-- EDIT -- Thanks for the kind response! My review probably came out a little harsher than intended, but I love to hear that you're trying something new with the lechon! This makes me excited to come back and try the results. --
I wanted to try this place when it was still on Division. Great cocktails, if somewhat inattentive bar service. The food dishes were beautifully presented (seared tuna tostada is a winner). But as Cuban food it falls short on the basics. Lechon asado lacks enough mojo or marinade, and presented without any crispy skin or crunch. It's approximately a pile of very boring central fatty carnitas sans garlic or citrus, not a lechon asado. This indicates a problem with technique or not spending the time to make the most of what can be done with quality pork and ingredients.
White rice is included with almost every dish but is oddly never accompanied by black beans. The rice is incorrect for Cuban style: You don't use 2 cups of water per cup of rice. You should pre-fry the rice dry with olive oil and garlic, use 1-1/2 water to 1 rice, and salt it toward the end. The rice tasted like the bland rice at Chipotle. Had to order black beans separately, which were okay but also wrong. No bay leaf, not enough cumin.
Overall it was a reasonable facsimile of Cuban food with some nicer touches, but Cuban food is supposed to be made for delicious eating and not just looking at.
We enjoyed the cocktails and nice atmosphere, and 5 stars on the original dishes. But on the basics it tastes like someone trying to make Cuban food who doesn't know how. Chef needs to get in there and taste it. Go to some Cuban food trucks if needed and take the kitchen staff. This place could be 5 stars.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
mabel emily
I love espresso martinis!!! This place was phenomenal truly. I forgot my wallet and they chased after me to get it back! 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
BJC
My husband and I ate at Palomar Recently and really enjoyed the ambiance The service and the food. We will make it a point to go again soon and I really look forward to it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tara Ledgerwood
They have a fantastic happy hour. Friendly staff, beautiful unique atmosphere and incredible frozen summer cocktails!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sara Marie
Phenomenal cocktails, absolutely loved their espresso martini and frozen painkiller cocktails. Bartenders had great recommendations for everything around the area so this is definitely a great place to stop in.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Douglas Leaf
Had a great Cuban dinner. Everything was great!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brittany Compton
This place deserves 10 stars! First we started with the oyster which was a delight to the palate. The cocktails were curated perfectly. I had the sizzle and my husband had the the hotel nationa and mojito they were the best!. We also had the pork belly fried rice and the pork shoulder as entrees which were also fabulous. Very filling. I love the pickled veggies on the side. I love the play music directed to the cuisine you are eating!!!! Thank you for an amazing dinner and date night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gabriel Howe
Amazing fried rice! Our server Stevie was also great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stephanie Erickson
Cannot say enough good things about Palomar! Phenomenal food and drinks! Ricky is a genius. Love the atmosphere! This is a MUST!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
B. Caldwell
New location is off the hook. Everyone was very nice. Owner chatted me up for a minute- super nice guy i really like seeing people like that be so successful at their craft. The food has actually gotten better over the years which is always a good sign. Next i gotta try brunch.
Have a daiquiri. Have two. Don't sleep on the food. 🍻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kekai Nani
I want to try everything in their menu!! I could eat 12 of their oysters myself. The Arroz Fritos was the best fried rice ever… I can go on & on about this place. Every plate was explained to us when they brought it out… absolutely loves the experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork, Cuban Fried Rice, Oysters on the Half Shell, Arroz Frito
Tyler Ulferts
Karine and Rosemary are the best bartenders on 23rd. This bar is a welcome addition and I’ll be back. Thank you for a great time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennifer R
Palomar is that perfect blend of flavor, flair, and heart. The Cuban‑comfort dishes are reliably satisfying; the cocktail program delivers both fun and finesse; and the staff—well, they truly shine, making every visit feel warm, joyous, and expertly served. If you love Cuban food and crave a space full of energy and authenticity, Palomar belongs on your radar.
-- EDIT --
Thanks for the kind response! My review probably came out a little harsher than intended, but I love to hear that you're trying something new with the lechon! This makes me excited to come back and try the results.
--
I wanted to try this place when it was still on Division. Great cocktails, if somewhat inattentive bar service. The food dishes were beautifully presented (seared tuna tostada is a winner). But as Cuban food it falls short on the basics. Lechon asado lacks enough mojo or marinade, and presented without any crispy skin or crunch. It's approximately a pile of very boring central fatty carnitas sans garlic or citrus, not a lechon asado. This indicates a problem with technique or not spending the time to make the most of what can be done with quality pork and ingredients.
White rice is included with almost every dish but is oddly never accompanied by black beans. The rice is incorrect for Cuban style: You don't use 2 cups of water per cup of rice. You should pre-fry the rice dry with olive oil and garlic, use 1-1/2 water to 1 rice, and salt it toward the end. The rice tasted like the bland rice at Chipotle. Had to order black beans separately, which were okay but also wrong. No bay leaf, not enough cumin.
Overall it was a reasonable facsimile of Cuban food with some nicer touches, but Cuban food is supposed to be made for delicious eating and not just looking at.
We enjoyed the cocktails and nice atmosphere, and 5 stars on the original dishes. But on the basics it tastes like someone trying to make Cuban food who doesn't know how. Chef needs to get in there and taste it. Go to some Cuban food trucks if needed and take the kitchen staff. This place could be 5 stars.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
I love espresso martinis!!! This place was phenomenal truly. I forgot my wallet and they chased after me to get it back! 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband and I ate at Palomar Recently and really enjoyed the ambiance The service and the food. We will make it a point to go again soon and I really look forward to it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
They have a fantastic happy hour. Friendly staff, beautiful unique atmosphere and incredible frozen summer cocktails!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Phenomenal cocktails, absolutely loved their espresso martini and frozen painkiller cocktails. Bartenders had great recommendations for everything around the area so this is definitely a great place to stop in.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Had a great Cuban dinner. Everything was great!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place deserves 10 stars! First we started with the oyster which was a delight to the palate. The cocktails were curated perfectly. I had the sizzle and my husband had the the hotel nationa and mojito they were the best!. We also had the pork belly fried rice and the pork shoulder as entrees which were also fabulous. Very filling. I love the pickled veggies on the side.
I love the play music directed to the cuisine you are eating!!!! Thank you for an amazing dinner and date night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing fried rice! Our server Stevie was also great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cannot say enough good things about Palomar! Phenomenal food and drinks! Ricky is a genius. Love the atmosphere! This is a MUST!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
New location is off the hook. Everyone was very nice. Owner chatted me up for a minute- super nice guy i really like seeing people like that be so successful at their craft. The food has actually gotten better over the years which is always a good sign. Next i gotta try brunch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Have a daiquiri. Have two. Don't sleep on the food. 🍻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I want to try everything in their menu!! I could eat 12 of their oysters myself. The Arroz Fritos was the best fried rice ever… I can go on & on about this place. Every plate was explained to us when they brought it out… absolutely loves the experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork, Cuban Fried Rice, Oysters on the Half Shell, Arroz Frito
Karine and Rosemary are the best bartenders on 23rd. This bar is a welcome addition and I’ll be back. Thank you for a great time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Palomar is that perfect blend of flavor, flair, and heart. The Cuban‑comfort dishes are reliably satisfying; the cocktail program delivers both fun and finesse; and the staff—well, they truly shine, making every visit feel warm, joyous, and expertly served. If you love Cuban food and crave a space full of energy and authenticity, Palomar belongs on your radar.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent cocktails
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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