Rumba's Cafe: Jersey City's Authentic Cuban Breakfast and Comfort Food Gem on Central Ave

Rumba's Cafe Introduce

For residents of the greater New Jersey area, finding an authentic, affordable, and consistently delicious

Breakfast restaurant

can often feel like a quest. Look no further than

Rumba's Cafe

on Central Avenue in Jersey City, a long-standing local favorite that expertly blends the vibrancy of

Cuban restaurant

cuisine with the comforting familiarity of a neighborhood diner. This establishment is celebrated for offering a full day's menu, from early morning

Breakfast

and

Brunch

to satisfying

Lunch

and

Dinner

, all within a welcoming and lively setting.

Rumba's Cafe

has built a reputation not just on its delectable food but on its incredible value. Customers frequently praise the large portions and affordable prices, noting that the food is a truly authentic representation of Afro-Cuban home cooking. The menu is a comprehensive journey through Cuban flavors, with its famous breakfast platters featuring staples like

Two Eggs, Mashed Green Plantains, Fried Cheese, and Spanish Coffee

. Beyond breakfast, the cafe is famous for its savory sandwiches, extensive a la carte options, and rotational

Daily Specials

that guarantee a fresh and varied experience throughout the week. The

Atmosphere

is described as

Casual, Cozy, and Trendy

—an ideal place for a solo diner,

College students

Family-friendly

outings, or

Groups

looking for a memorable meal.

Rumba's Cafe

is conveniently located at

513 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA

, positioning it right in the heart of the bustling Jersey City Heights neighborhood. This location is easily accessible for locals and visitors across New Jersey.

Accessibility is a key priority for the cafe, which offers a

Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating

, ensuring that the space is welcoming for everyone. Parking options in this busy part of the city are notably helpful, including both

Free parking lot

spaces (though limited) and surrounding

Free street parking

Paid street parking

spots. For payments, the restaurant accepts modern methods including

Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments

, making the checkout process as smooth as possible.

Services Offered

Rumba's Cafe

Dine-in:
Enjoy the
Casual, Cozy
setting with comfortable
Seating
and full
Table service
available.
Takeout:
Quick and efficient service for patrons on the move.
Delivery:
Conveniently order your favorite Cuban comfort food directly to your home or office.
Catering:
Specialized options are available for feeding large
Groups
or events, making it a perfect choice for Cuban-inspired party food.
Daily Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner:
The restaurant serves meals continuously throughout the day, catering to all dining options from an early-morning
Quick bite
to a late
Dinner
.

Features / Highlights

(Must-Try Menu Items and Amenities):

Outstanding Cuban Breakfast:
Beyond standard eggs and toast, the cafe offers authentic Cuban breakfast platters with traditional pairings like
Mashed Green Plantains, Fried Cheese
, and the essential
Spanish Coffee
(café con leche). The affordable $5.95 combo with steak is a phenomenal deal.
Great Coffee and Hot Drinks:
A major highlight, the restaurant is known for its robust
Spanish Coffee
and
Expresso
, which are integral to the Cuban experience.
Famous Cuban Sandwiches:
The classic
Cuban Sandwich
and other favorites like the
Steak Sandwich
are highly praised, often being described as moist and melting in the mouth.
Authentic Daily Specials:
The menu rotates through traditional Cuban stews and main courses on specific days, such as
Oxtail in Sauce
on Wednesday,
Shredded Beef
on Thursday, and
Goat Stew
on Saturday, ensuring a true taste of
Comfort food
.
Specialty Milkshakes and Juices:
A fun and refreshing offering, the menu includes unique shakes (
BATIDOS
) like
Mamey, Mango, and Guanabana
, as well as fresh
Natural Juices
like the
Orange and Carrot
blend.
Dessert Destination:
Customers consistently highlight the sweets, especially the
Three Milk (Tres Leches)
cake and
Flan Cubano
, making it a spot with
Great dessert
that's worth saving room for.
Family-Centric Amenities:
The cafe is fully equipped to serve families, being
Good for kids
and offering
High chairs
and a dedicated
Kids' menu
.

Contact Information

Address:

513 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA

Phone:

(201) 216-9655

Mobile Phone:

+1 201-216-9655

What is Worth Choosing

For any New Jersey resident seeking an authentic Cuban culinary experience from sunrise to sunset,

Rumba's Cafe

is the definitive choice. What sets this establishment apart is its commitment to both quality and affordability, a rare combination that has earned it a loyal following. It's an ideal place to start your day with a substantial and flavorful

Cuban Breakfast

platter, offering more than just your typical American fare. Beyond the first meal, the ability to find such diverse and authentic

A LA CARTE

items—from

Baby Skirt Steak

Fried Red Snapper

—at such accessible prices solidifies its position as a go-to spot for

Comfort food

The customer-praised

Excellent service

and management's focus on customer satisfaction only enhance the dining experience, ensuring that every visit is a pleasant one. Whether you are craving the moist perfection of a

Cuban Sandwich

, the comforting richness of

Black Beans

and rice with a daily special, or a refreshing

Mamey Shake

Rumba's Cafe

delivers a slice of Cuban culture right to the heart of Jersey City. For an authentic taste of Cuba that won't break the bank,

Rumba's Cafe

is truly the place to be.

Rumba's Cafe Food & drink

BREAKFAST
DESAYUNOS
Two Eggs, steak, French fries, Toast with butter, Spanish Coffee and Orange Juice. $5.95
Dos Huevos,Bistec,papas fritas,pan con mantequilla,cafe con leche y jugo de naranja.
Two Eggs, Mashed Green Plantains, Fried Cheese, Salami,Toast with butter, Spanish Coffee and Orange Juice. $5.95
Dos Huevos, mangú, queso frito, Salami, pan con mantequilla, cafe con leche y jugo de naranja
Two Eggs, Ham or Bacon,French fries, Toast with butter, Spanish Coffee and Orange Juice. $4.25
Dos Huevos,jamon o bacon,papas fritas,pan con mantequilla, cafe con leche y jugo de naranja
Two Eggs, Ham or Bacon, Toast with butter, Spanish Coffee and Orange Juice. $3.75
Dos Huevos,jamon o bacon, pan con mantequilla, cafe con leche y jugo de naranja

NATURAL JUICES
JUGOS NATURALES
Orange,Evaporated Milk and Vanilla $3.95
Morir Soñando
Orange and Carrot $3.95
Naranja y Zanahoria
Carrot $3.75
Zanahoria
Orange $3.75
Naranja

SHAKES
BATIDOS
Mango $2.95
Mango
Papaya $2.95
Papaya
Mamey $2.95
Mamey
Trigo $2.95
Trigo
Chocolate $2.95
Chocolate
Strawberry $2.95
Fresa
Vanilla $2.95
Vanilla
Guanabana $2.95
Guanabana
Banana $2.95
Banana

HOT DRINKS
BEBIDAS CALIENTES
Spanish Coffee $1.00
Cafe con leche
Hot Chocolate $1.00
Chocolate Caliente
Expresso $0.90
Cafe Expresso
Tea $1.00
Te
Sanka $1.00
Sanka
Cappuccino $1.50
Cappuccino

SANDWICHES
Grilled Cheese $1.95
Tostada de Queso
Spanish Sausage Sandwich $3.80
Choripan
BLT $3.25
Bacon, Lechuga y Tomate
Croquette Prepared $3.95
Croqueta Preparada
Ham and Cheese $2.75
Jamon con Queso
Cuban Hamburger $2.95
Frita Cubana
Chicken Sandwich $3.95
Pollo
Steak Sandwich $3.95
Pan con Bistec
Midnight $3.75
Media Noche
Roasted Pork Sandwich $3.25
Pernil
Cuban Sandwich $3.95
Cubano

