Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar — Restaurant in Washington

I’m limited by explanation due to Googles character limit but here it goes... Let me start by acknowledging that the food at Cuba Libre during our visit on Sunday evening (10/17/21) was nothing short of phenomenal. Certainly no one in our party left unsatiated. The flavors and the plating were spectacular, as well. Everyone in our 6-person group was pleased with both drink and food items. Now, let me say that my wife and I have lived in the DMV area for nearly nine years and consider ourselves self-proclaimed “foodies.” We cook, order takeout, and explore new restaurants feverishly, and love doing both. That said, we have seldom, if ever, experienced a server with such social ineptitude and poor interpersonal skills. With respect and general human decency, I will leave his name out of this review and provide it privately to a manager at a later time. The issues with this male server were as follows: We started off by ordering six alcoholic drinks. The server spilled one quite a bit when setting it down at the table and proceeded to blame the bartender for having filled it too full. A replacement drink was not provided. After receiving our six drinks and six waters, we asked for straws that never came. I ended up having to go to the bar and grab some. My mother-in-law is highly allergic to shellfish & asked if the paella could easily/safely be made sans shrimp. The server took the rest of our dinner orders & said he would check with the kitchen but never returned to tell us the outcome. My wife had to seek him out & specifically ask again. For the record, they were able to accommodate the allergy & we had no safety/health issues, thankfully. Next, we had to ask for bread two, if not three, separate times. It was eventually carried over by someone other than our server. We did not receive plates with said bread, & again had to fight to get these brought to us in a timely manner. Notably, tables around us received bread even prior to placement of their silverware and waters. Our food came quickly & as previously mentioned, was utterly delicious. As the meal drew to a close, we opted to order one cup of rice pudding & noted to the server that we each just wanted a small bite & would be sharing it as a group. To no surprise by this point, the dessert arrived with but a single spoon. We asked the server for a few more. He responded, quote, “I just don’t see how six people can split that one dessert, but OK.” We ultimately did receive extra spoons & the rice pudding it was just as delicious. Lastly it came time to pay. We had three couples, three separate checks, & three credit cards. Easy peasy. I handed over a credit card for mine and my wife’s meals. I raved about the quality of the food and asked if I could leave cash tip. The server said yes, this was fine. After I completed the card transaction on his handheld device, he continued to stand there, hovering beside my wife and I. He eventually said, “You said cash tip, right sir?” My wife realized, in total dismay, that he had just asked for his tip & would continue standing there until it was received! My wife, frustrated beyond belief, said, “We will finish our dessert & my husband will leave it on the table.” I had already begun counting out the cash by this point, so I finished and laid it on the table in front of me. The server ignored my wife’s statement, scooped up the cash, and proceeded to COUNT. IT. In front of our whole group. While still hovering over my wife and I! When he finished counting and seemed satisfied with the 20+% tip he said, “Great, thanks. Have a great night!” and finally walked away. This young gentleman was clearly new & lacked overall knowledge and training. He should not have been on the floor that night (or perhaps ever) and his supervisors/management should be ashamed of his behavior. His interpersonal skills at the table were embarrassing, to say the least, and the service we received was absolutely unacceptable. Unfortunately, I doubt we will be returning to this location anytime soon. Perhaps for...

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar – A Flavorful Escape to Havana During our recent visit to Washington, D.C., we had the pleasure of dining at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, and it was an experience that transported us straight to the heart of Old Havana. From the vibrant atmosphere to the mouthwatering cuisine, every detail of this restaurant captured the warmth, energy, and authenticity of Cuban culture.

A Lively & Immersive Ambiance The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by the beautifully designed space, featuring colonial-style architecture, colorful decor, and lively Latin music that immediately set the mood. The dim lighting, intricate ironwork, and tropical plants added to the immersive experience, making us feel as if we had just walked into a lively Cuban street scene.

Despite the restaurant being busy and full of energy, the service remained exceptional. The staff was welcoming, attentive, and more than happy to offer recommendations, ensuring that our dining experience was both enjoyable and memorable.

Authentic Cuban Flavors & Craft Cocktails The menu at Cuba Libre is a celebration of Cuban cuisine, offering a variety of dishes that highlight bold flavors and traditional ingredients. We started with Ceviche de Pargo, a refreshing and zesty red snapper dish that was perfectly marinated. The Empanadas de Picadillo were another standout—crispy, flavorful, and filled with a deliciously spiced beef mixture.

For the main course, we couldn’t resist the Vaca Frita, a classic Cuban dish featuring crispy shredded beef with onions, citrus, and garlic—it was incredibly tender and packed with flavor. The Lechón Asado (roast pork) was equally outstanding, served with a side of black beans, rice, and yuca that rounded out the meal beautifully.

No visit to Cuba Libre would be complete without sampling their impressive rum selection and craft cocktails. The Mojitos were some of the best we’ve ever had—fresh, perfectly balanced, and made tableside for an extra touch of authenticity. Their Cuba Libre cocktail, featuring aged rum and a house-made cola reduction, was a must-try for any rum enthusiast.

An Unforgettable Culinary Experience Whether you're a fan of Cuban cuisine or just looking for a fun and vibrant dining experience in D.C., Cuba Libre is a must-visit. The combination of delicious food, fantastic cocktails, and an electric atmosphere makes it a standout spot for both locals and visitors alike.

We left feeling completely satisfied and already planning our next visit. If you're in D.C. and craving authentic Cuban flavors with a side of lively Latin hospitality, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is the...

This is a long review, but please read to the end. Food is really good and the decor is great. On Friday and Saturday nights, not sure the time (I think around 10) the place basically turns into a salsa dance club. Really cool. Only reason it didn't get 5 stars from me this time was because our service was awful this trip.

This is a follow up to that visit. The GM contacted me regarding the service. He took the time to address what happened and has generously offered to invite us back and make it right. This is the type of service restaurants should try to achieve. He takes pride in the customer experience and was very sincere. So I'm changing to 5 stars. I look forward to our next visit. As I said previously, the food is good, actually, great, and just a great place to have fun with your friends. I highly recommend this place. For a great app, try the empanadas. Really tasty. Oh, and I did forget to mention before, I'd suggest reservations on Friday and Saturday as a lot are there to enjoy the food and then dance the night away with some unique drinks they have! I'm confident our next visit will be amazing and I can't wait!!! I'll add photos of the dance floor and the food we choose this time around.

We just had our evening here again after the service that was subpar before. This time, there was nothing subpar about our experience. We had a great table, our waiter was very attentive, fun, and made great suggestions for our friend that hadn't been there before. We had chicken and beef empanadas, and pineapple guacamole for apps. Was very good. Our dinner was very good. My friend and I had the plato gaucho mixed grill. My other friend had a neat and rice dish that I forgot to ask the name of. He's a chef at the White House, and he thought everything was excellent! The manager was aware of our previous experience and brought us desserts, and after dinner drinks that was a very nice touch, and we're also very good. The music was really good. The place really filled up with people to dance the night away on the dance floor that starts at 11 until 3 am. Everyone was having a great time. There was a pretty good sized line of people waiting outside to get in to enjoy the dancing. Really a perfect night out. Please go and support this restaurant. I highly doubt you will regret it. And if something isn't right, they will ensure to make it right. A big thank you to the GM, Matthew Fox, the manager Jessica, and...