Cantina Cubana Introduce
Welcome to Cantina Cubana, a dynamic and authentic Cuban restaurant located in the bustling Lower East Side of New York City. As a proud Latino-owned business, Cantina Cubana offers more than just a meal; it provides a complete cultural experience, bringing the warmth and vibrant flavors of Cuba to the heart of NYC. The restaurant strikes a perfect balance between a cozy neighborhood spot and a lively destination for a night out. The atmosphere is casual, trendy, and full of energy, making it a great place for groups, solo diners, and anyone looking for a taste of genuine Cuban hospitality and cuisine.
From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a place where great food, excellent cocktails, and a lively vibe come together. The menu is a celebration of classic Cuban dishes, from hearty entrees like Ropa Vieja and Churrasco to a tempting selection of small plates and appetizers. The bar is a highlight, known for its great cocktails and a solid selection of beer and wine. Cantina Cubana also distinguishes itself with its promise of live music and a focus on sports, adding to the festive and engaging atmosphere. While some days may have unexpected closures, the quality of the food and the overall experience often make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking authentic Cuban flavors in the city.
Cantina Cubana is conveniently located at 17 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009, nestled in the vibrant Lower East Side. This neighborhood is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, lively nightlife, and artistic spirit, making it a destination in itself. The restaurant's location on Avenue B is easily accessible from various parts of Manhattan and the other boroughs via New York's extensive public transportation system. The F and L trains are both within a comfortable walking distance, providing a straightforward way to get to the restaurant without a car.
For those driving, it's important to note that parking in this area can be challenging, as with most of Manhattan. While there may be some free street parking available, it's often limited. We highly recommend using public transit or a ride-share service to ensure a stress-free arrival and departure. The restaurant also takes pride in its accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, which ensures that all guests can enjoy their dining experience comfortably. Its presence in such a popular and accessible neighborhood makes it a great spot for a planned dinner or a spontaneous meal while exploring the Lower East Side.
Cantina Cubana offers a range of services designed to provide a versatile and enjoyable experience for its guests.
Dine-in Service:
The restaurant provides a comfortable setting for table service, with options for lunch, dinner, and brunch. Reservations are accepted and often required, which helps ensure you get a table during busy times.Takeout and Delivery:
For those who want to enjoy Cuban comfort food from the comfort of their home, Cantina Cubana offers both takeout and delivery services.Full Bar and Happy Hour:
An onsite bar serves a great selection of cocktails, beer, hard liquor, and wine. The bar is known for its happy hour, which includes specials on both drinks and food.Diverse Menu:
The menu is extensive and features a wide variety of Cuban classics, including meat, seafood, and poultry entrees. It also includes vegetarian options, appetizers, small plates, and delicious desserts.Late-Night Food:
The restaurant serves late-night food, making it an excellent spot for a post-show bite or a late dinner.Live Music and Sports:
The atmosphere is enhanced by live music and sports, creating a lively and entertaining environment for guests.
Cantina Cubana stands out from other restaurants in New York City due to its unique features and highlights.
Authentic Cuban Cuisine:
The menu is a major highlight, with dishes like the Churrasco, Ropa Vieja, and Arroz Con Pollo receiving high praise for their authenticity and flavor. The food is a testament to genuine Cuban culinary traditions.Great Cocktails and Drinks:
The cocktail program is a point of pride, with many patrons commending the quality of the drinks. This makes it a great destination for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap.Lively and Welcoming Atmosphere:
The ambiance is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, attracting a crowd that enjoys good food and a lively environment. The inclusion of live music and sports adds an extra layer of entertainment.Fast Service:
Customers often highlight the fast and efficient service, which ensures a smooth dining experience, even when the restaurant is busy.Latino-Owned Business:
As a Latino-owned establishment, it brings an authentic perspective and a sense of community to its offerings.Inclusive Dining Options:
The menu is well-rounded, with a dedicated vegetarian section and a variety of small plates, making it suitable for a range of preferences and dining styles.
For reservations and general inquiries, you can contact Cantina Cubana using the information below.
Address: 17 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009, USA
Phone: (646) 837-6007
Cantina Cubana is an excellent choice for a dining experience in New York City for a number of compelling reasons. What makes it particularly worth choosing is its ability to deliver an authentic and flavorful Cuban meal in a vibrant and engaging setting. The food, from the savory Ropa Vieja to the delectable Churrasco, is consistently praised for its quality and taste. The restaurant doesn't just serve food; it serves comfort food that feels like it's been prepared with care and tradition. The great cocktails are an added bonus, complementing the dishes and enhancing the overall experience.
Beyond the menu, the atmosphere is a significant draw. The combination of a casual, trendy setting with the promise of live music and sports creates a dynamic and fun environment. It’s a place where you can relax and feel at home, whether you're catching up with a group of friends or enjoying a meal on your own. The fast service ensures that you can enjoy your evening without unnecessary delays. While some may encounter a rare, unannounced closure, the general consensus is that when the doors are open, Cantina Cubana provides a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Its authentic food, lively atmosphere, and great service solidify it as a go-to spot for anyone craving a taste of Cuba in the city.
