Benny’s Cuban Cafe

- 71-28 Fresh Pond Rd, Ridgewood, NY 11385

Benny’s Cuban Cafe: Your Go-To Spot for Authentic Cuban Flavors in Queens

In the vibrant, culturally rich landscape of New York City, finding a taste of home or a delicious culinary escape can be a quest. For New Yorkers craving the warm, comforting, and bold flavors of Caribbean cuisine, Benny’s Cuban Cafe stands out as an essential destination. Nestled in the dynamic neighborhood of Ridgewood, Queens, this local gem has quickly become a beloved spot, delivering an authentic Cuban dining experience that is both welcoming and deeply satisfying. It's more than just a restaurant; it’s a community hub that brings the spirit of Havana right to the streets of NYC.

Benny’s Cuban Cafe has garnered a reputation for its commitment to traditional recipes, generous portions, and a cozy, casual atmosphere. Patrons often describe the experience as being instantly transported, praising the perfectly seasoned dishes and the truly warm welcome from the staff. As one delighted customer noted, "I was greeted with a warm welcome, served perfectly seasoned, delicious food, and surrounded by an atmosphere that instantly transported me out of the country. Hands down the best Cuban restaurant." Whether you’re a first-generation Cuban searching for an authentic taste of home or an NYC foodie looking for your next obsession, Benny's promises an unforgettable meal.

Location and Accessibility in Ridgewood, NY 11385

Benny’s Cuban Cafe is conveniently located in Ridgewood, a vibrant neighborhood that straddles the Queens and Brooklyn border. The area, covered by the 11385 ZIP code, is known for its blend of long-established community roots, a significant Hispanic influence, and a growing influx of young professionals and artists, making for an eclectic and lively setting. Ridgewood offers a dense urban feel with a variety of local businesses, bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, and is highly rated for its livability and diversity within the city.

The cafe’s address is 71-28 Fresh Pond Rd, Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA, placing it in a well-trafficked and easily reachable part of the neighborhood. For those traveling by public transit, Ridgewood is well-served by the New York City subway and bus system. The neighborhood has excellent transportation links, including access to the L and M subway lines, making it easily accessible for customers coming from other boroughs. Furthermore, the local area provides both free and paid street parking options for those driving in, which is a welcome convenience in NYC. The establishment also strives for inclusivity, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all diners.

Services Offered

Benny's Cuban Cafe is dedicated to providing maximum convenience and flexibility for its diverse New York customer base. The restaurant offers a variety of service options to fit any dining preference or schedule:

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LI Dine-in: Enjoy the cozy, casual, and quiet atmosphere for a relaxing meal with table service.

LI Takeout: Quick and easy pickup for those on the go who want to grab a meal to enjoy elsewhere.

LI Delivery: Food can be delivered right to your door, with the option for No-contact delivery for added safety and convenience.

LI Curbside Pickup: A convenient option allowing customers to pick up their orders without having to leave their vehicle.

LI Reservations: Accepts reservations, which is helpful for planning a family gathering or a meal during peak hours.

LI Payment Flexibility: Accepts major forms of payment, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.

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Features and Menu Highlights

The menu at Benny’s Cuban Cafe is a celebration of classic Cuban comfort food, skillfully prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic flavor profiles. It caters to all major dining occasions throughout the day, being popular for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as a great spot for solo dining.

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LI Menu Star: The undeniable highlight of the menu is the iconic Cubano Sandwich. This classic features slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles, all perfectly pressed on Cuban bread (Pan de Manteca), making it a favorite praised as one of the best in NYC.

LI Signature Main Dishes (Platos Fuertes): The cafe offers essential Cuban main courses, including Ropa Vieja (shredded beef in a savory tomato sauce with peppers, often considered Cuba’s national dish), Pernil (slow-roasted marinated pork shoulder), Bistec (Cuban steak), and Pollo (chicken dish).

LI Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Not everything is meat-focused. Options like Fufu De Platano (a comforting dish of mashed plantains, sometimes served in a spicy broth) and Ensalada De Aguacate (Avocado Salad) offer delicious, authentic flavors for non-meat-eaters, and a customer confirmed that the establishment is vegetarian-friendly.

LI Essential Sides (Al Laditos): Compliment your meal with popular sides like Maduros (sweet fried plantains), Tostones (twice-fried green plantains), Yuca Frita (cassava fries), and flavorful Empanadillas (two pieces).

LI Great Coffee: True to the Cuban cafe tradition, Benny’s is known for its excellent coffee. Options include the potent, traditional Cafeitco, the small espresso shot with milk known as a Cortadito, and the comforting Café Con Leche (coffee with milk).

LI Pan De Manteca Varieties: This section of the menu centers on the signature Cuban bread, which is traditionally made with lard (manteca) for an incredibly soft interior and a thin, crisp crust. You can order the bread plain (Con Manteca) or as a base for sandwiches like the Cubano, Combinacion, Con Bistec, Con Pollo, and Con 3 Quesos, along with a vegetarian option called the Yankee.

LI Atmosphere and Vibe: The cafe provides a casual, cozy, and quiet atmosphere that appeals to a diverse crowd, including both locals and tourists. It is also noted as being good for kids.

LI Offerings: The menu is categorized by offerings of Coffee, satisfying Comfort Food, Quick Bites, and Small Plates.

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Contact Information

For New Yorkers planning a visit, placing a takeout order, or simply wanting to learn more about the menu, here is the direct contact information for Benny’s Cuban Cafe:

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Address: 71-28 Fresh Pond Rd, Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA

Phone: (718) 576-3333

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Why Benny’s Cuban Cafe is Worth Choosing for NYC Diners

In a city overflowing with dining choices, Benny’s Cuban Cafe distinguishes itself by offering genuine Cuban heritage and hospitality. This is a small business that not only serves fantastic food but also cultivates a sense of community, something deeply valued by New Yorkers. The food is consistently praised by those who grew up on Cuban cooking—a powerful testament to its authenticity. As a first-generation Cuban customer passionately stated, this place "really hit the spot," and they loved supporting a Cuban small business that "went the extra mile."

The cafe is an ideal spot for any time of day, whether you’re kicking off your morning with a strong Cortadito and a Pan De Manteca sandwich, meeting friends for a hearty lunch, or settling in for a satisfying dinner featuring a platter of slow-cooked Pernil or flavorful Ropa Vieja. The large portions ensure you leave feeling satisfied, and the commitment to a cozy, welcoming setting makes it a relaxing retreat from the city hustle.

For those living in Queens and Brooklyn, and even those willing to travel from other boroughs via the L or M train, Benny’s Cuban Cafe offers a true and delicious cultural experience. From the melt-in-your-mouth Cubano sandwich, often cited as a must-try in NYC, to the generous main plates, every item on the menu is crafted with care. When you choose Benny’s Cuban Cafe, you are choosing authentic flavor, community spirit, and one of the best Cuban dining experiences New York City has to offer.

Benny’s Cuban Cafe

71-28 Fresh Pond Rd, Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA