DO NOT go to THE CUBAN in Hoboken
I don’t take leaving negative reviews lightly. I would much rather support a local business than bash one. However, after attempting to address this directly with management multiple times and being met with zero follow-up and continued avoidance of responsibility, I feel obligated to share our experience.
What we dealt with went far beyond poor service. It was unsanitary, chaotic, and frankly a potential health hazard that warrants review by the health department.
We arranged for a private loft space on Valentine’s Day to host a surprise birthday dinner for 25 guests with a prepaid prix fixe menu. From start to finish, the night was a disaster:
* We were promised a private loft space, yet two other couples were seated upstairs with us, leaving some of our guests without proper seating and creating an awkward, cramped setup.
* From the moment we arrived, buckets were placed in the middle of the party area due to a leaking ceiling caused by overflowing toilet water from the bathroom above. Water dripped into the dining area all night — onto guests, tables, and plates. There was one bucket gathering brown water from the ceiling when we arrived and at least three by the time we left. Food and drinks were carried directly beneath it and the floor was soaked. This is a serious health code concern, and notably, two guests became sick after the party.
* We appeared to have one single server for 25 people, resulting in extremely slow service. For a 6:30 reservation, appetizers began arriving 90 minutes later — one plate at a time — some cold by the time others were served.
* Dinner was not served until 9:30pm. After nearly three hours of waiting for entrees, some guests had to leave without ever receiving food.
* The included coffee, tea, and dessert — part of the prepaid package — were never offered or served.
* After requesting to speak with a manager about the experience and a possible partial refund, we were told we would receive a call. That call never came.
This was not a matter of a busy holiday or a minor delay. It was a complete breakdown in cleanliness, staffing, communication, and accountability — compounded by management’s lack of professionalism and refusal to take responsibility afterward.
I genuinely hope ownership takes this seriously before anyone else books a party or chooses to dine here, because no one should have to experience what we did.
Henry Harting
The Classic was outstanding.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shima Rastgordani
It was my second time at The Cuban and the first time we were sitting in one of the rooms in upstairs which was quite calm and cozy. Though this time because I had my dog they sat us in the first table by the entrance door but the service was quite nice.
We had the Ropa Vieja, Vaca Frita, El Classico. The portion was too much for me, and El Classico was too greasy for me but in general we liked the experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jonathan Marcano
If you don’t know, now you know. You’ve been missing out on this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Susie
If I could give 10 stars, I would! The service is amazing! The entire staff is do friendly, professional, and accommodating! We were a party of 14 with 2 young kiddies and everything was excellent!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vaca Frita Plato, Arroz Blanco Y Frijol Negros, Empanaditas De Espinaca Y Manchego, Cuban Sandwich
Kristen Czerepusko
Went here years ago and it was great. Decided to go back for Valentine’s Day and not so much. We arrived before our reservation so we started at the bar. The bartender did not acknowledge our existence until a few minutes of sitting there aimlessly, despite being empty with no other customers. When we asked for the happy hour menu, we were literally just told “no” with no further explanation. Upon asking since it was a Friday, he then told us that there was no happy hour as it was a holiday so we skipped drinks and got our table. The dinner menu handed to us did not reflect the menu on their website. It was a three course Valentines Day special that priced everything higher than their typical menu. When asked to get the normal menu (because neither of us wanted three courses) they said “tomorrow.” Needless to say we then got up and left without having a single drink or bite to eat, went to a bar next door where we were greeted with good service and regular weekday happy hour as advertised.
Service: 1
Gian Luigi
I went here this afternoon with my family. Had a really great time. The place has a great atmosphere. The staff was friendly and helpful. We had appetizers , entrees and dessert. Sometimes when you go to a restaurant they are weak on a certain category on the menu. I’m happy to say that everything was delicious. I will definitely return. Thanks The Cuban, Hoboken.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mohamed Elbaroudi
cozy place with cheerful staff. very delicious seafood.
Vegetarian options: there are vegetarian options to choose from.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jed V
The ambiance is comfortable and we were seated (party of 8) right away without reservation on a Sunday afternoon. The reetroom location is on the 3rd floor and no accessible elevator. Perhaps there was another location we were not told but if you are physically challenged, this will be a definite concern. The food is typical and did not find anything special that would distinguish it from another Cuban restaurant. The price appears to be a bit more for the serving size provided. There was a dish that seams to be off the typical traditional dish, using the white sweet bun usually seen in Asian dish.
Wheelchair accessibility: Not accessible (restroom)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jonathan G
Was a little disappointed in the food. Feel like it used to be better. Service was great. Happy hour prices are great. Still a Hoboken staple. Had the vaca frita, empanada sampler and pollo criollo.
Linda did a great job being hospitable towards us and giving us recommendations not only for the restaurant but also for our visit to the city. She was attentive and this place was a great date spot for the wife and I. Small but we liked the atmosphere and the food was very good. The steak with chimichurri and yuca was delicious
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ji Young Yoon
Food is so good! Both steaks were juicy and tender and flavorful! Great service as well! Decent cocktails.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Churrasco with Yucca Fries and Salad, Cuban Sandwich
Donald Robbins
The food is special. The service is great. Pleasant atmosphere. Could not ask for more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Guacamole with Octupus
Stephanie Savino
This place has such high quality food. I loved the octopus appetizer & the hanger steak. Healthy options but so tasty. Also sooo reasonably priced. 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelle P
The service was really good. We wanted hot sauce, and they provided it so quickly (multiple times). They even packed my left overs and replenished water after we paid the check.
The mojitos are okay. Got the coconut flavor.
Same for vaca Friday it was okay. The texture was the highlight.
DO NOT go to THE CUBAN in Hoboken I don’t take leaving negative reviews lightly. I would much rather support a local business than bash one. However, after attempting to address this directly with management multiple times and being met with zero follow-up and continued avoidance of responsibility, I feel obligated to share our experience. What we dealt with went far beyond poor service. It was unsanitary, chaotic, and frankly a potential health hazard that warrants review by the health department. We arranged for a private loft space on Valentine’s Day to host a surprise birthday dinner for 25 guests with a prepaid prix fixe menu. From start to finish, the night was a disaster: * We were promised a private loft space, yet two other couples were seated upstairs with us, leaving some of our guests without proper seating and creating an awkward, cramped setup. * From the moment we arrived, buckets were placed in the middle of the party area due to a leaking ceiling caused by overflowing toilet water from the bathroom above. Water dripped into the dining area all night — onto guests, tables, and plates. There was one bucket gathering brown water from the ceiling when we arrived and at least three by the time we left. Food and drinks were carried directly beneath it and the floor was soaked. This is a serious health code concern, and notably, two guests became sick after the party. * We appeared to have one single server for 25 people, resulting in extremely slow service. For a 6:30 reservation, appetizers began arriving 90 minutes later — one plate at a time — some cold by the time others were served. * Dinner was not served until 9:30pm. After nearly three hours of waiting for entrees, some guests had to leave without ever receiving food. * The included coffee, tea, and dessert — part of the prepaid package — were never offered or served. * After requesting to speak with a manager about the experience and a possible partial refund, we were told we would receive a call. That call never came. This was not a matter of a busy holiday or a minor delay. It was a complete breakdown in cleanliness, staffing, communication, and accountability — compounded by management’s lack of professionalism and refusal to take responsibility afterward. I genuinely hope ownership takes this seriously before anyone else books a party or chooses to dine here, because no one should have to experience what we did.
The Classic was outstanding.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It was my second time at The Cuban and the first time we were sitting in one of the rooms in upstairs which was quite calm and cozy. Though this time because I had my dog they sat us in the first table by the entrance door but the service was quite nice.
We had the Ropa Vieja, Vaca Frita, El Classico. The portion was too much for me, and El Classico was too greasy for me but in general we liked the experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
If you don’t know, now you know. You’ve been missing out on this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If I could give 10 stars, I would! The service is amazing! The entire staff is do friendly, professional, and accommodating! We were a party of 14 with 2 young kiddies and everything was excellent!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vaca Frita Plato, Arroz Blanco Y Frijol Negros, Empanaditas De Espinaca Y Manchego, Cuban Sandwich
Went here years ago and it was great. Decided to go back for Valentine’s Day and not so much. We arrived before our reservation so we started at the bar. The bartender did not acknowledge our existence until a few minutes of sitting there aimlessly, despite being empty with no other customers. When we asked for the happy hour menu, we were literally just told “no” with no further explanation. Upon asking since it was a Friday, he then told us that there was no happy hour as it was a holiday so we skipped drinks and got our table. The dinner menu handed to us did not reflect the menu on their website. It was a three course Valentines Day special that priced everything higher than their typical menu. When asked to get the normal menu (because neither of us wanted three courses) they said “tomorrow.” Needless to say we then got up and left without having a single drink or bite to eat, went to a bar next door where we were greeted with good service and regular weekday happy hour as advertised.
Service: 1
I went here this afternoon with my family. Had a really great time. The place has a great atmosphere. The staff was friendly and helpful. We had appetizers , entrees and dessert. Sometimes when you go to a restaurant they are weak on a certain category on the menu. I’m happy to say that everything was delicious. I will definitely return. Thanks The Cuban, Hoboken.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
cozy place with cheerful staff. very delicious seafood.
Vegetarian options: there are vegetarian options to choose from.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The ambiance is comfortable and we were seated (party of 8) right away without reservation on a Sunday afternoon. The reetroom location is on the 3rd floor and no accessible elevator. Perhaps there was another location we were not told but if you are physically challenged, this will be a definite concern. The food is typical and did not find anything special that would distinguish it from another Cuban restaurant. The price appears to be a bit more for the serving size provided. There was a dish that seams to be off the typical traditional dish, using the white sweet bun usually seen in Asian dish.
Wheelchair accessibility: Not accessible (restroom)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Was a little disappointed in the food. Feel like it used to be better. Service was great. Happy hour prices are great. Still a Hoboken staple. Had the vaca frita, empanada sampler and pollo criollo.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Linda did a great job being hospitable towards us and giving us recommendations not only for the restaurant but also for our visit to the city. She was attentive and this place was a great date spot for the wife and I. Small but we liked the atmosphere and the food was very good. The steak with chimichurri and yuca was delicious
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food is so good! Both steaks were juicy and tender and flavorful! Great service as well! Decent cocktails.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Churrasco with Yucca Fries and Salad, Cuban Sandwich
The food is special. The service is great. Pleasant atmosphere. Could not ask for more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Guacamole with Octupus
This place has such high quality food. I loved the octopus appetizer & the hanger steak. Healthy options but so tasty. Also sooo reasonably priced. 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service was really good. We wanted hot sauce, and they provided it so quickly (multiple times). They even packed my left overs and replenished water after we paid the check.
The mojitos are okay. Got the coconut flavor.
Same for vaca Friday it was okay. The texture was the highlight.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
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