Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar — Restaurant in Philadelphia

I recently dined at Cuba Libre for a friend’s birthday celebration, accompanied by a group of 4. Unfortunately, our experience fell short of expectations due to a combination of poor service and underwhelming food quality.

Upon arrival at 7:50 PM, we were seated promptly; however, it took nearly 40 minutes before our server returned to take our initial orders. Drink service was similarly delayed, and it wasn’t until another 20 minutes later that we were able to place our appetizer order. Despite the restaurant appearing busy, the level of attentiveness from our server did not meet the standard of service one might expect from a well-regarded establishment. It’s worth noting that Brandon, the nightlife manager, made multiple visits to our table to offer his apologies and acknowledge the delays, which we appreciated. Still, this gesture was difficult to reconcile with the observation that the table next to ours accommodated and served three different parties during the course of our visit.

We began our meal with the Cha Cha sampler platter, which included Guacamole Cubano, shrimp cocktail, pork masitas, chicken and ham croquetas, grilled chorizo, chicken chicharrones, black bean hummus, and plantain chips. We also ordered Mamá Amelia’s Empanadas—specifically the Chicken De la Casa variety, featuring chopped chicken, corn, and Jack cheese. The appetizers were the highlight of the evening and the only portion of the meal we found enjoyable and memorable.

For the entrée, I selected the Churrasco a la Cubana, an 8oz grilled skirt steak served with lemon-onion parsley sauce, baby arugula, red wine vinaigrette, and my choice of saffron rice in place of the standard garlic mashed potatoes. I also added grilled shrimp. Unfortunately, the dish was disappointing. The rice had an unpleasant aftertaste and several undercooked, crunchy grains, suggesting it may have come from the bottom of the pot or had been improperly stored. The overall flavor of the entrée was uninspiring, and the extended wait time—approximately 40 minutes—only added to the dissatisfaction.

Additionally, the drink service remained inconsistent throughout the evening, with incorrect orders and excessive delays.

In summary, while the ambiance and occasional staff check-ins were appreciated, the overall experience did not reflect the high praise I had previously heard about Cuba Libre. The lackluster food and subpar service make it unlikely that I will return. Based on this visit, I would rate the restaurant a...

We visited Cuba Libre for the 2022 CCD Restaurant Week to try their 3-course menu. When you make a reservation via their website it asks you to specify between indoor or outdoor seating. I selected indoor. Upon arriving 10 minutes early for my 7:15 reservation, the hostess explained that they just need a few minutes to flip tables. About 10 minutes later she approached us and said the table was ready and asked if outside was okay. I explained that we preferred to be inside. We then had to wait another 15 minutes for the table to be ready. A bit confusing considering Cuba Libre makes a point to say they enforce the 90-minute dining time. At the very least, I wish at check-in they would confirm your dining preference.

As for the food itself, it was fairly good. The complimentary bread and honey butter was a hit. We ordered Mama Amelia’s Empanadas and the Pineapple Guacamole Cubano with plantain chips for starters. Both empanadas were good but the beef was our favorite. The guacamole was not my favorite but it worked with the crispy plantain chips. Our entrees were the Paella Mixta and the Ropa Vieja. Both dishes were tasty and the portions were ample. For dessert, we had Mami Totty’s Arroz Con Leche and Cuban Flan. The rice pudding was good. It wasn’t overly sweet and the whipped cream and vanilla cookie added to the overall flavor. The flan didn’t stand out but wasn’t bad either.

The biggest complaint other than the check-in logistics was the inclusions for the restaurant week menu. There were two chicken dishes, a beef dish, and two paellas with one of them a vegetarian option. Not having a pork or more seafood-based dish as an option was a bit disappointing. It was an overall fun night of good eating. The inside of the restaurant is themed and styled well. I will be back to give try to...

I came here last year for my birthday and had a great time, so I decided to come here for my birthday again and that was a huge mistake. The tables here need to be balanced and leveled, our table was like a seesaw and it wasn't just ours. Other guests next to us we're seated at a rocky table and they moved themselves to a better table. The appetizer was good, the drinks were good but the problem came with the entree. My lady and I ordered both ordered the Churrasco A La Cubana, hers was supposed to be medium and mine was supposed to be well done. When they were brought out the lady didn't know which was which so she had to go back to the kitchen to figure it out. My lady's steak was medium but my steak was definitely not well done. I spoke to the waiter and I showed him my steak and asked if that was well done and he said it wasn't. He asked if I wanted a new steak or that one cooked longer. I said it doesn't matter I just can't eat my food like that (EVERYONE CAN'T EAT UNDERCOOKED MEAT!!!!!) When my food was returned to me 80% of my mashed potatoes were missing from my plate and my steak was still undercooked! Yes, I have pictures and will be posting them. I didn't say anything I just didn't eat it because at that point I felt disrespected. We didn't ask for it but the waiter automatically comped my meal. It's not about the money or the waiter because we gave him a 22% tip, it's about whatever is happening in that kitchen. My birthday was ruined because I left there hungry and angry. I would recommend that everyone goes to the location in Atlantic City and not this one. I was there several months ago, the food was on point and the experience was totally different!!! I live in Philly so this one made more since to go to but never again! This place isn't being...