Cantina Cubana Menu
Entrées - Seafood / Mariscos
- Salmon A La Cubana $22.95
Pan-seared salmon with a sugar cane juice
- Paella De Mariscos $29.95
Classic rice dish with saffron, lobster, shrimp, mussels, calamari, scallops
- Camarones Havana Vieja $23.95
Sautéed shrimp in a creole sauce over sweet plantain top with caribbean cheese
Acompañantes - Side Dishes
- Sautéed Green Beans With Garlic $7.95
- Tostones $5.95
Green plantains
- Maduros $5.95
Sweet fried plantains
- Frijoles Negros $5.00
Black beans
- Mariquitas $7.95
Plantain chips
- Arroz Blanco $5.00
White rice
- Papitas Fritas $8.95
French Fries
Appetizers
- Empanadas De Carne $10.95
Beef turnovers with a chimichurri salsa
- Chorizo Salteado $12.95
Sautéed Spanish chorizo with peppers and onions
- Elote $8.00
Grilled Corn on the cob, Mayo, queso fresco, cayenne pepper
- Calamares Ricardo $13.95
(Choice of Calamares or shrimp) - Crispy Calamari, Smoked Paprika, Honey and Chipotle Adobo
- Guacamole $14.00
Guacamole made to the order served with Mariquitas (plantain chips)
- Camarones Al Ajillo $12.95
Sautéed shrimp in a garlic sauce
- Yuca Frita Con Cortadito Salsa $9.95
Fried cassava fingers with Cortadito salsa
- Nachos $12.95
Chips, guacamole, beans, queso fresco, crema fresca, pico de gallo
- Croquetas De Jamón $9.95
Smoked ham croquette with salsa Camagüey
Entrées - Meat / Carnes
- Arroz Con Picadillo Cua Cua $20.95
All natural ground beef from Angus with diced onions, peppers, tomatoes, and avocado and topped with a fried egg
- Vaca Frita $23.95
Pan-fried shredded skirt steak flavored with mojo criollo sauce
- Rabo Encendido $28.95
Oxtail braised in a savory stew of tomatoes, garlic, peppers and red wine
- Tacos $16.95
2 tacos chicken, beef or shrimp
- Cubano $17.00
Roast Pork, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, slice pickles served with fries
- Filetillo Salteado $20.95
Slices of prime beef sautéed with garlic, onions and green peppers
- Churrasco $32.95
Grilled skirt steak with chimichurri salsa
- Chuleta De Puerco Estilo Bayamo $22.95
Marinated sautéed pork chops bayamo style
- Ropa Vieja $22.95
Shredded beef in a creole sauce
Ensaladas - Salads
- Guaguanco $15.95
Avocado, pineapple, red onions, fresh tropical cheese with mango vinaigrette
- Avocado Salad $13.95
Mixed greens, tomatoes, red onions
Entrées - Vegetarian / Vegetariano
- Plato Vegetariano Cortadito Style $19.95
Guaguanco salad, sweet plantains, black beans, white rice
Entrées - Pollo / Poultry
- Pollo A La Plancha $19.00
Marinated grilled chicken breast
- Filetillo De Pollo $19.00
Slices of grilled chicken sautéed with garlic, onions, and green peppers
- Arroz Con Pollo $19.95
Chicken with yellow saffron rice
Cantina Cubana Details
From the business
- Identifies as Latino-owned
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Live music
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Parking
Cantina Cubana Photos










Cantina Cubana Location
Cantina Cubana Reviews
brunchriceoxtailchurrascocortaditomojitopaellacalamarimargaritadrinks
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We went on 6/25/25. After driving in the madness of NY looking for a Cuban restaurant, we are from Florida and visiting NY for just the day. Decided to take a family member that lives there, and the place at 1p is not open. The lady said something about the kitchen but her English was really bad and we only understood “not open”. If the restaurant is closed due to issues they should’ve updated google maps and put “closed”for that day. So people don’t waste time going to a place that is not operating. Very disappointing!
July 08 · Beatriz AvilesThe food was really great! Loved the churrasco & the plátano shrimp cups special. I would def come back again. 😋
September 04 · KelvinI used to go to cafe cortadito and yesterday was my first time at cantina cubana! Ropa vieja was good and drinks were strong. Service was a bit slow but I don’t think it is always like that (according to regulars)
May 12 · PhoenixMy ethnicity is Cuban American and this restaurant checked off all the boxes for me.I ordered the Oxtail which they served me 4 large pieces that were very flavorful and tender.Yucca fries were nice and crunchy , I requested a small bowl of Cuban mojo to dip my yucca fries.The white rice and black beans were very good.Staff very attentive.
August 13 · M MGreat modern but authentic Cuban cuisine, delicious food, great service.
July 08 · Fernando Diban
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