Mambo Latin Kitchen & Empanadas

313 Union Ave, Rutherford
(201) 933-3888

Recent Reviews

Angie G.

Loved this restaurant!! The food was AMAZING, from the empanadas, to the mofongo, to the tres leches! We had a large table (9) and everyone absolutely loved their meal. The portions are big, which was great for the price. The ambiance was also great, as they played great music. They also put the birthday girl's picture on the menu he which I thought was such a nice touch. The service was as phenomenal, our waitress was patient and super sweet! I will definitely return soon. Restaurant is small, so I suggest making a reservation if it's more than 2 people.

Steve S.

Had brunch with a group of people. Food was delicious and the service was outstanding. Highly recommend this establishment. Will be going there again!

Jonathan A.

Service was not good I had to hunt my waiter down whenever I needed something.. than he takes my to go box with him along with the garbage and brings it back.. the ban de bono was good but the food was not.. Ambiance was good the guy singing did good.. I just wasn't of fan of my waiter and his lack of attention to my table. Maybe he thought I ain't have money to tip. But I tip even when the service is bad

Maria Irizarry

The food is so good. They make the best empanadas.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Liza Fernandez

I recently celebrated my husband's 60th birthday at Mambo Latin Kitchen & Empanadas and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect experience. From the moment I met EJ ,the most accomodating, down to earth owner anyone could ever meet, I knew it was the place we wanted to celebrate such a milestone. His vibrant, positive spirit helped to seal the deal. He assisted with his expertise and helped from start to the finish with all the details needed to make this event memorable. The food was to die for, every dish crafted to perfection. If you're looking for a restaurant that provides delicious food a fun enviroment, and exceptional service, look no further than Mambo Latin Kitchen & Empanadas. Guys, it's also BYOB !!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Ceviche De Camarones Con Mango, Cuban Sandwich, Garlic Shrimp, Sancocho, Avocado Salad, Beef, Pollo Maya Garlic Chicken, Paella

Ildeliza F.

I recently celebrated my husband's 60th birthday at Mambo Latin Kitchen & Empanadas and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect experience. From the moment I met EJ ,the most accomodating, down to earth owner anyone could ever meet, I knew it was the place we wanted to celebrate such a milestone. His vibrant, positive spirit helped to seal the deal. He assisted with his expertise and helped from start to the finish with all the details needed to make this event memorable. The food was to die for, every dish crafted to perfection. If you're looking for a restaurant that provides delicious food a fun enviroment, and exceptional service, look no further than Mambo Latin Kitchen & Empanadas. Guys, it's also BYOB !!

Jose P.

Mambo Latin Kitchen was an exceptional experience. The fusion of every item is evident and I'm glad that Cuban spearheads the cuisine. After all, Mambo was invented in Havana. The restaurant is decorated beautifully, the staff worked diligently to make our experience memorable, and we enjoyed the music that constantly played throughout the meal. The empanadas that we started with (Brisket Oxtail, Pastelon, and Mexican) were the best I've ever had. We even ordered some for dessert (Guava and Nutella). The drinks (Piña Colada and Mango Smoothie) were just as good as the empanadas. Our entrees were exceptional. The Bistec Encebollado was incredible, the moro rice was perfectly prepared, and the sweet plantains were delightfully sweet. The portion was also large enough to ask for a to-go container. The Lomo/Steak, I was told, was the best they ever had. The tenderness of each piece of steak, combined with the white rice/fries, made the dish scrumptious. The Quarter Chicken, with Arepa con Queso, was exquisite. The meat tenderly came off the bone and the sweet smell of the seasoning was superb. For dessert, we shared the Coquito Flan and it just followed the same pattern as the rest of the meal. The coconut flakes, adorning the top, combined with the whipped cream, was a nice complement to every spoonful of sweetness. Mambo Latin Kitchen won us over. I wish everyone continued success and I WILL return with many others, in order to experience the same memorable meal that was throughly enjoyed.

Victor W.

MIND BLOWN! That about sums it up. We were looking for a new Cuban restaurant to change things up, saw the positive reviews and said why not. Thank goodness we did! From the outside, its most humble and unassuming storefront hides the treasure within. From the moment you step in, you just know this is going to be special. I can't emphasize enough how transcending the food was. I dare say BETTER than my grandmother made (forgive me abuelita)! Legit! So much so we just have not stopped talking about it. The empanada menu alone makes it hard not to order them all. And it's BYOB!!! This will be on our go to list and look forward to trying EVERYTHING! The decor is the cutest and well curated! Fresh and clean and awesome music/ambiance. Lastly the service could not be more hospitable and genuine. This is a find! Be sure to make reservations!!!

Edward D. Naylor Jr.

Great Food! Incredible Ambiance!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Carmen R.

Food was good, music was good, but the place is sooo small. Do not expect to have a private conversation. My Husband had to slide our table so we wouldnt bump into the other couples table when we left. We also waited for our food for over an hour. The waitress never came over to say anything about the delay. Another couple that was there before us, was still waiting for their food after we got ours. i would probably call to get take out. But wouldnt sit in for dinner there again.

Danielle I.

We had the Banana and Nutella empanadas and they did not disappoint. We also ordered the Chocolate mouse cake and that was also amazing. We were extremely happy with our desserts!

Victor Mateo

My favorite restaurant!❤I come here all the time. The food is fantastic.I love everything about this place.I highly recommend it.!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Rafael H.

My new favorite restaurant! incredible food, fantastic service and beautiful ambiance. The food is so amazing I get appetizers and main courses to go after I've finished dinner. 5 huge stars!

May L.

I don't even like Cuban food and this place is fantastic. The food is incredible and the empanadas are ALL good. Yes, it's a fusion restaurant so it's not just Cuban. Maybe that's what makes it better? 100/10. It's also BYOB, the decor is adorable, bathroom is very clean and staff are friendly.

True Flexing

From the moment I walked through the doors, the hospitality and atmosphere stood out. The restaurant comes to life in all the right ways from the lay out, to the music, to the aesthetic. Our waitress was incredibly kind and her customer service was refreshing to experience as a customer. She was super helpful in showing me how to navigate the menu filled with such delicious options. And what one comes here for, the food. I have lived on the east coast my whole life and this was the best authentic Latin American cuisine I have the pleasure of experiencing. From the variety of tasteful empanadas, to the delicious chicaron and tostones. If you are a fan of Hispanic culture and cuisine, I couldn’t recommend a spot better than this one. Do yourself the favor and come through.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Load More

Mambo Latin Kitchen & Empanadas

313 Union Ave, Rutherford, NJ 07070
(201) 933-3888