beans or at least a small order of plantains, many items that I find on the menu are similar to what I can get at Panera Bread rather than being ethnically/culturally distinct (chicken, turkey or tilapia sandwiches). In the end I eat and pay and feel a bit underwhelmed. I hope maybe they can get in a new head Chef that can get more creative with regards to the menu.

The service was OK but I didn't consider the staff to be very experienced. We came in early evening with only two other tables taken. Because we were a party of two, the hostess gave us an option of the three two-person tables, all lining the big glass wall (they are doors that open up in the summer for patio seating). This was in January on one of the coldest nights that winter. I sat freezing with my coat on until my boyfriend demanded that we move. Seriously? The place was empty. Put up some heavy curtains, crank the heat or offer to move guests when it is clear they are uncomfortable sitting between the door and a big glass wall in January.

I do like the ambiance, bright, sunny, cheerful with family photos on the wall. Very Latin/Caribbean style. I ask for either good portion sizes for the price or at least authentic, away from the usual food and I didn't feel I got either, so it felt overpriced for quality and experience. I would return for happy hour drinks and plantains, not...

Best part: FOOD FOOD FOOD! It’s needless to say that the food is just very tasty. You will not be disappointed. Worst part: SERVICE! Very sad to find out how poor is the service at this restaurant. I walked in and wait to be seated. The first employee tells me they don’t have any tables available, which is understandable for that time. He suggests I should seat at the bar; I agreed. As I was walking to the bar another employee asked me if I was waiting for a pick up and I say “no I’m being seated at the bar”. I was trying to decide which side of the bar I wanted to seat until I saw another table that was empty. I immediately asked the same employee if I could seat on that table; the employee said that it was ok but I had to come to the bar to fetch my own drinks because he was a bartender and he couldn’t leave his bar that was serving one person. I was a little thrown off by that response but I wanted to understand and agreed to it. I order a caipirinha(see picture) and regardless of how it looked I still drink it because I didn’t want to make another trip to the bar and potentially be poisoned as retaliation of the complain. I did warned him though so he can get fresh limes. I’m giving only one star merely because of the food. The employee that was working the bar however, was just very rude since the beginning. He could’ve asked another server to bring me the drinks; it was just unnecessary to tell I had to come and get my own drinks. Let alone make me a drink with...