Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant — Restaurant in Savannah

SOLO DINERS NOT WELCOME!

I have never been made to feel so unwelcome at a restaurant before. Ever.

I arrived about 5:30 pm and was ignored by the man at the host stand (the manager, I later learned). When he tried to seat the group that arrived after I did, I said that I had already been waiting. When he asked how many in my party and I replied "one," he acted like he didn't want to seat me - anywhere. The restaurant was about half empty, save for the heavy and steady stream of people coming in for frozen margaritas. He repeatedly asked if I had a reservation, and I did not. IF they were booked solid with reservations, all he had to do was say so, but that didn't appear to be the issue... He said if I was only ONE, I had to sit at the bar. Mind you, the "bar" had just a few stools and not much space on the crowded countertop to set your drink, let alone a plate or two, and was also right next to the busy, bustling frozen margarita line. When I declined a seat at the bar, he mentioned again about not having a reservation as he seated me at the worst table in the place - in the middle of the drinks line! People wrapped around the table, leaning on the chairs, crowding around it. Wow, ok, message received! I was about to walk out and call for a ride when my very kind server, Ana, graciously agreed to move me to a different table.

The food itself? Meh. I went there for the empanadas - and at my first bite of black bean empanada all I tasted was bitter and sour - maybe the oil was too old? After a few forced bites I just couldn't eat it any more. The vegetales asadas were ok - but served with a very small portion of black beans - I mean, barely bigger than a condiment cup. I scarfed down my food and got out of there quickly. Didn't even bother to order dessert.

There are SO many good restaurants in Savannah. Don't waste your time or money here. Especially if you intend...

Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant is an absolute gem in Savannah, offering an authentic taste of Cuban cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere that transports you straight to Havana. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and a vibrant ambiance that celebrates Cuban culture in the most charming way. The décor, the music, and even the energy of the staff all come together to create a dining experience that is as immersive as it is delicious.

I had the empanadas, and they were simply phenomenal. Perfectly crisp on the outside, warm and flavorful on the inside—each bite was packed with delicious, well-seasoned filling. The attention to detail in the preparation of the food is evident, and you can tell that everything is made with love and authenticity.

What truly stood out to me, though, was the house hot sauce that they serve on the table. It had the perfect balance of heat and flavor, adding an extra kick to every bite. I found myself using it on just about everything, and it elevated the meal in the best way possible. If you enjoy a bit of spice, this hot sauce alone is worth the visit!

Beyond the incredible food, the service was outstanding. The staff was attentive, friendly, and more than happy to offer recommendations, making sure that every guest felt at home. It’s clear that they take pride in not just serving great food but also in sharing Cuban culture and hospitality with their patrons.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cuban cuisine or trying it for the first time, Rancho Alegre is a must-visit spot in Savannah. The combination of flavorful food, warm service, and a lively yet cozy atmosphere makes for an unforgettable dining experience. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for authentic Cuban food in the area. I know I’ll...

Great place in Savannah for a great food, excellent service, and nice atmosphere! As a local I have visited this place at least twice but this time was different.

My wife and I had planned a couples date night at another restaurant that has Jazz music last night and we had a party of 16 people for a 7pm reservation. When we arrived at the other restaurant at 6pm to get in place to host our guests it became clear that the restaurant did not want our business and they were not willing to accommodate us after being in contact with the manager for a week and helping promote their business.

We have to pivot quickly and we did not want our guests to be disappointed so we put in a call to this restaurant at 6:15 and they were able to accept us for a 7pm reservation and the rest is history!!

Live band was great and played at the perfect sound level that allowed us to take in the atmosphere and have great conversations amongst each other.

The food was absolutely delicious and it arrived fairly quickly for a party our size. The plantains, stuffed pineapple, fried red snapper, and the whole tilapia were the stars of the menu.

The MVP’s for the night hands down was the excellent staff and service. We had one waitress that held us down and she was absolutely amazing. Her team supported her with bringing our food to the table and everyone had the right meal, drinks, and etc. They took pictures for us and made sure we were comfortable.

Our only regret is we were having so much fun we forgot to ask for dessert. Awesome experience overall! The price was also just fine and matched...