APPETIZERS
APERITIVOS
Chicharron de Puerco $2.95
Chicharron de Puerco
Cuban Tamale $2.00
Tamal Cubano
Stuffed Cassava $1.00
Yuca Rellena
Spanish Sausage $1.75
Chorizos
Ham & Cheese Patties $1.25
Empanadas de Jamon y Queso
Chicken Patties $1.25
Empanadas de Pollo
Patties of Guava and Cheese $1.25
Empanadas de Guayaba y Queso
Patties of Meat $1.25
Empanadas de carne
Plantain Chips $2.50
Chicharritas
Fried Green Plantain $2.50
Tostones
French Fries $1.75
Papas Fritas
Croquettes $0.75
Croquetas
Stuffed Potato $1.25
Papa Rellena

A LA CARTE
PLATOS A LA ORDEN
Cream Custard $2.00
Flan
Italian Liver $6.50
Higado a la Italiana
Liver Steak $6.50
Bistec de Higado
Roasted Pork $6.50
Pernil Asado
Pork Chops $6.50
Chuletas de Cerdo
Fried Red Snapper $11.95
Pargo frito
Filet of Fish $6.95
Filete de Pescado
Fried Chicken Chunks $6.95
Chicharron de Pollo
Grilled Chicken Breast $7.95
Bistec de Pollo
Breaded Steak $8.95
Bistec Empanizado
Sirloin Steak $8.45
Bistec de Palomilla
Baby Skirt Steak $10.95
Baby Churrasco

DESSERTS
POSTRES
Ice cream $2.00
Helados
Chocolate Cake $2.25
Cake de Chocolate
Pie de Mango $2.25
Mango de pie
Cheesecake $2.00
Cheesecake
Tiramisu $2.50
Tiramisu
Three Milk $2.50
Tres Leches
Cream Custard $2.00
Flan

Monday
Lunes
Spaghetti with Chicken $4.50
Spaghetti con Pollo
Pork Chunks $6.00
Masitas de Cerdo
Roasted Chicken $4.95
Pollo Asado
Ground Beef $4.95
Picadillo
Rice with Green Pigeon Peas $1.75
Arroz con Gandules
Red Beans $1.75
Frijoles Colorados
Black Beans $1.75
Frijoles Negros
Peas Soup $2.75
Sopa de Chicharos
Chicken Soup $2.25
Sopa de Pollo
Beef Soup $2.50
Sopa de Res

Tuesday
Martes
Pork Stew $5.95
Masas de Cerdo en Salsa
Chicken Stew $5.25
Fricase de Pollo
Macaroni with Sausage $4.50
Macarrones con Chorizo
Pepper Steak $6.50
Bistec Salteado
Rice with Green Pigeon Peas $1.75
Arroz con Gandules
Red Beans $1.75
Frijoles Colorados
Frijoles Negros $1.75
Frijoles Negros
Plantain Soup $3.00
Sopa de Platanos
Chicken Soup $2.25
Sopa de Pollo
Beef Soup $2.50
Sopa de Res

Wednesday
Miercoles
Roasted Chicken $4.95
Pollo Asado
Pork Chops $6.00
Chuletas de Cerdo
Beef Stew with Potatoes $6.00
Carne con Papas
Oxtail in Sauce $6.75
Rabo Encendido
Red Beans $1.75
Frijoles Colorados
Black Beans $1.75
Frijoles Negros
Galician Soup $2.75
Caldo Gallego
Chicken Soup $2.25
Sopa de Pollo
Beef Soup $2.50
Sopa de Res

Thursday
Jueves
Roasted Chicken $4.95
Pollo Asado
Short Rib $6.95
Costilla de Res
Shredded Beef $6.95
Ropa Vieja
Fried Pork Ribs $6.25
Costillas de Cerdo Fritas
Rice with Green Pigeon Peas $1.75
Arroz con Gandules
Red Beans $1.75
Frijoles Colorados
Black Beans $1.75
Frijoles Negros
Chickpeas $3.00
Garbanzos
Chicken Soup $2.25
Sopa de Pollo
Beef Soup $2.50
Sopa de Res

