Cubita Café

- 234 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110

## A Taste of the Caribbean with a Jersey Twist: Exploring Cubita Café in Nutley, NJ

For New Jersey diners seeking an authentic, yet distinctly modern, Cuban and Latin American culinary experience, **Cubita Café** in Nutley stands out as an absolute local gem. More than just a simple restaurant or coffee shop, Cubita Café is a vibrant, Latino-owned establishment that has masterfully blended Cuban staples with an urban, hip-hop-inspired ambiance, creating a uniquely cozy and trendy space right on Franklin Avenue.

The core of Cubita Café’s reputation rests on two pillars: their extraordinary, **made-from-scratch empanadas** and their dedication to high-quality **specialty espresso and coffee**. Starting in a small garage, this business has grown into a highly-praised destination, renowned for taking the humble empanada and elevating it into an art form. Forget standard fillings—here, you'll find creative, savory, and sweet masterpieces like the must-try **Smoked Oxtail Empanada**, the famous **Taylor Ham Egg & Cheese Empanada** (a perfect nod to New Jersey culture), and the sweet **Guava & Cream Cheese Empanada**.

Beyond the savory pockets of dough, the menu is a feast of Cuban and Spanish comfort food. Diners rave about the classic sandwiches, particularly the elevated **Cubita Specialty Cubano** and the traditional **Classic Cuban** sandwich. For a heartier meal, signature bowls featuring tender **Ropa Vieja**, flavorful **Pernil** (pulled pork), and juicy **Bistec** (thin marinated steak) are available, complete with rice, beans, and sweet plantains (maduros). The vibe is welcoming, the music is great, and the attention to detail in every dish makes this Nutley spot a standout for any meal of the day.

## Location and Accessibility

Cubita Café is conveniently located at **234 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA**. Situated on a bustling street, it’s easily accessible for residents of Nutley and neighboring towns across Essex County.

Accessibility is a key priority for this location, making it welcoming for all members of the New Jersey community:

• **Wheelchair accessible entrance**
• **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**
• **Wheelchair accessible restroom**
• **Wheelchair accessible seating**
• **Parking:** Paid parking lot and paid street parking are available options for guests.

## Services Offered

Cubita Café has established a comprehensive service model to suit all dining preferences, from a quick coffee break to a full family meal or a catered event:

• **Dining Options:** Available throughout the day, including **Breakfast**, **Lunch**, and **Dinner**, with full **Table service** and comfortable **Seating**.
• **Carry-Out:** **Takeout** is offered for those on the go, allowing customers to quickly grab their favorite sandwiches and empanadas.
• **Delivery:** Convenient **Delivery** options, including **No-contact delivery**, ensure that their Cuban specialties can be enjoyed at home.
• **Catering:** Extensive **Catering** services are available, perfect for local gatherings, office lunches, or family parties, featuring popular items sold by the dozen like their famous empanadas and croquetas.
• **Family-Friendly Amenities:** Known to be **Good for kids**, with a dedicated **Kids' menu** to accommodate younger diners.
• **Payment Flexibility:** Accepts all major payment types, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.

## Features / Highlights

What truly sets Cubita Café apart for New Jersey residents is its fusion of authentic Latin flavor with modern café culture and community engagement:

• **Award-Winning Empanadas:** The **Empanada** selection is a main highlight. From classic beef and chicken to gourmet varieties like the **Smoked Oxtail Empanada**, **Truffle Egg And Gruyere Everything**, and the regional favorite **Taylor Ham Egg & Cheese Empanada**, they are known for their thick, flavorful fillings and perfectly crispy shells.
• **Exceptional Coffee Culture:** Highly praised for having **Great coffee**. They serve their own custom, house-roasted coffee, available in popular forms like the strong **Cafe Con Leche (Latte)**, a sweet and festive **Coquito Latte**, or the unique **Cubita Cold Brew** with tres leches milk and dulce de leche drizzle.
• **Authentic & Specialty Sandwiches:** Home to an "elevated" **Classic Cuban** sandwich, along with the premium **Cubita Specialty Cubano** featuring locally sourced aged Iberic Ham and guava mustard. Other unique offerings include the **Ropa Vieja Grilled Cheese** with a consommé dip.
• **Commitment to Community & Atmosphere:** Identifies as **Latino-owned** and provides an intentionally welcoming atmosphere, categorized as **Family-friendly**, **LGBTQ+ friendly**, and a **Transgender safespace**. The interior is described as **Casual, Cozy, Quiet,** and **Trendy**, blending authentic Cuban style with contemporary hip-hop culture.
• **Latin-Inspired Beverages & Bites:** Offers a range of traditional **Batidos/Shakes** (like Mamey, Guanabana, and Trigo) and **Antojitos/Little Bites** such as **Papa Rellena** (stuffed mashed potato fritters) and **Mojo Fries**.

## Contact Information

New Jersey patrons looking to place an order, inquire about catering, or confirm operating hours for Cubita Café can use the contact details below:

Address: 234 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA

Phone: (973) 630-9220

The staff at Cubita Café is noted by customers for being friendly and helpful, especially when assisting first-time visitors in navigating the extensive menu.

## What is Worth Choosing

For anyone in New Jersey, especially in the Essex County area, a visit to Cubita Café is worth it for a few compelling reasons. First and foremost is the culinary innovation found in their famous empanadas. While you should certainly try the traditional fillings, the **Smoked Oxtail Empanada** and the local **Taylor Ham Egg & Cheese Empanada** (covered in Everything Bagel seasoning) are truly unique and highly lauded favorites that showcase the fusion of Cuban tradition with modern and local tastes. These empanadas are rich, flavorful, and perfectly crispy—a cut above the rest.

Secondly, Cubita Café is the definitive spot for an exceptional Cuban coffee experience. The commitment to strong, delicious, and perfectly handcrafted coffee, such as the creamy **Cafe Con Leche** or the adventurous **Cubita Cold Brew**, makes it an essential morning or afternoon stop for any coffee enthusiast. The cafe successfully captures a "big coffee culture" that resonates deeply with New Jersey's demand for high-quality, specialty brews.

Finally, choosing Cubita Café is an embrace of an atmosphere that is both cozy and genuinely inclusive. It’s an ideal place for **Solo dining** or bringing the **Family-friendly** crew. The combination of authentic, high-quality Cuban comfort food—like the tender **Ropa Vieja Bowl** or a pressed, juicy **Pan Con Bistec**—served in a contemporary, positive, and accommodating environment, ensures a rewarding experience every single time. It truly offers a slice of Cuban soul food with a modern Nutley twist.

Cubita Café

234 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA