Cuba – Fun place … for a drink

The singer/guitarist and congero playing when we dined at Cuba on a Friday night were excellent. But loud. I enjoyed the live music but if you want a somewhat quieter meal, ask to be seated downstairs. Though cozy in size, Cuba is not necessarily the place you’d go for a cozy meal.

The musicians weren’t the only entertainment. Seated prominently by the window – and successfully catching the eyes of passerbys on the street – a man rolled fresh cigars. It was never explained to us but I think the cigars could be had for a small gratuity. Had it been warmer I may have taken one, but not envisioning a time or place to smoke a cigar in the near future, I passed.

The menu features dressed up versions of traditional latin favorites like arroz con pollo, papa rellenos, and camarones al ajillo, among other dishes. Between the music and the cigars, there’s a hint of theme restaurant, sadly, the food adds to the impression.

We shared the coconut shrimp and stuffed tostones to start, the grilled Mahi Mahi and butterflyed sirloin steak for entrees. Three of our four dishes featured a garnish of some sort of Caribbean mashed root vegetable. Whatever it was, there was too much of it. Even the tostones were nothing to write home about. The food wasn’t bad it just wasn’t particularly great. New York is a city with lots of Latin food options, and in my opinion many less expensive choices I’ve tried are better.

Perhaps cost is the wrong lens through which to view Cuba. The prices at Cuba weren’t especially high by New York standards, and as part of your dining experience you are treated to live music and a fun festive atmosphere. But much like this review, the food may be the last part of your experience you talk about.

Cuba is located on Thompson Street between Bleecker and West 3^rd. Dinner for two with two appetizers, two entrees, a pitcher of Sangria and one desert came to about $100 before tip.