Friday
Viernes
Roasted Chicken $4.95
Pollo Asado
Steak in Sauce $6.00
Bistec en Cazuela
Codfish with Potatoes $6.00
Bacalao con Papas
Filet of Fish $6.00
Filete de Pescado
Rice with Vegetables $1.75
Arroz con Vegetales
Red Beans $1.75
Frijoles Colorados
Black Beans $1.75
Frijoles Negros
Seafood Soup $3.00
Sopa de Mariscos
Chicken Soup $2.25
Sopa de Pollo
Beef Soup $2.50
Sopa de Res

Saturday
Sabado
Chicken Stew $5.25
Fricase de Pollo
Pork Chops $6.00
Chuletas de Cerdo
Goat Stew $6.25
Chilindron de Chivo
Roasted Eye Round with Gravy $6.25
Boliche Asado
Rice with Green Pigeon Peas $1.75
Arroz con Gandules
Red Beans $1.75
Frijoles Colorados
Black Beans $1.75
Frijoles Negros
Beef Tripe Soup $3.00
Mondongo
Chicken Soup $2.25
Sopa de Pollo
Beef Soup $2.50
Sopa de Res

Sunday
Domingo
Beef Ribs in Sauce $6.95
Costillas de Res en Salsa
Rice with Black Beans $1.75
Congris
Roasted Chicken $4.95
Pollo Asado
Spare Rib $6.25
Costillas de Cerdo
Roasted Pork $5.95
Lechon Asado
Red Beans $1.75
Frijoles Colorados
Black Beans $1.75
Frijoles Negros
Meat and Vegetable Soup $3.25
Sancocho
Chicken Soup $2.25
Sopa de Pollo
Beef Soup $2.50
Sopa de Res

Rumba's Cafe Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Rumba's Cafe Photos

Rumba's Cafe Location

Rumba's Cafe

New Jersey Hudson County Jersey City The Heights Central Avenue

513 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA

Rumba's Cafe Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 2563 user reviews.

breakfastspanish foodparkingorange juiceeconomicmanguportion sizesvaluechicharronpapa rellena

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I’ve been to New Orleans so I know good food for great prices. And let me tell you this place has good food for great prices. I got a steak sandwich and my partner got steak with black rice and coffee. My sandwich was cooked to perfection with roasted tomatoes, onions and thin fries. It wasn’t hard to chew and ripped apart easily. Fantastic!They also have excellent service here. They are quick to accommodate and multiple people came to our table to ask if we were good in addition to our waitress. Definitely returning.Be aware that they do have a parking lot but it only has about 6 or so spots so don’t bank on it.
April 07 · Gabe R
I am a loyal customer, the food is delicious! The staff and management the BEST!! I JUST LOVE IT! great chef! The Rabo, The Chivo guisado, chicharrones de pollo, frijoles negros y rojos are the best!! at one point I didn't like the yellow rice and with no problem, caring for my issue management asked me what else did I want and gave me another option without hesitation with No xtra charge! He cared about me been satisfied and happy! Congrats! The prices are the Best also!
September 22 · Pury Loor
Casual Spanish food spot with amazing flavor for a great price. Also, you can’t beat the portion size. I got the pernil and my sister got the fried shrimp. This is a must visit!
July 20 · Emily S
Was passing by and wanted to pick up two coffees so I stopped in and immediately noticed the decor and amazing atmosphere! The owner came personally to ask how I heard of the location, and I mentioned I was passing by and noticed the sign, but I love everything when I walked in, and the food smelled so good, but I just needed two coffees. With no hesitation he tells me "since this is your first time, I want you to taste the food". Gives me a small portion of food and wow he was right!! Excellent food, customer service and atmosphere!
August 25 · Christian Marin
Wow! Stopped by this place randomly and was pleasantly surprised. The portions, prices and quality were amazing. There is also a menu that changes out for daily specials. Staff were so nice, and there is an extensive selection of beverages and fresh juices. Will definitely be a staple for the future.
July 08 · A S