Rumba Cubana - Clifton — Restaurant in Passaic

Folks I have written a review on Yelp but im still writing this review because im so angry and upset at this place. This place was a waste of $200….. to start off everyone here acts as if they don’t know English. It took me being frustrated with the 3 front staff members to finally get someone who understood I was asking for a table for 3 and a high chair. Next we were seated in a tight space ( folks if you’re looking for spacious this isn’t the place). Next I sat down and began to time how long it would take before they decided to send someone over to help us. It took almost 10 minutes for anyone to come or even acknowledge us. We ordered our drinks and our daughters kids meal ( the kids meal came in a pretty cool old school car my daughter was really happy about it) but we asked for ketchup and the ketchup never came to the table! We had to flag someone down to tell them to bring some ( all while they stand in 4 separate parts of the restaurant staring at there guest) next we ordered our appetizers we ordered 3 of them ( empanadas, a platter and calamari) there was nothing special about these items a little high priced but it’s ok cause we we’re out eating dinner. We finished our appetizers and had to wait another 15 minutes for them to take our order. Next we ordered our entrees folks everything is Ala Kart if you don’t order from a part of the menu which has about 5 items that is considered a combo. They don’t tell you this at no point during your order taking ( be aware to ask questions don’t just order because no one apparently knows English/acts as if they don’t understand English) so my wife ordered a plate of the menu which is a combo and I ordered the steak, rice, beans and avacado ( it’s ($4.00 for rice, $4.00 for beans and $4.00 for avacado) folks also the menu is in Spanish but the description is in English which was super confusing! By the time our food came we were just done with this place a customer trying to get out of her seat at the next table slammed into my 8 month olds high chair and when I said something management went to her to ask if there was a problem and were being a problem. At this point I SPOKE IN SPANISH because I AM LATINO! Which caught everyone by surprise! My bill was 148$ even though this place isn’t worth anyone’s money I still left a tip of 18% I won’t let ignorance and racism ruin my blessings in life! So folks when you read this is you are Latino or American ( any race other then Spanish) GO...

Stopped by Rumba Cubana after work for some drinks and a quick bite with my GF. The place is spacious with a decent crowd for a Wednesday evening, and plenty of waiters on standby, giving a bit of a "security guard" vibe as they stood around, ready to assist at a moment's notice.

Starting with drinks, I ordered the Caipirinha, which I’ve been fond of ever since trying it at Fogo de Chao. I opted for the passion fruit version, which was decent but not quite on the same level as the one I’ve had at Fogo. My girlfriend tried the Mula Cubana, their take on a Moscow Mule. It was tasty, though a bit too sweet, and I would’ve liked more ginger. Finally, I asked our waiter, Hollman, for a strong drink recommendation, and he suggested Papa's Mentirita, their version of a Cuba Libre. It was exactly what I was looking for—strong and flavorful, perfect to cap off my night without risking a hangover for work the next day.

For appetizers, we started with the Calamares Rumberos, which were well-cooked and paired with a unique dipping sauce that really elevated the dish with its bold, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. We also tried the Ceviche De Pescado Traditional. Unfortunately, this was a big letdown. The ceviche was overwhelmed by lime, to the point where it was hard to taste the fish or any other ingredients. We didn’t even finish it and had it taken away.

For the main course, my girlfriend ordered the Vaca Frita, which was served in a plantain bowl with shredded beef. The beef was delicious and flavorful and paired well with the fried crispy plantain. The dish overall was pretty good. We skipped dessert this time around, feeling satisfied after the meal.

Our waiter, Hollman, was outstanding throughout the night. Very attentive and helpful with menu suggestions, and even took the ceviche off our bill without us asking when he noticed we didn’t enjoy it. That gesture really elevated the service experience for us.

One thing to note is the parking situation. The layout is a bit strange, with cars blocking each other in. I didn’t want to risk getting blocked in, so I opted to park on the street.

Overall, Rumba Cubana was a pleasant surprise. For the quality of service, food, and drinks, the price was more affordable than I expected, making it an excellent value. I could definitely see myself returning to try more menu items, and I would highly recommend the Clifton location, especially for the...

I've been a loyal customer at Rumba Cubana for around two years, visiting 1-2 times a week, especially for family celebrations like birthdays. The food has consistently been a favorite spot especially for my family's celebrations, including birthdays. Unfortunately, my last two visits have been disappointing, with the usual quality of the food not up to par. Today (Wednesday Feb 21) pick-up experience further added to my dissatisfaction.

My go to is the Ropa Vieja, which always comes with a small condiment container of the homemade hot sauce. When dining in, I often ask for extra hot sauce, offering to pay, but staff usually provides only one extra, claiming they cannot give more even if I'm willing to pay. I really loved that sauce.

During today's pick-up around 4 pm, I asked for the usual extra hot sauce. The manager, a tall, skinny man in a blue shirt with glasses, responded rudely. His eyes widened and he gave me a face like I was crazy. He pointed and poked harshly at each item on my receipt, stating, “Mira! Ninguna comida que tu pediste viene con picante. Me tienes que pagar si quieres” ("Look! None of your food comes with hot sauce. If you want it, you have to pay me").

This abrupt and unfriendly interaction surprised me, and I expressed my willingness to pay, but I also asked him to communicate more politely. In response, the manager laughed in my face and walked away. Two hostesses nearby whispered and confirmed that was the manager.

This encounter deeply upset me, considering my and my families consistent loyalty. The manager's lack of courtesy and dismissive attitude contrast sharply with my positive experiences over the past two years. The strong and disrespectful attitude I received from the manager has left me hurt, and I'm uncertain if I can continue patronizing Rumba Cubana. And i’m scared to go back to have the manger yell at me again.

I told my husband about my encounter. He is the one who usually picks up when we do take out. He told me that he always has rude...